How Tennessee Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Tennessee, each installment becomes a judgment, a summons or attachment with a bond of at least $250 can issue after 30 days, and licenses can be revoked on a court finding of noncompliance.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Tennessee?
Each unpaid installment becomes a judgment that can be enforced like any other (Tenn. Code 36-5-101(f)(1); 1240-02-04-.05(8)). If you are more than 30 days in arrears, the clerk can, on written application of the obligee or the state agency, issue a summons or, in the court’s discretion, an attachment, with a bond of at least $250 or up to the arrears, and the court may require security for past, present and future support ((f)(2)).
How much can Tennessee take from my paycheck?
Federal law caps withholding at 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)).
| If the person | Limit | If support is more than 12 weeks overdue |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting a spouse or another child | 50% | 55% |
| Not supporting a spouse or another child | 60% | 65% |
Can a court order for a set payment stop other collection?
No. An order directing a sum certain toward arrears does not stop the state agency from using other administrative means, such as tax refund intercepts, financial institution collections and liens, and any court order to the contrary has no effect ((f)(4)).
When can a license be revoked?
When the obligee, or the state agency in IV-D cases, specifically asks for it because the obligor is not in compliance with an order of support, the court can find noncompliance as defined in part 7 of the chapter and direct that licenses be subject to revocation, denial or suspension; the clerk sends the order to the department, which sends it to each licensing authority, and costs are taxed to the obligor ((f)(5)(A)). When you comply, the court enters an order and licenses are issued, renewed or reinstated ((f)(5)(B)). We did not read the part 7 compliance threshold, so ask the clerk.
Does a bond hearing cost me?
Costs related to a license order are taxed to the obligor, and the court may also tax costs of the enforcement proceeding; ask the clerk what applies (36-5-101(f)(5)(A)).
Can they take my tax refund or bank account?
The state agency may use administrative means such as income tax refund intercepts, financial institution collections and liens to collect the outstanding balance (36-5-101(f)(4)).
Can they use my bond?
If you fail to appear or fail without good cause to comply with the order, a bond given for support may be forfeited, with the proceeds paid to the court clerk and applied to the order ((f)(2)).
What about passports?
If a state agency certifies that a person owes child support arrearages of more than $2,500, federal law requires refusal of a passport (42 U.S.C. 652(k)). The Tennessee arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice, ask the court for a payment plan, add up the balance in the Tennessee child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Tennessee?
Each unpaid installment is a judgment, and a summons or attachment with a bond can follow after 30 days.
How much of my paycheck can Tennessee take for child support?
Federal law limits it to 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue.
Can Tennessee revoke my license for unpaid child support?
Yes, on a court finding of noncompliance under part 7, sent to each licensing authority.
Does a Tennessee payment order stop tax refund intercepts?
No. The state agency can still use other administrative means.
When can the passport of a Tennessee parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- Tenn. Code 36-5-101(f): judgments, interest, enforcement
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04-.05(8): installments as judgments
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Tennessee statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Tennessee attorney.