Child Support in Tennessee: How It's Calculated
Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Tennessee courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Tennessee resources.
Income Shares Model in Tennessee
Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model under its Child Support Guidelines (Tennessee Code Annotated §36-5-101). Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined and applied to the Tennessee Child Support Schedule to determine a basic obligation, which is then allocated proportionally.
Tennessee uses the concept of 'parenting time' days (not just overnights) for the parenting time adjustment. When the alternative residential parent has 92 or more days (approximately 25%) of parenting time, an alternative residential adjustment is applied. Tennessee's guidelines consider both parents' income as well as work-related childcare and healthcare costs in the final calculation.
Key Factors Tennessee Courts Consider
- Both parents' adjusted gross monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time days — 92+ days triggers the alternative residential parent adjustment
- Child's health insurance costs
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Extraordinary education or medical expenses
- Prior support obligations for other children
Official Tennessee Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Tennessee's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Tennessee's Formula Works
Here is how Tennessee applies the Income Shares Model to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Tennessee starts by calculating each parent's income — gross income (before taxes). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model.
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Tennessee's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time days — 92+ days triggers the alternative residential parent adjustment parenting time' days (not just overnights) for the parenting time adjustment.
Document Everything for Your Tennessee Case
Tennessee courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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