When you go through a divorce in Tennessee and end up with custody of your child, your priority is likely going to be figuring out how to give your child the care that he or she needs without having the support of your ex-spouse. Recognizing the importance of this, the court will sometimes issue a child support order, where the other spouse is required to send you monthly payments to assist with raising your child.
Not everyone who has custody of their child is awarded child support. If you wish to explore this option, you will need to set a child custody hearing date with your local court.
Child support guidelines
The Tennessee Department of Human Services indicates that when you come before the court, you will need to address how you may use public or private health care coverage to pay for your child’s healthcare needs. Your income level and that of your ex-spouse is one of the numerical factors that come into play, but the court also looks at some qualitative aspects of your circumstance.
These include the job market, your record of seeking work, your criminal record, your health, age, literacy, educational attainment, job skills, earnings history, employment, residence and assets. Based on these factors, the court may also factor in a low-income adjustment.
Modifying a child support order
At any point, while you are receiving child support, you or your ex-spouse may file a motion with your local court to modify the order to a level you deem necessary. If either of you chooses to do so, reliable evidence will need to be provided in order for the court to determine the appropriate amount of support.
