6711DC44 A49F 4E55 8D4B 817DEEBBD24B scaled

How Child Support Is Calculated in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support, ensuring both parents contribute to their child’s financial needs based on their income and parenting responsibilities, including:

Our experienced Knoxville child support lawyer works to ensure child support calculations accurately reflect your family’s financial situation and comply with Tennessee law.

Our Child Support Legal Services

Child Support 7a911c0a597301737e15d534b242c9c1@2x

Establishing Child Support

We help parents obtain accurate child support orders that comply with Tennessee guidelines.


Child Support 51f0e935dfb50dc2f111fcc273c2bf48@2x

Child Support Enforcement

We assist parents when court-ordered child support payments are not being made.


Child Support a28db7b493e8cf4a278e51b80c5f0620@2x

Child Support Modification

When circumstances change, we help parents request modifications to existing child support orders.


Child Support 7a911c0a597301737e15d534b242c9c1@2x

Support Dispute Resolution

We represent parents during negotiations and contested child support proceedings.


knoxville divorce family Court 2 result

Legal Guidance & Representation

We provide ongoing legal advice throughout every stage of your child support matter.


6c03e9f0b70545fed4c82221b37bf07a@2x

Child Support Enforcement in Knoxville, Tennessee

When a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered support obligation, legal action may be necessary to protect your child’s financial well-being. Our experienced child support lawyers in Knoxville help parents enforce existing child support orders and pursue the payments their children deserve.

We assist with:

Our goal is to help ensure your child receives the financial support required under Tennessee law while protecting your legal rights throughout the enforcement process.

Client Reviews

Posted on Google Google
Micheal Rodgers profile picture
Micheal Rodgers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had nowhere to turn hadn’t seen my children for 2 months so I called Mr Sholly . He filed for emergency custody and after 4 months of fighting WE WON FULL CUSTODY of my 3 children. I would MOST DEFINITELY hire this man again and I highly recommend him to anyone that is battling. Thank you John I appreciate all you did for myself and my children.
Posted on Google Google
WLS Rosa profile picture
WLS Rosa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John is a courtroom warrior he will defend you like his life depended on it. Super great attorney highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Gina Lee Lewellyn profile picture
Gina Lee Lewellyn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mr. Sholly, Around 2015, i had got to know about you when I had to go to court for my first time at Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS Case Manager 2) and I remember very well you working hard and helping people going through hard times and you even That have been doing amazing things for others that needed some help. going to the court? Sometimes it's a great day. Some there are times it's not all that good, but seeing him get through that and helping people to get through it if it's a hard time or a wonderful day, I'm very proud a good person from what I have seen. now he is helping me because now I am disability because Stoke 9/26/2024 and now I have aphasia this is my first time about this that has happened , but I knew the best thing to do and to ask some help was about Mr. Sholly. Thank you!!! Regina Lewellyn
Posted on Google Google
Rene Hill profile picture
Rene Hill
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best lawyer in town!! So helpful and willing to fight for me!! Only a positive experience thank you!!!
Posted on Google Google
Michael Turney profile picture
Michael Turney
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Had a great experience. Very easy to work with and always straight to the point and always available. Would recommend him to everyone.
Posted on Google Google
Mila Nikitchuk profile picture
Mila Nikitchuk
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John Sholly is the best! My case was not simple but he was very helpful and did everything best to help me. I would definitely recommend him if you are looking for an attorney.
Posted on Google Google
Adrian West profile picture
Adrian West
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John Sholly is a great attorney he made the whole process easy! he got me everything I dissevered, and more I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a great attorney
Posted on Google Google
Peyton Gunter profile picture
Peyton Gunter
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paid in full…. Didn’t move my case forward whatsoever and made it out to be like it was the opposing counsel making it difficult. Never got proof of any work he actually did or didn’t do. Never got any paperwork of anything actually, other than what I already gave him. Charged me for texts/emails telling me when court was….. not happy with this counsel, I recommend seeking help elsewhere. This was a total waste of money and time. Do what you will with this information
Posted on Google Google
Gregory fleisch profile picture
Gregory fleisch
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
this lawyer is amazing, he took the time out to help me with a family situation, and it was out of his scope of practice due to elder care, but he took the time to listen to my story and referred me to a great lawyer, I would definitely use him if he could have helped me but unfortunately it was outside of his scope of practice and he was honest enough to tell me that and refer me to somebody else but nonetheless I was on the phone with him for 15 minutes and then he decided that he couldn't handle it and was gracious enough to send me to somebody else and I will tell you as a business owner not many attorneys are willing to do that 5 stars
27aaebaef7812b0176d51774967729dd@2x
ChatGPT Image Jun 25 2026 12 27 14 PM

Child Support Modification in Knoxville, TN

Life circumstances can change after a child support order is entered. A significant change in income, parenting time, or your child’s needs may justify modifying the existing order. An experienced attorney for child support can help determine whether you qualify for a modification and guide you through the legal process.

Common reasons for seeking a modification include:

Our Knoxville child support lawyer works to ensure your child support order accurately reflects your current circumstances and complies with Tennessee law.

Areas We Serve

Our Knoxville child support attorney proudly represents parents and families throughout Knoxville and surrounding East Tennessee communities, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

Under Tennessee law, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their minor children. Typically, the Alternate Residential Parent (ARP) pays child support to the Primary Residential Parent (PRP), based on the state’s child support guidelines.

Tennessee uses the Income Shares Model, which considers both parents’ income, parenting time, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and other child-related costs to determine an appropriate support amount.

Child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. In certain situations, support may end earlier or continue longer depending on the child’s circumstances.

No. Parents cannot privately agree to eliminate child support obligations. Any deviation from Tennessee’s Child Support Guidelines must be approved by the court and supported by valid legal reasons.

Parents going through divorce or separation, unmarried parents after establishing paternity, and parents relying on informal support arrangements should establish a court-approved child support order to ensure it is legally enforceable.

Although direct payments are possible, they are generally discouraged because they can be difficult to verify. Tennessee recommends making payments through the Central Collections Unit to maintain an accurate payment history.

If a parent attempts to conceal income, the court may review financial records, subpoena documents, and determine income based on earning capacity to ensure child support is calculated fairly.

Yes. If there has been a significant change in income, parenting time, childcare costs, or your child’s financial needs, you may petition the court to modify the existing child support order.

Yes. Past-due child support, known as arrears, can generally be collected in Tennessee. Unpaid support may also accrue interest, and the court offers several enforcement options to recover outstanding payments.

Child support and custody are closely related because parenting time directly affects support calculations. Changes to custody or parenting schedules may also result in modifications to an existing child support order.

Get Trusted Help from an Attorney for Child Support

Contact us today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and speak with trusted child support attorneys committed to protecting your rights and your child’s future.

Tennessee Family Law Resources

Visitation Rights For Fathers

Tennessee Fathers’ Rights: Custody & Visitation Explained

When parents separate or go through divorce, maintaining a strong relationship with children becomes one of the most important concerns.…


Learn More Group 44729
Child Support Attorney

Child Support Attorney Guide: Protecting Your Rights and Your Child

Child support matters can be challenging for parents who are trying to understand their responsibilities, protect their children’s needs, and…


Learn More Group 44729
Family Law Attorney

7 Common Misconceptions About Family Law Attorneys and the Truth Behind Them

Family legal matters are often surrounded by misunderstandings, making it difficult for people to know when they should seek legal…


Learn More Group 44729
Family Law Attorney

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do? A Complete Guide for Tennessee Families

Family legal matters often involve important decisions that affect relationships, finances, children, and future plans. Whether you are preparing for…


Learn More Group 44729
Divorce Attorney

Why You Should Tell Your Divorce Attorney Everything

Divorce is one of the most personal legal processes a person can experience. It often involves sensitive conversations about finances,…


Learn More Group 44729
Child Custody

Joint vs. Sole Custody in Tennessee: Which Arrangement Is Right for Your Family?

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important decisions they face is determining the best custody arrangement for…


Learn More Group 44729