DHS Child Support
DHS offers services to parents or legal guardians seeking financial and medical support for their children
- Agency
- Tennessee Department of Human Services
- Type
- State Resource
- Phone
- 1-800-838-6911, 1-615-313-4700
- Application Period
- Income Limit
DHS offers services to parents or legal guardians seeking financial and medical support for their children. Services include locating a missing parent, establishing paternity, obtaining or modifying court orders, and enforcing those orders.
DHS offers services to parents or legal guardians seeking financial and medical support for their children. Services include locating a missing parent, establishing paternity, obtaining or modifying court orders, and enforcing those orders.
Images & PDFs
TDHS FY 2023 Expenditures Chart
A pie chart depicting Tennessee Department of Human Services expenditures for the fiscal year 2023 across various services including Family Assistance & Child Support.
View Full ImageTN.gov Family Assistance & Child Support Allocation
A breakdown of budgeting allocations for various departments within Tennessee's Department of Human Services, primarily focused on family assistance and child support.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
Child Support Program Outcomes: The Benefits of Child Support for Families
6/15/2021 | Coverage: national
This report highlights the various benefits of child support programs, including financial stability for families and their positive impacts on children's well-being.
Source: Administration for Children & Families
Coverage Area: national
Economic Analysis of Child Support Enforcement in Tennessee
9/10/2020 | Coverage: state
This state-level analysis provides insights into how child support enforcement assists families in overcoming economic challenges, particularly in light of rising living costs.
Source: Tennessee Department of Human Services
Coverage Area: state
The Impact of Economic Hardship on Child Support Collection
11/22/2022 | Coverage: national
This report discusses the intersection of economic hardship and child support collection, illustrating the critical need for these services as financial pressures rise.
Source: National Child Support Association
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act Provisions
9/25/2014The ACA included provisions to improve child support enforcement by ensuring that parents had access to healthcare coverage, which indirectly supported child well-being.
Creation of the Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS)
5/2/2002The FPLS was established to assist states in locating non-custodial parents for the purposes of enforcing child support obligations.
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
8/22/1996This legislation revamped the welfare system and included stricter child support enforcement measures, requiring states to enhance their child support programs.
Establishment of Child Support Enforcement Program
1/1/1975The federal government established the Child Support Enforcement program under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, aiming to provide assistance to custodial parents in obtaining support.
FAQ
To establish child support in Tennessee, the following steps should be taken: you must first file a petition for child support through the appropriate court. This petition will be reviewed, and a hearing may be scheduled to determine the support amount. Evidence regarding each parent's income, needs of the child, and any additional factors will be considered.
Here is a quick checklist for establishing child support:
- Gather necessary documentation (income statements, expenses, etc.)
- File a petition for child support with the court
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- Provide evidence and testimony if required
- Receive the court's order for child support
Completing these steps will help ensure a smooth process for establishing child support.
Reference: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-support.html
Child support in Tennessee is a financial obligation that a non-custodial parent pays to help support their child's needs. The calculation is typically based on a formula that considers both parents' incomes, the number of children, and other relevant factors. The Tennessee Child Support Guidelines provide a structured approach to determining the amount.
Reference: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-support.html
If you find yourself unable to pay your child support, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact the Child Support office as soon as possible to discuss your situation. You may need to file a petition to modify your support order, providing documentation of your current financial status. Failure to pay can lead to legal consequences.
Here are some action items to take if you cannot meet your child support obligations:
- Contact the Child Support office immediately
- Gather documentation of your current income and expenses
- Consider filing a petition to modify your child support order
- Stay informed about your legal responsibilities and rights
Taking these steps can help you navigate your financial difficulties while fulfilling your child support responsibilities.
Reference: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-support.html
This information is not legal advice and should not be taken as such.
