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Murfreesboro Child Support Modification Attorneys Understand Situations Change

More than 50 years of combined experience helping Tennessee families work through challenges and find healthy solutions

Following a divorce or separation, maintaining a supportive and stable environment for your children is a top priority. At the law firm of Pate & Knott Attorneys at Law, our Murfreesboro family law attorneys pride themselves on taking the time to listen to your concerns and understand your specific situation. We know each client and case is different and we treat each client with compassion and respect. Child support disputes often lead to additional litigation and we work hard to handle your case in an efficient manner so that your family is able to obtain a successful resolution that protects your child's best interests.

Don't let a change in circumstances lead to non-compliance with court-ordered child support

A court order establishing child support must be followed to avoid significant financial and legal consequences. Failure to comply with a child support order can lead to

  • Garnishment of your wages and other income such as federal tax refunds
  • Seizure of assets
  • Revocation of your driver's license or other professional licenses
  • Liens against your personal property and real estate holdings
  • Incarceration

In many cases, these types of sanctions are avoidable with a modification of your child support order. Under Tennessee law, there are specific guidelines for when and how to obtain a modification. All established and proposed presumptive child support orders are calculated using the Income Shares Model. Modifications are allowed if the court determines that a significant variance exists. A significant variance is defined as:

  • At least a 15% change between the current support amount and the proposed presumptive support amount or
  • At least a 7.5% change if the parent seeking the modification is a low-income provider.

A low-income provider is working at his or her full capacity based upon education and experience and falls at or below federal poverty level based on Adjusted Gross Income. Regardless of the presence of a significant variance, the court may also modify an established support order based on a child's healthcare needs. Common scenarios that often lead to a significant variance include a change in income due to a job change, parenting time modifications, a change in the number of children that are covered by the support order or changes in childcare arrangements.

How do I obtain a modification to a child support order?

To determine if your current child support order is eligible for a modification, the current order must be compared to a proposed order. A Child Support Worksheet is completed using the Income Shares Model using each party's current circumstances. If the comparison reveals that a significant variance is present, the order may be modified. It is important to note that a modification in child support does not eliminate any arrearages or affect any amount previously due before an action for modification is filed.  If a modification is appropriate, you must file the petition to modify immediately, as the courts cannot modify previous child support orders prior to the date you request a modification.  Our attorneys have decades of experience helping families through many different types of situations. We represent clients that are seeking modifications as well as clients opposing changes to established orders.

Contact a reputable Murfreesboro child support modification attorney with a proven track record of success

At Pate & Knott Attorneys at Law, we understand the emotional and financial strife involved in child support enforcement and modifications. The primary goal of our Murfreesboro child support modification attorneys is ensuring that each client receives the attention-to-detail and personalized representation that sets us apart from other firms. Our office is conveniently located near the judicial building on the square. We offer flexible appointment times and initial consultations. Call us at 615-848-1221 or contact us online to discuss your case today.

Free Consultation

The Firm of Pate and Knott charges no fee for the initial consultation regarding personal injury cases, including automobile/truck/motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents or any other type of accident caused by a third party. Call us at (615) 848-1221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Murfreesboro office. Evening and Saturday appointments available.

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