Franklin Child Support Lawyers

Your Advocates for Child Support Disputes in Franklin, TN

Parents going through a divorce are often deeply concerned about what comes next for their children. Decisions about custody are vital, but it’s even more important to consider how their basic needs will be met. Child support is a key issue in divorce cases involving children, and our child support lawyers in Franklin have extensive experience in securing agreements that are fair for everyone involved. 

Garrett Talley & Thorington has been a part of the Franklin and Greater Nashville communities since 1973. Personalized service is at the heart of what we do. Clients who come to us are treated as real people who need a compassionate voice and strong professional guidance. 

Call (629) 245-2933 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment with our child support attorneys in Franklin.

How Child Support Is Determined in Tennessee

Tennessee uses the income shares model, which calculates child support based on the combined income of both parents. Each parent’s share of the obligation is proportional to their part of the total income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they will generally be responsible for 60% of the child support obligation. 

When evaluating how much child support may be owed in Franklin, judges commonly review the following factors:

• Parenting Time: Parenting time, or the number of days each parent spends with the child, strongly influences the calculation. The state adjusts obligations based on the percentage of time the child resides with each parent. A parent who has significant parenting time may see a reduction in their financial obligation to reflect the costs of caring for the child.
• Number of Children: The number of children shared between the parents is another key factor. Tennessee’s guidelines account for the increased costs associated with raising multiple children. Support amounts are adjusted accordingly to ensure the children’s needs are met equitably.
• Healthcare Costs: Both parents are generally considered responsible for making sure their child has adequate health insurance. Child support calculations should take into account premiums as well as out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays or prescription costs.
• Education Expenses: Support may also encompass educational needs, such as books, supplies, or extracurricular activities. Depending on the circumstances, private school tuition may be factored into the final support plan. 
• Childcare Costs: Expenses related to childcare, especially for younger children or for working parents, are considered in developing the final support amount. This may include daycare fees or the costs for after-school care.

When calculating child support, the local court in Franklin uses forms and worksheets specific to Tennessee’s guidelines to determine the right amount. The process can be complex, as each family’s situation is unique and exceptions sometimes apply. Working with a child support lawyer in Franklin who understands the local requirements can help you navigate paperwork and avoid common mistakes.

If your child’s needs are not fully addressed in the original calculation, gathering the right documentation and advocating for necessary support is important. Our family law team works closely with families in Franklin to clarify these details and ensure all relevant factors, such as medical needs or unique expenses, are included in court filings.

Factors That Can’t Impact Child Support in Franklin, Tennessee

When reviewing a request to change child support, Tennessee courts will not consider the following factors:

• Temporary financial difficulties or minor changes. Short-term financial struggles, such as temporary job loss or minor income fluctuations, typically do not meet the threshold for a modification. The change must be both substantial and ongoing. 
• Voluntary unemployment or underemployment. If a parent intentionally reduces their income by quitting a job or accepting lower-paying work without a valid reason, this cannot justify a modification of child support. 
• A new spouse’s income. The income of a parent’s new spouse is not factored into child support calculations. Tennessee’s child support framework is based only on the income of the legal parents.

These restrictions are intended to maintain fairness and consistency in Tennessee child support decisions.