Child Support

When a child is born, they deserve to have the financial and emotional support of both parents. Once a parent is able to establish paternity they can legally ask the courts for child support on behalf of their child. Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to a custodial parent and is awarded during child custody cases. It may be awarded regardless of whether or not two parents of a child were ever married or are facing divorce.

If you are a parent experiencing child support issues, please contact Davis, Kessler & Davis immediately. We help parents who are seeking to establish child support or who are being asked to pay support. We can help to review the facts of a child support case, determine paternity if necessary, and file the proper paperwork with the courts showing income and other important items so that the child support amount awarded will be fair and realistic.

In Tennessee, the family law courts base the amount of child support to be paid on many different factors related to a child needs. Child support payments are made on a monthly basis up until the child is around age 18, unless special schooling or medical needs are present. In Tennessee there is a statewide child support calculator that is used in each and every case. This is utilized so that payments being paid and received are fair and accurate to each parent.

Child support is paid by the alternate residential parent to the primary residential parent in almost all cases. Child support is not awarded as a punishment, but rather as a payment that ensures children share in the resources of both parents. At Davis, Kessler & Davis, we are committed to helping parents establish child support payments that are fair, equitable, and in the best interests of the children.

Judges have broad discretion to award child support at levels that are in the best interest of children. Judges' views of child support guidelines and what is in the best interest of children can vary. We work closely with you to understand the needs of your children and work to get the support your children deserve.