Tennessee uses an income shares model based on both parents’ adjusted gross incomes. A basic child support obligation is determined from published guidelines. Each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
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Tennessee calculates child support using the Income shares model established under Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Basic obligation from Tennessee guidelines schedule based on combined adjusted gross income and children. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Tennesseerequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: Tennessee Child Support Guidelines
Income shares model based on combined adjusted gross income.
Parenting time credits available for substantial overnights.
Health insurance and childcare costs added to basic obligation.
Deviations available for extraordinary circumstances.
Tennessee prefers rehabilitative alimony over long-term support.
Marital property runs to date of FINAL DIVORCE HEARING — one of the broadest cutoffs in the US.
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Residency Requirement
6 months residency
Mandatory Waiting Period
60 days (no minor children) / 90 days (with minor children)
No-Fault Ground
Irreconcilable differences
State Income Tax
No state income tax on wages (Hall Tax on investment income eliminated 2021)
Tennessee uses the Income shares model under Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. Tennessee uses an income shares model based on both parents’ adjusted gross incomes. A basic child support obligation is determined from published guidelines. Each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Income shares model based on combined adjusted gross income.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Basic obligation from Tennessee guidelines schedule based on combined adjusted gross income and children. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Tennessee's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free TennesseeEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Tennessee family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Tennessee family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: Tennessee Child Support Guidelines.