Nashville Child Support Lawyer

When it comes to your children, you want to ensure that no matter what happens, they are financially provided for. Whether you are going through a divorce in Brentwood or Belle Meade, a Nashville child support lawyer is here to protect your rights in a child support case. If you are the paying parent or you are the parent looking to receive payments, we are here to advocate for your side and ensure your child is taken care of. 

As a parent, protecting your child’s rights and best interests is likely your number one priority. This is even more the case when you are experiencing a divorce or separation. The attorneys at Anne Hamer Law are committed to working to protect your child’s rights in Nashville. Whether you are looking to obtain, modify, or enforce a child support order, we are here to assist you and work toward securing the brightest possible future for your children. 

Turn to the Legal Team at Anne Hamer Law

At Anne Hamer Law, our Nashville-based family attorneys have handled hundreds of child support cases, and now we are here to turn our time and attention to your case. We have a proven track record of success when it comes to these cases, and we are here to walk you through the entire process taking place at the Davison County or Williamson County Court. For over 20 years, we have proven our dedication and commitment to our clients. Trust us today. 

Understanding Nashville and Williamson County Child Support Orders

The state of Tennessee sees a divorce rate of around 2.9 cases per 1,000 residents. While not all divorce cases will include child support issues, and not all child support issues stem from divorce, the two cases do often overlap. In Tennessee, child support orders can be put into effect to ensure that a child receives financial support from both of their parents, no matter the marital or relationship status of their parents.

How Child Support in Tennessee Is Calculated

When child support comes into play in a custody or divorce case, the parents will need to agree on an amount of support that is fair and reasonable and meets the needs of their child. In Nashville and Williamson County, if the parents are unable to reach an agreement on their own, they will need to look to a Davidson County family court judge or a Williamson County chancellor to make this decision for them. The judge will consider various factors when setting payment amounts. These factors include the following:

• The number of children involved. The number of children that are shared between the parents will influence the amount of money the noncustodial parent will be required to pay. In simplest terms, the more children involved, the higher the monthly support payments. In the United States, there is currently an average of 1.94 children under the age of 18 per family. 
• Income levels. The income level of the parent who may be required to pay support will be a key determining factor in the amount involved. The higher the income of the noncustodial parent, the higher they can expect their required child support payments to be. It is important to remember as well that a child with special needs will likely require higher amounts of support, no matter what your level of income is. 
• Employment. One of the largest factors involved in child support calculations will be the employment of the noncustodial parent, or the parent required to make support payments. Keep in mind that even unemployed noncustodial parents will likely be obligated to pay some amount of support; however, they may be granted a temporary halt by the courts until they find necessary employment to be able to make payments. 
• Custodial parent’s income. The income of the custodial parent will also be a large deciding factor when it comes to child support awards. If the custodial parent earns any kind of income, then the contribution made by the noncustodial parent will likely be lower. However, if the custodial parent is not able to work, then the support involved will likely be higher to cover the basic needs of the children. 
• Child custody ruling. Custody plays a major role in any support case. The parent who is awarded a lower amount of custody will likely be on the hook for paying support to the parent who is awarded a higher amount of custody. In cases of sole custody, when only one parent is given the custody of their children, the other parent will likely be liable for child support. 
• Needs of the children. Understanding the needs of the child will play a crucial role in determining child support amounts. For example, a child with a disability will likely require a higher amount of support due to the necessary care they are in need of. 

If you are curious as to how your child support award or payment may be calculated, the team at Anne Hamer Law is here to review your case and help determine the amount of money that could be potentially involved each month. 

Establishing Child Support in TN

When it comes to getting child support in Tennessee, it is crucial that you seek the appropriate channels. Nearly 30% of parents who are owed support in the United States actually get nothing, and it can be harder to prove this if you did not go through the right legal steps when the support payments were first established. In order to establish a case for child support, you will want to take the following steps:

• Filing your official petition. The first step you will want to take is officially filing your petition for support with the courts. This can either be done by the parent seeking support payments or by the parent who will likely be required to make payments and who wishes to ensure the arrangement is formalized and legal. 
• Providing documentation. Both parents will likely be required to provide the courts with their financial details through certain forms of documentation, such as tax returns, income statements, and their official proof of expenses. This information will help ensure that all support is properly calculated. 
• Attending the court hearing. The courts will then set up an official hearing where both parents can present their case to the judge. Your attorney can provide evidence to defend your side of the story and make arguments for the proposed child support order. 
• Official court order. Once the judge reviews all the evidence, they will make a ruling they think aligns with the best interests of the children and issue an official court order. This order will lay out the amount of support required and the schedule for payment. 

FAQs

Q: What Happens When One Parent Fails to Pay Child Support in TN?

A: When a parent does not follow the legalities of a child support order, they can come face-to-face with serious consequences. There are several different ways the state can enforce child support orders to ensure compliance. These methods include wage garnishment, the interception of tax refunds, possible licensure suspension, and even possible jail time for being in contempt of court. 

Q: How Can a Child Support Attorney Help Me?

A: There are several ways in which your child support attorney can assist you in your case. First, they have the knowledge required to make an accurate calculation of the child support that may be required in your case. They can also help you navigate all negotiations with your co-parent and their legal team to ensure your child’s rights and best interests are protected, and can help you seek modification of support orders when necessary. 

Q: When Is Child Support Terminated?

A: In Tennessee, child support orders typically end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school.

Q: How Many Times Can a Child Support Order Be Modified?

A: In Tennessee, a child support order can be modified whenever either parent experiences a significant change in circumstances if the change in support has a 15% variance from the prior order. However, your attorney can explain that frequent modifications are not wise unless there is a true and necessary reason to demonstrate your need for the modification. Otherwise, the courts may begin to take you less seriously, even in situations where the need for change is dire. 

Hire a Child Support Lawyer Today

If you find yourself involved in a case of child support in Nashville, you need to hire a child support lawyer who is experienced in handling these kinds of cases. At Anne Hamer Law, we know how the system works and can use this knowledge to your advantage. Whatever side of the case you stand on, we are here to defend your position and the best interests of your child. Contact us today to learn more information about our legal services and schedule your initial consultation.