Tennessee Child Support Calculator

Tennessee uses the income shares model. Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model, which presumes both parents contribute to financial support of the child in proportion to their respective adjusted gross incomes. The Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) is determined by combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes and referencing the Child Support Schedule for the number of children. Deviations are allowed for extraordinary expenses. Governed by Tennessee Department of Human Services Guidelines under T.C.A. § 36-5-101.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Tennessee generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Tennessee can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Tennessee has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.