Life can be unpredictable and the financial circumstances of parents can change in ways that make existing child support orders no longer fair or realistic. Where you’re facing job loss, increased medical expenses, or a shift in custody arrangement, the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry is here to help you navigate the ever changing landscape of child support modification.
With extensive experience in Tennessee family law, our firm is dedicated to helping both parents secure reasonable child support payments that reflect current circumstances.
Can You Modify Child Support in Tennessee?
Child support orders aren’t set in stone. Tennessee law allows for modification to existing child support orders. A key part of this process is whether your situation meets the 15% variance rule or involves a material change in circumstances, both of which are important criteria for modification requests.
Understanding the 15% Variance Rule
Tennessee requires a 15% variance between the existing child support payment and the recalculated amount based on new income or custody information to qualify for a modification. This means a significant financial shift—either for you or the other parent—may provide grounds to revisit your support obligations.
What Is a Material Change in Circumstance?
A "material change in circumstance" refers to any significant shift in your life situation that impacts your ability to pay child support or justifies an increase in child support payments. You may qualify for a modification if you’ve experienced situations like:
- Losing a job or a substantial decrease in income.
- Incurring significant medical expenses.
- A shift in custody arrangements that alters parenting time.
- An increase in the other parent’s income.
The Legal Process for Modifying Child Support
Modifying a child support order begins by a parent filing a formal petition with the court. It’s important to provide clear evidence of your changed circumstances in order to demonstrate why the modification is needed. This is a complex process, but having an experienced family law attorney by your side will ensure your case meets Tennessee’s legal requirements for modification.
How Tennessee Courts Evaluate Modification Requests
When reviewing your request, the court will carefully assess whether your situation meets the legal threshold for a modification. Judges may look at factors like changes in income, parenting time schedules, or the financial needs of the child. Precision and thorough documentation are critical during this step, which is why experienced legal guidance is so important.
Proving a Significant Change in Circumstances
To support your request for modification, it’s important to collect all necessary information for the courts. Experiencing a shift in financial or personal circumstances is not enough to guarantee a modification to your child support order. Collecting evidence of your current circumstances, such as pay stubs, tax records, medical bills, and testimony will strengthen the likelihood of the courts granting a modification to your child support order.
Why Work with a Child Support Modification Lawyer?
Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions and financial concerns are involved. A skilled lawyer provides the clarity, confidence, and advocacy you need during this process.
At the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, we are committed to helping Nashville parents modify their child support orders fairly and effectively. We handle every step of the legal process, including:
- Assessing Your Case: We will review your circumstances to determine if you qualify for a modification under Tennessee law.
- Compiling Evidence: Our team gathers the documentation needed to strengthen your request and support your claims.
- Filing and Representation: From submitting your petition to representing you in court, we handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your family.
- Advocating for Your Rights: Whether you’re a paying or receiving parent, we’ll fight for an outcome that ensures your child’s needs are met while accommodating your financial reality.
How the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry Can Help
If your financial situation has changed and you need to modify your child support order, don’t wait to get help. Tennessee law provides options, and the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry is here to guide you through the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll work toward a solution that provides stability and fairness for you and your family.
