Child Support

Nashville Child Support Lawyers

Tennessee child support is based upon state guidelines. Your attorney will have limited ability to get your child support raised or lowered during your initial divorce trial. But you need a lawyer for more than just your initial child custody and support case.

• Contact a Nashville child support lawyer at Hewitt & Barry An Association of Attorneys when you need assistance with modification of a child support order, or when you are having problems paying or receiving child support.

Changes in Tennessee Child Support Laws

New Tennessee child support guidelines now consider the income of both parents. Under this "income shares" model, the primary residential parent (custodial parent) and the non-residential parent share in the financial support of a child.

In practical terms, this means that some residential parents will receive less money once their income is considered, and some non-residential parents will find their child support reduced.

Contact a Tennessee child support attorney at Hewitt & Barry if you would like more information about the income shares model and a review of the possible impact on your child support order. We can help you file a petition for modification of child support order if that's needed.

Nonpayment of Child Support

If your ex-spouse hasn't paid child support, he or she may be in contempt of a court order and you have a legal right to take the non-paying parent to court. We can help you prepare your case and win a judgment against the ex for garnishment of wages or tax refunds, or liens on property. This may seem difficult to you, but it's not to the child support lawyers at Hewitt & Barry. We can help you get this accomplished for your child's sake, as well as for yours.

If you have not paid your court-ordered child support and are now in contempt of your court order for payment, you need immediate legal help. At the law office of Hewitt & Barry, we understand that situations change: people get behind in payments, parents lose their jobs and fall into debt. Some people think they can make up the payments when things get better. That's just not the case.

Nonpayment of child support can have significant legal consequences. If you are behind in support or you think you will not be able to make your full payments, talk to a Nashville child support lawyer at Hewitt & Barry to understand your options.