Trusted Child Support Attorney in Hendersonville, TN
Child support is an important way for both parents to financially support their child even after separation. If child support is calculated unfairly, it can leave a parent in financial hardship and potentially prevent a child from getting the support they need. Working with a Hendersonville child support lawyer helps protect both you and your children’s financial needs and advocate for a fair outcome to the child support case.
Your Hendersonville Child Support Attorney
In order to protect your family’s financial future, you need an experienced family law attorney. The attorneys at Phillips | Ralston have decades of combined legal experience, including more than 12 years in family law. We understand the importance of child support cases and how the outcome can affect a significant amount of your family’s future.
Our goal is to protect your children’s interests while securing fair child support. We are dedicated to providing you with effective and understanding legal representation.
Experience You Can Trust. Speak with a Phillips | Ralston
attorney today.
Child Support Calculations in Hendersonville
Child support cases may happen because of a separation, a divorce, or a paternity case. Tennessee had a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents in 2023. In Hendersonville, 22.5% of the population is under 18 years old. Nearly four percent of homes with children younger than 18 had a female head of household with no partner, and 1.1% of homes with children under the age of 18 had a male head of household with no partner.
When parents live separately, either parent may be required to pay child support. How much support is and who pays it depends on several factors, including:
- Income. The gross income of each parent and both parents combined is important to determine fair child support. The Child Support Guidelines require that each parent provides a proportional amount of financial support for their child compared to the amount of income they contribute to the total income. The parent who earns more is more likely to have to pay support.
- Deductions. Certain things are not counted towards a parent’s gross income, like existing child support obligations, means-tested governmental benefits, or the child’s income. This helps show a parent’s actual gross income for fair child support calculations.
- Basic child support. Based on the combined gross income of both parents, the state has a table that outlines the basic child support amount a child should receive based on that income and the number of children who need support. For example, parents with a combined monthly income of $3,000 have a combined child support obligation of $592 for one child and $945 for three children.
- Parenting time. This takes into account the actual time children spend with each parent. The parent with more parenting time is assumed to take on more financial burden, so the other parent is more likely to have to pay support.
- Additional expenses. This considers specific expenses for a child, including the cost of healthcare premiums, childcare costs a parent has to pay so they are able to work, uninsured medical costs, and other expenses.
These cases are handled by the Sumner County Circuit Court or Sumner County Chancery Court. It is much easier to navigate court cases and secure reasonable child support with the experience of an attorney.
The Minimum Child Support in Hendersonville
In Tennessee, there is a minimum child support order of $100 a month. There are specific exceptions to this rule, such as when:
- The parent who would be paying support only receives income from Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- The child receives federal benefits and this results in less than $100 in support after calculations.
- The parenting time adjustment of child support results in less than $100.
Determining the right amount of child support with consideration for all the state’s legal requirements is much easier when you work with an attorney.
Failing to Pay Child Support
If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, there can be serious consequences. Not only does it cause hardship for the child and the other parent, but the non-paying parent can face seizure of their wages or bank accounts, as well as other negative consequences like the loss of a driver’s license.
FAQs
How Much Would a Lawyer Cost for a Child Support Case in Hendersonville, TN?
The cost of a lawyer for a child support case depends on your case and the lawyer you work with. Most family law attorneys charge hourly rates. More complex child support cases cost more, especially those that involve court battles and take a long time to resolve. Different attorneys also have different rates, as a more experienced attorney tends to have higher rates. It’s always important to discuss the costs of your case up front with a potential lawyer.
Can a Lawyer Represent You in a Child Support Case in Hendersonville, TN?
Yes, a lawyer can represent you in a child support case. Working with an attorney is often the ideal way to protect your interests and support your children’s financial future. An attorney understands the state’s requirements for child support, what exceptions your family and your child need, and advocates for those outcomes. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, an attorney helps provide a fair agreement.
Can Screenshots Be Used in Family Court in Hendersonville, TN?
While family courts do consider digital evidence, screenshots may or may not be considered evidence. The information in screenshots might be relevant to understand the abilities or character of a potential custodial parent, but the context of the screenshots is often requested.
The original texts, emails, or other communications are preferable to screenshots. Working with a family law attorney is important to understand what digital evidence is usable and when it is helpful in a custody or support case.
When Should You Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Hendersonville, TN?
You should hire a child support lawyer in Hendersonville as soon as possible when you become aware of a child support case. Whether the case arises from a paternity, separation, or divorce case, a child support lawyer can help you protect your interests while also providing needed support for your child.
Work with Phillips | Ralston in Hendersonville Today
When you need dedicated and knowledgeable family law support, the team at Phillips | Ralston can help. Get in contact with our firm today and advocate for your family’s future.
