Tennessee Child Support Calculator

Tennessee calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under T.C.A. § 36-5-101 and DHS Rule 1240-02-04. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined, and a Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) is determined from a statutory schedule based on the number of children. Each parent pays their proportional share — for example, the parent earning 60% of combined income pays 60% of the BCSO. Healthcare and childcare costs are added proportionally.

Tennessee defines gross income broadly under Rule 1240-02-04-.04 to include wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, dividends, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, trust income, capital gains, alimony received, and prizes. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed, the court may impute income — $43,761 annually for males and $35,936 for females based on Tennessee Census median income data.

Parenting time significantly affects Tennessee child support calculations. The parent with more than 50% of overnights is the Primary Residential Parent (PRP), and the Alternative Residential Parent (ARP) typically pays support. A parenting "day" counts when the child spends more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period with one parent. In some cases where the PRP's income is substantially higher, the PRP may owe support to the ARP.

Tennessee allows child support modification under T.C.A. § 36-5-101 when a significant variance exists — typically 15% or more — between the current order and what a new worksheet calculation would produce. Common qualifying changes include job loss, income changes, or shifts in parenting time. The modification takes effect only after court approval, and parents must continue paying the original amount until then.

Beyond the Basic Child Support Obligation, Tennessee's worksheet adds work-related childcare costs and children's health insurance premiums, divided proportionally between parents based on income shares. Extraordinary educational expenses, uninsured medical costs exceeding $250 per child per year, and special needs expenses may also be included. The court has discretion to deviate from guidelines under Rule 1240-02-04-.07 when additional expenses warrant adjustment.

Tennessee sets a statutory minimum of $100 per month for child support. The maximum is capped at $10,000 net monthly income under T.C.A. § 36-5-101(e)(1)(B), with guideline percentages of 21% for one child ($2,100/month), 32% for two ($3,200), 41% for three ($4,100), 46% for four ($4,600), and 50% for five or more ($5,000). Support above these caps requires the receiving parent to prove additional amounts are reasonably necessary for the children's needs.

Tennessee child support continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Tennessee law does not require parents to pay for college unless they voluntarily agree in writing. If arrearages exist when the child ages out, the support order and any wage assignment remain in effect until all back support and court costs are fully satisfied — with no statute of limitations on enforcement.

Tennessee enforces child support through multiple mechanisms under T.C.A. § 36-5-103. Courts can order wage garnishment, which is the default payment method. Additional penalties include contempt of court with potential jail time, driver's and professional license suspension, federal and state tax refund interception, property liens, 12% simple interest on arrearages, and criminal charges for willful nonpayment. The prevailing party can also recover attorney's fees.