Child Support in Tennessee

2 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

2 Resources

1. Tennessee Paternity Establishment Program — Free

State program enabling unmarried parents to voluntarily establish paternity at the hospital after birth or later through the Department of Human Services, which is required before child support orders can be entered. Serves parents statewide. Both parents typically must present photo ID and sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity; genetic testing can be requested if paternity is contested. Services are free through DHS child support offices.

1-800-838-6911 · Available at hospitals and DHS offices statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Federal Office of Child Support Services — Free

Federal agency overseeing state child support programs, including the Tennessee IV-D program. Provides resources for parents on interstate case processing, employer wage withholding, and locating non-custodial parents. Does not open cases directly for Tennessee residents; families with active cases should contact their local Tennessee DHS child support office with their case number, photo ID, and any prior orders for assistance on specific issues.

202-401-9373 · National (supports TN cases) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.