Quick answer: Child support modification in Tennessee turns on a significant variance: at least a 15% change from the guideline amount, or 7.5% for a low-income provider. Health care needs are another basis. Support due before filing and mailed notice cannot be modified.
This Tennessee child support modification calculator tests the significant variance under Tenn. Code 36-5-101(g). Enter your current order and the presumptive amount under the guidelines (you can get it from the Tennessee child support calculator), say whether the low-income line or a health care need applies, and it shows whether there is a significant variance and what the gap adds up to.
Tennessee child support modification at a glance
| Rule | What Tennessee says |
|---|---|
| Significant variance | The court shall decree an increase or decrease when there is a significant variance, as defined in the guidelines, between the guidelines and the amount ordered (Tenn. Code 36-5-101(g)(1)) |
| The line | At least a 15% change between the current order, excluding any deviation, and the proposed presumptive order; 7.5% for a low-income provider (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04-.05) |
| Health care | The need to provide for the child’s health care is a basis for modification regardless (36-5-101(g)(2)) |
| Another child | The birth or adoption of another child the obligor supports is a substantial and material change for seeking a review (36-5-101(g)(4)) |
| Arrears | The court may not refuse to consider a modification of future support just because you are in arrears, unless the arrears result from your intentional action (36-5-101(g)(3)) |
| Start date | No support is modifiable for any period before an action for modification is filed and notice has been mailed (36-5-101(f)(1)) |
How does child support modification work in Tennessee?
- Know the significant variance rule. See the Tennessee significant variance rule.
- File and mail notice promptly. See how to modify child support in Tennessee.
- Income problems and incarceration. See child support after job loss or incarceration in Tennessee and, for what stays owed, the Tennessee child support arrears calculator.
What does this modification calculator check?
The calculator compares your order with the presumptive guideline amount against the 15% line (7.5% for a low-income provider), shows the monthly gap and the accrued difference from notice, and notes that health care need is a separate basis. It cannot apply deviations or decide whether the court finds the proposed order correct.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Tennessee child support have to change to be modified?
A significant variance: at least a 15% change between the current order and the proposed presumptive order, or 7.5% for a low-income provider.
Can health care needs modify Tennessee child support?
Yes. The need to provide for the child's health care is a basis for modification whether or not the amount reaches the line.
From what date can Tennessee change child support?
Not for any period before an action for modification is filed and notice has been mailed to the other party's last known address.
Does owing arrears block a Tennessee modification?
No, unless the arrears result from the party's intentional action.
Does a new child change Tennessee child support?
The birth or adoption of another child the obligor supports is a substantial and material change for seeking a review.