What Is the Average Child Support Payment in Tennessee? 2025

Divorces can be complicated and painful enough before considering what to do about your child’s future. When you have a child, it is vital to their upbringing that you do what you have to do to provide for them, even when your marriage has ended. When you get divorced, either you or your spouse is likely going to have to pay child support, even if you get joint custody. You may wonder, “What is the average child support payment in Tennessee?”

A divorce can be a tumultuous and emotionally devastating time in your life, but it is important that you never lose sight of being there for your children. They may need you now more than ever. Children can be very perceptive, and there’s a good chance they are aware that something bad is happening to their parents’ relationship.

Paying child support gives you the chance to be there, at least financially, for your children. If you’re a non-custodial parent, you should exercise visitation rights as well.

What Is the Average Child Support Payment in Tennessee?

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine the average child support payment in Tennessee. Every child support situation is different since child support is based on a number of important factors that will be unique to each parent, such as each parent’s monthly income and the number of children they have. Just because one situation similar to yours resulted in an amount you’re comfortable with, that doesn’t mean yours will.

Child support is a court-ordered monthly allowance that one non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent. This allowance is supposed to be paid towards the child’s welfare, including basic living expenses like food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare, and random expenses that come with the joy of raising children. Since every child support case is different, there is no definitive way to tell how much you will have to pay or receive until your case is underway.

How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help You?

There are many aspects of the child support process that you may be totally unaware of, especially if you have never had to file for child support before. The whole process can sometimes be overwhelming and even a bit confusing, which is why it may be necessary and useful to have an experienced child support lawyer by your side throughout the entire ordeal. Here are some important ways that a Clarksville child support lawyer can help your case:

• Negotiation: One of the most useful and important skills that a lawyer can have is negotiation skills. These skills come in handy for many different situations, including negotiating child support on your behalf. Your lawyer can help both parties reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial, and they can also help you navigate certain financial situations that may appear complicated.
• Consistent Advice: Navigating the law is never easy, especially if you’ve never done it before. Having a child support lawyer on your side throughout the entire process can ensure you have access to consistent advice. Your lawyer can explain the various legal processes of child support to you when needed and can help prepare you for what you can expect during legal proceedings.
• Modifying Agreements: When you and your spouse can reach a child support agreement or are given one by the court, there’s a likely chance that the agreement will need to be modified at some point in the future. Circumstances change all the time, and when they do, it’s important that your new agreement reflects that change. Your lawyer can help you make those modifications and argue for them in court.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is Child Support for One Child in Tennessee?

A: The amount of child support you can receive for one child in Tennessee depends on many significant factors, including the gross income of both parents, the custody arrangement, and various childcare expenses both parents have paid in the past. An experienced lawyer can help you determine how much support you can expect to pay or receive.

Q: What Is the Most You Can Pay in Child Support in Tennessee?

A: The most you would ever have to pay for child support in Tennessee is $5,000 per month, but that’s only for five or more children. It’s unlikely you would have to pay that much if you have less than five kids. Child support is set by the Tennessee Department of Human Services and is based on specific guidelines that take into account your current financial situation and that of your former spouse.

Q: Is Child Support in Tennessee Based on Gross or Net Income?

A: Child support in Tennessee is based solely on gross income, not net income. A person’s gross income is their total monthly income prior to taxes and other deductions. The Tennessee Department of Human Services uses an income shares model to calculate the total amount of child support that the paying spouse would owe each month. They consider the total gross income of both parents and the number of children they have, among other factors.

Q: Do You Have to Pay Child Support If You Have 50/50 Custody in Tennessee?

A: Yes, you may have to pay child support in Tennessee even if you have 50/50 custody of your children. Child support is a monthly allowance paid by the higher-earning parent, even if that parent has more parenting time than the lower-earning parent. The money is intended to go towards the child’s basic living expenses and overall welfare. The court will consider many different factors, and 50/50 custody may affect the court’s decision.

Reach Out to a Child Support Lawyer Today

It’s important to understand the full scope of child support in Tennessee, particularly if you end up having to pay it yourself. The amount you end up paying will be unique to your case, but it will consider your gross income, your parenting time, and other important factors. A good lawyer can help negotiate your position.

The legal team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC can help you put together a strong case for or against child support. Contact us to speak to a team member about what we can do for your case.