Tennessee Child Support Modification and Enforcement Attorneys

Legal issues involving child support can arise in many different contexts for both married and unmarried parents. Kizer & Black, Attorneys, PLLC, in Maryville and Lenoir City, Tennessee, offers legal advice and counsel on child support issues ranging from establishing child support in a divorce or paternity action to requesting modification or enforcement of an existing child support order.

At Kizer & Black, Attorneys, PLLC, child support matters are handled by family law attorney Elizabeth Maxey Hackworth. If you have questions about Tennessee child support guidelines, or you would like to discuss your child support concerns with a lawyer, contact us to schedule an appointment with Ms. Hackworth.

Establish Paternity and Child Support

In situations involving unmarried parents, it is necessary to establish paternity before the court will issue child support orders or provide the father with rights to seek visitation or child custody. Kizer & Black, Attorneys, PLLC, represents both mothers and fathers in paternity actions in Tennessee.

Child Support Modification

While child support is established using the Tennessee child support guidelines, the initial child support order may not address the needs of the child during the entire duration of the child's minority. Tennessee courts will consider a modification of child support if there has been a significant variance between the guidelines and the current support order. Either the recipient of the child support or the person paying the support may ask the court to modify (increase or decrease) the child support amount. Examples of situations in which modification may be appropriate include:

• Job loss
• Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
• Change in the co-parenting schedule
• Special needs of the child
• A child has reached the age of majority
• Significant increase or decrease in the cost of work-related childcare
• Significant increase or decrease in the cost of health insurance for the child

Child Support Enforcement

When a parent fails to pay child support that has been ordered by the court, it may be necessary to request that the court enforce the child support order. Child support enforcement could result in judgment liens, wage garnishments and other means to collect unpaid child support.

Whether representing you in a paternity case, a child support modification or a child support enforcement action, we focus on your unique situation and achieving a solution that meets the needs of you and your family. Contact us for legal representation in Knoxville or throughout East Tennessee.