Child Support Attorney in Shelby County, Tennessee

Protecting your children is your priority; protecting your rights is mine. If you're a parent dealing with child support issues in Tennessee, you need an experienced and compassionate attorney on your side. 

Child support laws in Tennessee are designed to ensure that children receive financial support that reflects the income and financial resources of both parents while considering the child's best interests. 

As an experienced family law attorney, I'm dedicated to providing strong representation to ensure fair child support arrangements that achieve what's best for your children in the aftermath of a separation or divorce.  

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, I serve clients throughout Shelby County, including the communities of Lenox, Nonconnah, Germantown, Bartlett, Arlington, and Millington. You can rely on me to stand by your side, offering clear guidance and unwavering support throughout any child support matter.

Contact my firm, Attorney Teresa D. Childress, today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your case, rights, and options for proceeding. 

Understanding Tennessee Child Support Guidelines

When you work with me, I'll happily address any questions or concerns that you may have regarding child support in Tennessee. I can help you understand the ins and outs of the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines and how they apply to your unique situation.  

Tennessee's child support guidelines are structured to provide a standardized method for calculating child support obligations. These guidelines take into account several key factors to ensure that the calculations are fair and equitable for both parents and, more importantly, in the best interest of the child. 

The income shares model is the foundation of Tennessee's child support guidelines. This model considers the income of both parents, combining their gross incomes to determine a baseline child support amount. Gross income includes all sources of income, such as wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment earnings. It may also incorporate potential income imputed to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed. 

Once the combined income is established, the guidelines use a predetermined chart to figure out the basic child support obligation based on the number of children and the parents' combined income. The parents' individual responsibility is then proportionally divided according to each parent's income share. This ensures that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children in relation to their financial capabilities. 

Tennessee's guidelines also factor in additional expenses like health care costs, work-related childcare expenses, and educational fees. These costs are added to the basic child support obligation and divided proportionally between the parents. The guidelines also account for parenting time, adjusting the number of days children spend with each parent. These adjustments ensure that child support reflects the actual time spent caring for the children. 

It's essential to understand that while the guidelines provide a framework, courts have the discretion to deviate from the standard calculations if deemed necessary. Judges may consider unique circumstances, such as extraordinary medical or educational expenses, and adjust the support amount accordingly.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Life circumstances can change, which is why the law allows parents to make modifications to existing child support orders. Whether you have experienced a significant change in income, employment status, or the needs of your child, a modification might be necessary to ensure that the child support arrangement remains fair and current. 

To begin the process of modifying a child support order in Tennessee, you'll need to follow several key steps. The first step is to file a petition for modification with the court that issued the original child support order. This petition should clearly state the reasons for requesting the modification and provide any supporting documentation that demonstrates a substantial and material change in circumstances. Such changes might include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, a change in the child's needs, or alterations in custody arrangements. 

Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to review the evidence presented by both parents. During the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present their case, including any relevant financial documents, employment records, and evidence of changing needs or circumstances. The court will consider this evidence in light of the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines and the best interests of the child. 

If the court determines that a modification is warranted, it will issue a new child support order that reflects the updated circumstances. It’s important to note that any modifications will only affect future payments; past-due amounts, or arrears, generally remain the same unless otherwise amended by the court. Also, the process may vary slightly if both parents agree to the modification. In such cases, an agreed order can be submitted to the court for approval without the need for a formal hearing. 

Working with an experienced child support attorney can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted.  

I can guide you through the process of requesting a modification to your child support order. Whether you're seeking to increase or decrease the support amount, I will help you present a compelling case to reflect your modified financial situation and obligations. 

Dedicated to Your Child’s Best Interests

Ensuring the financial well-being of your child is paramount. I am dedicated to helping you achieve a child support arrangement that supports your child's best interests now and in the future. By thoroughly considering all relevant factors and advocating for your needs, I aim to secure a child support order that does not unfairly compromise your financial stability or your child's quality of life. 

My reputation for providing thorough, ethical, and effective representation in child support cases is built on my commitment to my clients' best interests. I understand the profound impact that child support can have on your child's future, and I will work tirelessly to obtain results that meet your child's needs. 

While many child support cases can be resolved through negotiation and mediation, some may require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Regardless of the path your case takes, my primary goal is to protect your interests and your child's well-being.  

I will negotiate assertively on your behalf, seeking collaborative solutions wherever possible to avoid the adversarial nature of court proceedings. However, if litigation becomes necessary, I am prepared to represent you vigorously in court, presenting a compelling case to safeguard your child's future. 

What Can I Do if the Other Parent Is Not Paying Child Support?

Failure to pay child support can have serious consequences for both the non-compliant parent and the child. If the other parent is not fulfilling their child support obligations, it's crucial to take immediate action to enforce the court-ordered support arrangement. 

The initial step involves reaching out to the Tennessee Child Support Services agency, which can help enforce child support orders through various means, such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and even revocation of driver's licenses. Enforcement actions are designed to compel the non-compliant parent to meet their financial responsibilities, ensuring that your child receives the support they are legally entitled to. 

Sometimes, the non-payment may result from genuine financial hardships, and understanding the underlying cause can open the door to more amicable resolutions. Mediation or negotiation could be viable solutions to address the issue without resorting to legal enforcement, particularly if the non-compliance is due to temporary setbacks like job loss or medical issues.  

However, if these approaches fail, legal enforcement becomes necessary. Working with a qualified child support lawyer can help you manage these complexities effectively, ensuring that the support order is enforced and modified if needed. Contact my Memphis firm today to enlist the support your family deserves.  

Child Support Attorney in Shelby County, Tennessee

If you are facing child support issues in Shelby County, Tennessee, reach out to my firm. I am here to offer experienced and compassionate representation and guide you through each step of the legal process. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to discuss how I can help you protect your rights and best interests.