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Modifying a child support order in Tennessee

Divorcing couples in Clarksville may still be required to work together on certain issues even after the dissolution of their marriages. If a couple has children, then custody arrangements as well as the financial support of the kids must be seen to. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that as recently as 2013, $32.9 billion in child support payments was due to custodial parents in America. The amount that was actually paid averaged out to roughly $3,950 per year per recipient.

For some, their ability to meet that obligation may change over time. Changes in circumstances may prompt either side of a child support case to ask that his or her current child support order be reviewed. If one’s case qualifies, then the court may permanently modify his or her award or obligation.

According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, both custodial and non-custodial parents can ask for a review of their current child support order. A non-custodial parent may initiate a review for any of the following reasons:

  • A loss of income
  • Becoming responsible for the care of another child
  • The emancipation or death of a child he or she had been supporting

A custodial parent may want to request a review if one of the children being support becomes disabled and thus requires further assistance. He or she may also ask for more to be paid if it is known that the obligor has come into money either through lottery winnings or an inheritance.

In order to qualify for a modification, it must be shown that a minimum difference of 15 percent in total income exists between the amount either party is making now and that which was being earned at the time of the initial order.