Tennessee Child Support Calculator (2026)
Estimate your child support payments in Tennessee using our free calculator based on the official Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.
Tennessee Child Support Calculator
Based on Tennessee's 2024 Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101)
This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.
Key Facts: Child Support in Tennessee
- Tennessee uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income.
- The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $162/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,935/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
- Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
- Tennessee has three parenting time categories: Standard (0-92 days), Alternate Residential (93-109 days), and Equal Parenting (110+ days), each affecting the calculation differently.
- A self-support reserve ensures the paying parent retains enough income to meet their own basic living needs.
Source: Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101) • Last verified: 2026-05-30
How Much Is Child Support in Tennessee?
If you make $60,000 a year in Tennessee, child support for 1 child is estimated at $574 per month ($6,888 per year) based on the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.
If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Tennessee, child support for 1 child is approximately $521/month.
Tennessee Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $432/mo | $629/mo | $727/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $507/mo | $739/mo | $854/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $574/mo | $838/mo | $969/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $636/mo | $927/mo | $1,074/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $691/mo | $1,009/mo | $1,169/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $792/mo | $1,157/mo | $1,341/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $881/mo | $1,288/mo | $1,493/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Tennessee
Tennessee uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.
Factors That Affect Child Support in Tennessee
Important Notes for Tennessee
- Tennessee uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
- Adjusted gross income is calculated by subtracting pre-existing child support orders, alimony paid, and self-employment taxes from gross income.
- Tennessee recognizes three parenting time categories: Standard (0-92 days), Alternate Residential Parent (93-109 days), and Equal Parenting (110+ days), each with different adjustment calculations.
- The court may deviate from guidelines based on extraordinary educational expenses, travel costs for visitation, or the child's special needs.
Example Child Support Calculation in Tennessee
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.
Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Child Support
How is child support calculated in Tennessee?
What are the parenting time categories in Tennessee?
What income is used for Tennessee child support?
Can child support be modified in Tennessee?
How long does child support last in Tennessee?
About This Calculator
This calculator uses the official Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Tennessee. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Tennessee courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Tennessee family law attorney.
Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-101). Updated for 2026.