Tennessee Child Support Calculator

Estimate Tennessee child support for 2026 using the Income Shares guideline model under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. Enter both parents' incomes and the parenting-time split to see what you may owe or receive.

Tennessee follows the Income Shares model under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

Tennessee uses a parenting-time variable that adjusts the basic support obligation based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child. The guideline schedule under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04 starts from a standard arrangement, and a shared-care formula applies when both parents have substantial parenting time. More overnights for the parent paying support generally lowers the obligation, while fewer overnights can raise it. The on-page calculator is only an estimate, so confirm your overnight count and number on the official Tennessee worksheet.

In Tennessee, the cost of the child's health insurance premium is treated as an adjustment that is added into the support calculation. The premium for the child is built into the worksheet and then shared between the parents in proportion to each parent's percentage of combined gross income. This means the parent who actually pays the premium gets credit for it. Because amounts vary by family, treat the on-page estimate as a starting point and rely on the official worksheet for the controlling figure.

Work-related child care, such as daycare needed so a parent can work, is treated as an add-on in Tennessee and is factored into the support calculation under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. Like health insurance, child care costs are generally divided between the parents in proportion to their shares of combined gross income. Document your actual, ongoing care costs, since they directly affect the number. The calculator here is an estimate only, and the official Tennessee worksheet controls the final amount.

Tennessee guideline amounts are presumed correct, but a judge may deviate up or down when the presumptive amount would be unjust or inappropriate for the child in a particular case. The parent asking for a deviation must show why the standard number does not fit, and the court must put written findings in the order explaining the reason and amount of any deviation. Examples can include extraordinary expenses or special needs. The on-page calculator does not predict deviations, so a licensed Tennessee attorney or the official worksheet should guide your expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How is child support calculated in Tennessee?

Tennessee uses the Income Shares model under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. The court first combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, then looks up the basic support obligation on the state guideline schedule for that income level and number of children. That obligation is prorated between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income, and adjustments for health insurance, work-related child care, and parenting-time overnights are applied. The Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Services administers the program. Our calculator gives a quick estimate, but the official Tennessee worksheet and a licensed attorney control the real number.

Is there an official Tennessee child support worksheet I should use?

Yes. Tennessee provides an official online child support calculator and worksheet through the Department of Human Services at apps.tn.gov/csc, and it is the controlling form for any case. The worksheet applies the Income Shares guidelines in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04, combining both parents' gross incomes and the add-ons to produce the presumptive amount. Courts rely on that worksheet, not informal estimates. The calculator on this page is a helpful planning tool and an estimate only, so always run your numbers through the official Tennessee worksheet and have an attorney review the result before you rely on it.

What income counts when Tennessee sets child support?

Tennessee calculates support from gross income, not take-home pay. Gross income includes income from all sources, such as wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, commissions, severance, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and significant gifts. Because the state starts with gross figures, deductions for taxes do not reduce the income used on the worksheet. Self-employed parents should expect the court to look closely at business records to determine true earnings. These rules come from Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. The estimate here is only a guide, so use the official Tennessee worksheet or speak with an attorney for an accurate figure.

How do overnights and shared parenting affect the Tennessee number?

Tennessee's guidelines include a parenting-time variable that adjusts the basic support obligation based on how many overnights each parent has with the child. When both parents have substantial parenting time, a shared-care formula applies and can change the amount one parent pays. Generally, more overnights for the paying parent lowers the obligation, while fewer overnights can raise it. The exact effect depends on the schedule in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. Our calculator estimates this, but overnight counts must be entered accurately on the official Tennessee worksheet, which controls the final result, ideally with attorney review.

When does child support end in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later, but not past age 19. So if a child turns 18 while still in high school, support typically runs through graduation up to that age limit. Tennessee also allows continuing support for a disabled adult child in appropriate cases. Support does not automatically stop on its own, so review your order and the rules under Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04. The Tennessee Department of Human Services and a licensed attorney can confirm exactly when your obligation ends.

How do I change a Tennessee child support order?

To modify a Tennessee order, you file a petition in juvenile, chancery, or circuit court, or you can request a review through the Department of Human Services, Child Support Services. Tennessee uses a variance test: a 15 percent change between your existing order and a new guideline calculation creates a presumption of a substantial and material change in circumstances, and the threshold is 7.5 percent for low-income obligors. You generally need this kind of significant change to justify a modification. Run your current figures through the official Tennessee worksheet, then confirm your options with the agency or a licensed attorney.

What happens if a Tennessee parent does not pay child support?

The Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Services has strong enforcement tools when payments fall behind. These include immediate income withholding directly from wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver's and professional licenses, filing liens, reporting the debt to credit bureaus, and referring the case for contempt of court. Unpaid support builds into arrears that the parent still owes. If you are owed support or have fallen behind, contact the agency early, because acting quickly gives you more options. This overview is general information, not legal advice, so consult a licensed Tennessee attorney about your specific situation.