Experienced Lawyer for Child Support Issues
Tennessee law says that children have the right to financial support from both of their parents, whether the parents are married or unmarried, living together or not. The child support laws exist to formalize this responsibility in certain cases, typically after a divorce or in cases where a child's parents are unmarried.
At the Reno Law Firm in Memphis, we help clients with the calculation and modification of child support obligations. Contact us to consult experienced family law attorney Claire Reno. We serve clients in Shelby County and throughout the region.
Pursuing a Fair Calculation of Child Support
Child support in Tennessee is calculated using a formula that takes several factors into account. The child support laws have changed in recent years and are now similar to those in many other states. The main factors under the new law are the following:
- Income of each parent (income shares)
- Number of days per month each parent has the child
- Total number of children
- Special expenses (tuition, day care, health care, etc.)
It is important to make this calculation based on accurate numbers so the child is getting the appropriate support. If your spouse is self-employed, works for a family member or works at a small company, determining his or her income may require investigation. We are fully prepared to deal with any child support calculation issues that come up.
Making Modifications When Circumstances Change
If you want to pay less child support or receive more, you need to get the modification made official by a court order. Even if you and the other parent can agree on the change, that agreement is unenforceable without court approval.
There are many legitimate reasons for changing a child support award. You may have experienced bankruptcy, job loss or a drop in income. Perhaps the other parent's income has increased. Maybe you have taken on additional child custody responsibilities. Also, many people are still paying child support based on the old child support laws.
If the factors considered in child support have changed substantially, you may be able to get a modification of the order, with or without the other parent's agreement. Contact us to learn more about the modification process.
