Knoxville Child Support Lawyers
Mandy Hancock Law Firm
Knoxville, TN Child Support Lawyers
Divorce and separation are always hard on a family. Along with the psychological and emotional toll, many legal matters must be addressed and settled. If you and your spouse have minor children, child support will factor into your divorce. Determining a fair amount can be complicated and is best handled by knowledgeable attorneys.
The Tennessee Child Support Guidelines help make child support payments and calculations simple and straightforward for parents. However, issues can arise if one parent tries to minimize income, conceal income, or stops making agreed-upon child support payments. Luckily, a Knoxville child support lawyer can help.
Child custody is a sensitive, complex matter. When the stakes are high and emotions are raw, it can be hard to make clear-headed decisions. A Knoxville child support lawyer will help you develop a plan that makes you feel empowered, equipped, and prepared.
Is Child Support Mandatory in Tennessee?
Child support is mandatory in Tennessee. That means that by law, parents of minor children cannot agree privately to dismiss child support payments. But calculating and agreeing on child support payments can put a heavy strain on an already fractured relationship. Disagreements can arise over fairness, leading to more complications and anxiety.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Child Support?
A Knoxville child support lawyer can help you understand your rights as a parent. While spouses occasionally come to a mutually-beneficial arrangement on their own, many separating couples need the support and guidance of a skilled family lawyer.
Your child support lawyer will advocate for you to ensure an optimal, fair outcome that helps meet the needs of you and your child. They can also help if you need help with late, partial, or missed child support payments. Even if you agree to 50-50 shared custody of your children, child support may still factor in. An experienced attorney can help you understand all the factors that make these determinations.
Setting Child Support Terms in Knoxville, Tennessee
After a divorce, both parents are required by law to support their minor children financially. In Knoxville, we look to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines for clarity on the frequency and amount of the payments.
Child support terms, amounts, payments, and how custody factors in can all be confusing matters. A child support lawyer has years of experience navigating these complex legal waters and can help ensure you get the support you and your child need.
Child support can be a contentious, stressful matter. Along with everything else on your plate, making decisions in this area can feel overwhelming. But a Knoxville child support attorney can help you develop a strategy that prepares and empowers you and your children for a better future.
Setting Child Support Terms in Knoxville, Tennessee
After a divorce, both parents are required by law to support their minor children financially. In Knoxville, we look to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines for clarity on the frequency and amount of the payments.
Child support terms, amounts, payments, and how custody factors in can all be confusing matters. A child support lawyer has years of experience navigating these complex legal waters and can help ensure you get the support you and your child need.
Calculating Child Support in Knoxville, Tennessee
Tennessee offers a child support calculator to help you get an idea of how payments are determined. Financial obligations are assessed using an Income Shares worksheet that factors in credits, gross income, and any federal benefits.
In Knoxville, the Income Share Method is used to calculate child support payment amounts. A child support lawyer can help you complete the necessary forms and documents and ensure that everything is done correctly for a smooth process.
Enforcing Child Support in Knoxville, Tennessee
Unfortunately, child support payments don’t always go as planned. But paying child support is a legal obligation, and missed payments are a violation of that court-ordered agreement. That means you have a right to take action if your spouse fails to make court-mandated child support payments.
The non-paying parent could serve jail time. In addition, they could face:
- A lowered credit score
- Garnished wages or withheld income
- Seized benefits of tax refunds
- Driver’s license suspension
- Attachments or liens
- Restrictions on their passport
Trying to hold your former spouse accountable on your own can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming. That’s why it’s best to leave it to your lawyer and the courts if you’re dealing with a non-paying parent.
At Mandy Hancock Law, we have a long history of successful outcomes and we would be honored to add you to our client family! Our family lawyers will put your needs first and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome that supports your child’s best interest. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way to alleviate some of the stress and pain that comes with the challenging experience that is child custody.
Knoxville Child Support Lawyers FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Knoxville child support lawyer?
A child support lawyer is a family law attorney who specializes in child support matters. They help form a parenting plan that supports the goals of parents and children after a separation. A Knoxville child support lawyer will make sure you understand your legal rights, submit the proper forms, and reach a fair agreement with your former spouse.
What does a Knoxville child custody attorney do?
A child custody attorney will ask questions to understand your unique case. Then, they will work to develop a strategy for achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. They can inform you of your parental rights, develop a legal strategy, present evidence in court, organize evidence, and much more.
How does Tennessee calculate child support payments?
Tennessee uses an Income Shares model that factors the parents’ combined adjusted gross income and the number of minor children who need support.
Do you have to pay child support if you have 50-50 custody in Tennessee?
It depends. According to the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, shared custody can still result in child support payments. Typically, if custody is not split equally, the parent with the majority of custody will receive payments. However, equally shared custody could still result in the higher-income parent making payments.
Contact us about your case
Your case deserves the high-caliber, dynamic representation that Mandy Hancock Law delivers. We can't wait to provide you with our unique Signature Service.