Video Summary:

In Tennessee, child support is calculated using state guidelines that consider each parent's gross income and the number of days the child spends with each parent. The child support worksheet generates a presumptive monthly payment based on these factors, along with additional expenses like health insurance, childcare, and extracurricular activities. While the initial calculation provides a baseline, parents can request modifications if they can prove a financial need. Courts also have discretion to include expenses such as private school tuition or extracurricular costs, depending on the parents' financial circumstances.

Video Transcript:

Tennessee has a set of guidelines that determine child support payments based on several factors.

One of the primary considerations is the number of days each parent has custody throughout the calendar year. This is calculated using the parenting schedule and then combined with each parent's gross income to determine an appropriate support amount.

Additional factors that influence child support calculations include:

• Health insurance costs and which parent is responsible for them

• Childcare expenses

• The number of children being supported

Tennessee uses a child support worksheet, which allows these figures to be entered into a state-approved formula that calculates a presumptive monthly amount. While this number is not set in stone, it is generally presumed to be correct unless a parent can provide sufficient proof that adjustments are necessary.

In some cases, courts may also consider extracurricular expenses, private school tuition, or special needs costs. If the parents’ financial situation allows, judges have the discretion to divide these additional costs between them in a fair manner.