How is child support determined in Memphis, Tennessee?

Child support is determined by a formula created by the state or the court. Because dealing with child support issues can be a complicated process, working with a qualified Memphis child custody lawyer is recommended.

In Tennessee, the non-custodial parent is required to pay a Basic Child Support Obligation, which covers: 

• food;
• housing;
• transportation;
• clothing; and
• other childcare costs. 

To calculate the Basic Child Support Obligation, the court will look at each parent’s gross income, taking into account: 

• salary;
• commission; and
• bonuses.

After this has been determined, the court will calculate each party’s adjusted gross income by subtracting credits.

Credits include: 

• any children already being supported in a parent’s resident;
• any children being supported by a child support order; and
• self-employment tax.

Once the adjusted gross income for each parent has been calculated, the court will add it together and reference the Child Support Schedule in order to determine the final amount for the Basic Child Support Obligation for both parents.

The final step is to take this amount and divide it by each party’s adjusted income to pro-rate the final child support order. The court can also add expenses associated with medical insurance and child-care to the final amount. 

Contact a Memphis Child Custody Lawyer

As you can see, a number of factors go into determining child support in Tennessee. If you have extenuating circumstances, such as private school costs or split custody, this process can become even more complex. For advice on your case, please contact the Memphis child custody lawyers at Miles Mason Family Law Group at 901-683-1850 today.