Tennessee Child Support Calculator

How Tennessee Calculates Child Support

To figure out child support, Tennessee looks at what you and the other parent earn together. The state uses that combined income to find a base support amount on a chart, which is then split between you based on your share of the combined income.

Understanding Tennessee's Shared Custody Rules

When your child spends a significant amount of time with both parents (more than 92 days per year), Tennessee's formula may reduce the child support amount. This adjustment recognizes that both parents are sharing the costs of raising the child more equally during their respective parenting times.

Calculate Your Support

Factoring in Health Insurance & Childcare Costs


At what age does child support end in TN?

In Tennessee, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still in high school at 18, support continues until they graduate with their class, but not beyond their 19th birthday.



How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in TN?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a Tennessee court can 'impute' income. This means the court will calculate child support based on what that parent *could* be earning, considering their education, work history, and local job opportunities.



How do I modify a child support order in TN?

To modify a child support order in Tennessee, you must prove a 'significant variance.' This is defined as at least a 15% difference between the amount of the current order and the proposed new amount, resulting from a substantial and material change in circumstances.



Does TN child support cover college expenses?

No, Tennessee law does not require parents to pay for college expenses as part of child support. Parents can voluntarily agree to share these costs in their parenting plan, and if so, that agreement becomes a legally enforceable part of the court order.



How does TN handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for the child's health insurance premium and any necessary work-related childcare are added on top of the basic child support obligation. These expenses are divided between the parents in proportion to their share of the combined income.