What is the basic child support obligation in Tennessee?

The “Basic Child Support Obligation” is used in determining child support in Tennessee. The courts determine child support basing on the combined AGI – adjusted gross income – of both the parents as well as the number of children that will be given support. The resulting amount is the undisputable and proper amount of basic child support that both parents have to comply with. After this has been resolved, other issues like additional expenses and the division of parenting time is then addressed.

Meanwhile, under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, a petitioning party may request to modify or establish support orders. The Act is also the reference used for determining parentage. The Act also mandates special rules of evidence and procedure, including:

• A petitioner is not required to make an appearance when requesting for modification, enforcement or establishment of a support order;
• A copy of child support payments that have been certified as a true copy by the applicable custodian of the record may be copy furnished to a responding tribunal. This is admissible as evidence to prove that payments have been made.
• There must be a verified petition accomplished by the petitioner for any requests modifying or establishing a support order in order to determine parentage.

Under the provisions of the Act, obligations for basic child support is calculated basing on the parents’ aggregate adjusted gross income, and depend on how many children have to be supported.