Tennessee child support is calculated using a formula based on both parents' income, not a flat dollar amount

Tennessee does not have a set dollar amount for child support. Instead, the state uses an income shares model, which means the court calculates what percentage of each parent's combined income should go toward the child's care, then divides that obligation between the parents based on their individual earnings.

For one child, the percentage of combined parental income owed is 17 percent. This applies whether the parents were married, never married, or divorced. The actual dollar amount depends entirely on how much both parents earn.

Example: If Parent A earns $3,000 per month and Parent B earns $2,000 per month, their combined income is $5,000. Seventeen percent of $5,000 is $850 per month total. The court then divides this $850 between them based on their income shares — Parent A would owe roughly $510 and Parent B would owe roughly $340, though the non-custodial parent (usually the one without primary custody) pays their share to the custodial parent.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee uses 17 percent of combined parental income as the base obligation for one child, not a fixed dollar amount.
  • Both parents' gross income — including wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, and some benefits — counts toward the calculation.
  • The non-custodial parent typically pays their share of the 17 percent directly to the custodial parent or through the state's payment system.
  • Income changes, job loss, or a second family can trigger a modification of the order, but the change must be substantial and documented.
  • Tennessee courts can adjust the amount upward or downward based on specific circumstances like childcare costs, health insurance, or overnight visitation time.

What income counts toward the calculation

Tennessee courts include gross income in the child support calculation, not take-home pay. Gross income means all money earned before taxes and deductions. This includes W-2 wages, self-employment income, bonuses, commissions, rental income, Social Security benefits (in some cases), unemployment benefits, and workers' compensation.

The court does subtract certain legitimate expenses: federal income tax, Social Security tax, health insurance premiums you pay, and court-ordered support for other children. But it does not subtract rent, car payments, credit card debt, or other personal expenses.

If a parent is not working, the court may impute income — meaning it assigns an income level based on what that parent could earn. This happens when someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. The court looks at their education, work history, and local job market to set an imputed income, which is then used in the calculation.

How the court divides the obligation between parents

Once the total obligation is set (17 percent of combined income for one child), the court divides it proportionally. Each parent's share of the obligation equals their percentage of the combined income.

The non-custodial parent — typically the one without primary physical custody — pays their portion to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is assumed to spend their portion directly on the child's needs, so they do not make a separate payment.

If both parents share custody equally (50/50), the calculation is more complex. The court still uses the 17 percent figure but may adjust it based on how much time each parent spends with the child and which parent has higher income. A parent with 50 percent custody and lower income might owe less than a parent with 50 percent custody and higher income.

Adjustments the court can make to the base amount

Tennessee law allows courts to adjust the 17 percent figure up or down based on specific factors. Common reasons for adjustment include childcare costs (the court may add these to the obligation), health insurance premiums paid by either parent, extraordinary medical or dental expenses, and the amount of overnight visitation time each parent has.

If one parent is paying court-ordered support for other children from previous relationships, the court may lower their child support obligation for this child. The court can also adjust if one parent has significantly higher income than the other, or if the combined income is very low or very high.

Any adjustment must be documented in the court order. The judge cannot simply decide to ignore the 17 percent rule without stating the reason in writing.

Modifying child support if circumstances change

Child support orders are not permanent. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. This typically means a change of at least 10 percent in either parent's income, a job loss, a significant increase in childcare costs, or a change in custody arrangement.

To request a modification, you file a motion with the court that issued the original order. You must provide documentation of the change — pay stubs, a termination letter, a new job offer, or proof of a custody change. The court will recalculate based on current income and may increase, decrease, or leave the amount the same.

If you do not request a modification and circumstances change, you are still legally bound by the original order. Paying less than ordered without court approval can result in arrears (back pay owed) and enforcement action, including wage garnishment or license suspension.

How child support is collected and paid

In Tennessee, child support is typically collected through the Child Support Services division of the Department of Human Services. The non-custodial parent pays into a state account, and the state forwards the money to the custodial parent. This system creates a record of all payments and makes enforcement easier if someone falls behind.

Some parents arrange private payment directly between themselves, but this is not recommended because it creates no official record. If a dispute arises later about whether payments were made, there is no proof. Using the state system protects both parents.

If the non-custodial parent does not pay, the state can enforce the order by garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver's licenses, or filing a contempt charge. Arrears (unpaid child support) accrue interest and do not go away, even if the child turns 18.

When child support ends in Tennessee

Child support continues until the child turns 18, or until graduation from high school, whichever is later. If the child is still in high school after turning 18, support continues through the end of that school year.

Support also ends if the child is adopted by someone other than the non-custodial parent, if the child joins the military, or if the child is declared emancipated by the court. It does not end if the child is in college — Tennessee does not require parents to pay for higher education unless the original court order specifically includes that language.

If the custodial parent remarries or the non-custodial parent remarries, child support does not automatically change. A new spouse's income does not count toward the calculation. However, if the remarriage causes a substantial change in either parent's actual income or expenses, a modification can be requested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tennessee have a minimum or maximum child support amount?

Tennessee does not set a minimum, but courts generally will not order less than $50 per month unless both parents have very low income. There is no maximum, but if combined income exceeds $30,000 per month (as of recent guidelines), the court has discretion in how to calculate the amount above that threshold.

What if the non-custodial parent is self-employed or has irregular income?

The court looks at average income over the past two to three years. If income is highly variable, the court may use an average or may impute income based on the parent's earning capacity. Self-employment tax deductions are allowed, but personal business expenses that do not reduce actual income are not.

Can child support be waived if both parents agree?

No. Child support is considered a right of the child, not a right of the parents. Even if both parents agree to waive it, the court will not approve an order that leaves the child without support. However, parents can agree on an amount different from the guideline calculation, and the court may approve it if it is in the child's best interest.

What happens if the custodial parent's income increases significantly?

An increase in the custodial parent's income does not automatically lower the non-custodial parent's obligation. However, if the custodial parent's income increases substantially, the non-custodial parent can request a modification. The court will recalculate, and the obligation may decrease because the combined income percentage is divided differently.

Is child support taxable income for the person receiving it?

No. Child support is not taxable income for the person who receives it, and it is not tax-deductible for the person who pays it. This is different from alimony (spousal support), which has different tax treatment.