How is child support calculated? Child support calculations in Tennessee are complicated, but essentially the court will determine the parties' incomes and will establish a total "household" income. A parenting schedule is then established, resulting in the total number of days each parent will exercise parenting time. The total household income is then divided between those parenting days, to provide a consistent standard of living for the child regardless of which home they are in. The following factors determine child support: The gross income of each parent The amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren) The number of children being supported. The Income of Each Parent: In the simplest case, your gross income will be found on your W-2 form. However, in some cases determining income can be more difficult. As a general rule, income includes all money from whatever source received and includes things such as gambling winnings, disability payments, workers’ compensation payments, and money received from personal injury lawsuits or claims. The Amount of Time Each Parent Spends with The Child: Typically, the more time a parent spends with the child, the less that parent is required to pay in child support. The logic is that parents will be spending money to support their children’s needs and wellbeing when they are with the children. Child support is intended to maintain that financial support when the children are with their other parent. The Number of Children Being Supported: The number of children being supported is factored into the total amount of child support needed, and parents will get credit on the child support worksheet for any child support they may be paying for children with different parents. Other Credit Given to Each Parent: In addition to receiving credit for any other children each parent is already supporting, both parents will get credit on the child support worksheet for work-related childcare expenses they are paying and for health insurance premiums paid for the children's portion of the health insurance. The basic steps the court will take in determining child support are: A determination of the parties' income is made; A total "household" income of both parties is established; A parenting schedule is established, resulting in the total number of days each parent will exercise; and The total household income is divided between those parenting days, to provide a consistent standard of living for the child regardless of which home they are in Child support is complicated. We suggest retaining an attorney to assist in ensuring that child suppurt has been correctly calculated, and that you are getting all of the credit you are entitled to.
What all is involved in a divorce with minor children? Property Division: For a divorce in Tennessee, marital property is divided through equitable distribution. Marital property is anything that either party acquired after the marriage. Marital property must be divided equitably and in a manner that is reasonable and fair, although not necessarily equally. If one spouse has spent all of their time at home with the children, for example, the judge will view that time as a homemaker as a substantial contribution to maintaining the household. Who gets the house? The judge will view the marital residence as marital property, and not as an emotional place where the children should remain. If the parties can’t reach an agreement as to who should remain in the home, and how the other spouse should receive their portion of the equity, the judge will order the house be sold and will divide any profit equitably. Parenting Plan: In Tennessee, a “Permanent Parenting Plan” (PPP) is required to be filed in order for parents of minor children to get a divorce. PPPs can be completed by the parties or their attorneys and are formal, enforceable agreements. If the parties cannot agree to the terms of a PPP, each parent must file his or her own proposed PPP with the court and may be required to attend mediation to resolve the differences. If an agreement on the differences cannot be met during mediation, the court will determine a PPP for the parties. Drafting a PPP correctly and in a way that the judge will approve is very difficult and should not be attempted without the assistance of a qualified divorce attorney. Parenting Education Seminar: A Parenting Education Seminar gives parents information to deal with their children and with each other during and after the divorce. In any divorce where a PPP is entered, each parent is required to attend a Class. However, if the parties have reach an agreement on all of the terms of the PPP, the parties can file a waiver asking the court to waive the parenting seminar requirement. Child Support: Child support calculations are complicated, but essentially the court will determine the parties' incomes and will establish a total "household" income. A parenting schedule is then established, resulting in the total number of days each parent will exercise parenting time. The total household income is then divided between those parenting days, to provide a consistent standard of living for the child regardless of which home they are in. See our education center post on Child Support here for more info.
Who receives custody of a child when the parents are not married? In Tennessee, an unmarried mother automatically has physical and legal custody of her child. Because of this, unmarried fathers may face challenges when attempting to gain shared custody of their child. In these situations, it is important that a father wishing to establish his parental rights seek the help of an experienced family law attorney. How can an unmarried father obtain custody or visitation rights for his child? The first step a father can take to receive custody rights is to first establish paternity. A presumption of paternity only exists if: The parents were married to each other at the time of birth or within 300 days prior to it. The parents married after the child’s birth and the man registered as a putative father, consented to be listed on the child’s birth certificate, or consented to provide support to the child. The nonparent man has brought the child into his home and held him out as his son or daughter. How can an unmarried father establish paternity? The father and mother can always agree to a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity document at the hospital to establish paternity. However, if the parents aren’t able to come to this type of agreement, a father may file a petition to establish paternity in a Tennessee court. In Nashville and in most counties, this petition would be filed in Juvenile Court. After the petition is filed, the court may order DNA testing to establish paternity. If the father is able to successfully prove paternity, the court then enters an order of parentage to legally establish the father’s paternity. How does an unmarried father receive custody once he has established paternity? Once parentage has been established, the father can then petition the court for custody or visitation time with his child. The court makes all child custody decisions at their own discretion and every case is different, but the court will keep the best interests of the child in mind. The parents will have to either agree to a Permanent Parenting Plan, or if an agreement cannot be reached, both parties can submit their proposed parenting plans to the court and the judge will decide, following a trial, what the best parenting plan is for the child. This plan will establish, among other things, who the primary residential parent will be, what the parenting schedule will be (including holidays and school vacations), and what the child support obligation will be for the alternative residential parent. If you are an unmarried father that is being prevented from spending time with your child, it can be a challenge to receive the parenting time that you want. If you wish to assert your right to play an active role as a father in your child’s life, you need an advocate to keep you and your child’s best interests in mind. Call the attorneys at Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC today at (615) 649-0110. We understand family law in Nashville, Tennessee and we’re here to help. Click here for more child custody related education center posts.
Modifying a Permanent Parenting Plan Anytime that parties with minor children are divorcing, a “permanent parenting plan” is required before the divorce can be finalized. Parties that have not been married may also have a permanent parenting plan as a result of a juvenile court proceeding. The permanent parenting plan essentially establishes the parties total number of parenting days each year, how holidays are divided, how much child support is to be paid, and who is responsible for things like health insurance. In an attempt to provide children with stability and predictability, a permanent parenting plan is intended to be as “permanent” as possible, but there are times when a modification is both appropriate and necessary. However, before a court can modify a permanent parenting plan, or otherwise change custody of a child, the court must consider whether there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances that justifies the change. If there has not been a substantial and material change in circumstances then the court will not modify the parenting plan or make any custody changes. However, if there is a substantial and material change in circumstances, you must also prove that the modification is in the best interests of the child. Generally speaking, a substantial and material change in circumstances is something that alters the conditions of the child’s life significantly enough to justify the court making a change. However, the threshold in determining whether a substantial and material change in circumstances exists depends on the significance of the requested modification. For example, if you are the alternate residential parent and you want to modify the parenting plan to become the primary residential parent, the threshold is significantly higher than it would be if you wanted one more week of parenting time in the summer. Nonetheless, no matter what the threshold, determining whether a substantial and material change in circumstances exists depends on what has changed since the last court order. For examples of what may constitute a substantial and material change in circumstances see our Education Center post on What Constitutes a Substantial and Material Change in Circumstances. If you are able to prove that there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances, the Court will then consider whether the modification serves the best interest of the child. Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-6-106 lays out relevant factors that the court should consider when making this determination. For more information about the factors the court considers, see our Education Center post Is the Modification of the Parenting Plan in the Best Interest of the Child. If there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances such that a modification of the permanent parenting plan is in the best interest of the child, then the courts may modify your parenting plan and give you more time with your child. An experienced family law attorney can advocate on your behalf in custody and child support disputes. The attorneys at Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC provide comprehensive legal guidance to individuals in all aspects of family law, including child support, child custody, and divorce matters. Call 615-649-0110 to schedule a consultation today.
When Is the Modification of a Parenting Plan in the Best Interest of the Child? There are two conditions that apply to every modification of a permanent parenting plan or child custody agreement. First, you must prove that there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances since the parenting plan or child custody agreement was ordered by the court. Second, if there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances, you must prove that any modification or change will serve the best interests of the child or children. In determining whether a change meets the best interests of the child, the court should consider all relevant factors, including the following: The strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent, including whether one parent has performed the majority of parenting responsibilities relating to the daily needs of the child; Each parent’s or caregiver’s past and potential for future performance of parenting responsibilities; The disposition of each parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, education and other necessary care; The degree to which a parent has been the primary caregiver; The love, affection, and emotional ties existing between each parent and the child; The emotional needs and developmental level of the child; The moral, physical, mental and emotional fitness of each parent as it relates to their ability to parent the child; The child’s interaction and interrelationships with siblings, other relatives and step-relatives, and mentors, as well as the child’s involvement with the child’s physical surroundings, school, or other significant activities; The importance of continuity in the child’s life and the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment; Evidence of physical or emotional abuse to the child, to the other parent, or to any other person; The character and behavior of any other person who resides in or frequents the home of a parent and such person’s interactions with the child; The reasonable preference of the child if twelve years of age or older; and Each parent’s employment schedule. Of course, these are just a few examples of factors that the court may consider. Ultimately, whether a modification of the parenting plan or a change in custody is in the best interest of the child depends on the specific facts of each individual case. If you are looking to change your current parenting plan, you should begin the process by consulting with an experienced family law attorney. Each case is unique and will require a strategy tailored to your goals. Our family law attorneys are here to provide you with the guidance you need for the custody arrangement that is best for your child. Call 615-649-0110 to schedule a consultation today.
What Constitutes a Substantial and Material Change in Circumstances? Prior to any modifications or changes to a permanent parenting plan in Tennessee, there must first be a substantial and material change in circumstances. This determination will depend on the specific facts of your case. A substantial and material change in circumstances does not require a substantial risk of harm to the child, but the change must alter the conditions of the child’s life in a way that a modification is in the best interest of the child or children. The following are examples of situations that may constitute a substantial and material change in circumstances justifying a modification of the parenting plan: Remarriage of a party One parent attempting to impair or interfere with the child’s relationship with the other parent Changes in the home surroundings Mistreatment of a child by a parent or a stepparent A parent’s drug or alcohol abuse A parent’s criminal convictio A parent’s failure to comply with a CPS family service plan; Taking a child out of state or denying possession A parent’s relocation A child’s desire Changes relating to the child’s age Changes in a parent’s living or working conditions Failure to adhere to the parenting plan This list, however, is not exhaustive and determining whether there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances depends on the specific facts of your case. Modifying an existing parenting plan or custody agreement can be complicated and time consuming. It is best to hire an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through these difficult times. Ryan C. Davis Law is here to help you prepare a plan tailored to your goals. Reach out to us at 615-649-0110 to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and learn what options may be available to you.
¿Cómo se calcula la manutención de los hijos? Los cálculos de manutención infantil en Tennessee son complicados, pero esencialmente el tribunal determinará los ingresos de las partes y establecerá un ingreso total "del hogar". Luego se establece un horario de crianza, que da como resultado el número total de días que cada padre ejercerá el tiempo de crianza. Luego, el ingreso total del hogar se divide entre esos días de crianza, para proporcionar un nivel de vida constante para el niño, independientemente del hogar en el que se encuentre. Los siguientes factores determinan la manutención de los hijos: El ingreso bruto de cada padre. La cantidad de tiempo que cada padre pasa con sus hijos. El número de niños que reciben apoyo. Los ingresos de cada padre: En el caso más simple, su ingreso bruto se encontrará en su formulario W-2. Sin embargo, en algunos casos determinar los ingresos puede resultar más difícil. Como regla general, los ingresos incluyen todo el dinero recibido de cualquier fuente e incluye cosas como ganancias de juegos de azar, pagos por incapacidad, pagos de compensación laboral y dinero recibido de demandas o reclamos por lesiones personales. La cantidad de tiempo que cada padre pasa con el niño: Por lo general, cuanto más tiempo pasa un padre con su hijo, menos debe pagar en concepto de manutención. La lógica es que los padres gastarán dinero para satisfacer las necesidades y el bienestar de sus hijos cuando estén con ellos. La manutención de los hijos tiene como objetivo mantener ese apoyo financiero cuando los hijos están con su otro padre. El número de niños que reciben apoyo: La cantidad de niños que reciben manutención se tiene en cuenta en el monto total de manutención infantil necesaria, y los padres recibirán crédito en la hoja de cálculo de manutención infantil por cualquier manutención infantil que puedan estar pagando por niños con padres diferentes. Otro crédito otorgado a cada padre: Además de recibir crédito por cualquier otro niño que cada padre ya esté manteniendo, ambos padres recibirán crédito en la hoja de cálculo de manutención infantil por los gastos de cuidado infantil relacionados con el trabajo que están pagando y por las primas del seguro médico pagadas por la parte del seguro médico de los niños. Los pasos básicos que tomará el tribunal para determinar la manutención de los hijos son: Se realiza una determinación de los ingresos de las partes; Se establece un ingreso total "del hogar" de ambas partes; Se establece un horario de crianza, dando como resultado el número total de días que ejercerá cada padre; y El ingreso total del hogar se divide entre esos días de crianza, para proporcionar un nivel de vida constante para el niño independientemente del hogar en el que se encuentre. La manutención de los hijos es complicada. Le sugerimos contratar a un abogado para que le ayude a garantizar que la manutención de los hijos se haya calculado correctamente y que usted obtenga todo el crédito al que tiene derecho. Para programar una consulta con nuestros abogados de divorcio, llame al 1-888-368-2269.
¿Cuánto tiempo debo vivir en Tennessee antes de poder divorciarme? En términos generales, debe residir en Tennessee durante al menos 6 meses antes de poder solicitar el divorcio en Tennessee. ¿Cuánto tiempo lleva un divorcio? Para un divorcio en el que no hay hijos menores involucrados, existe un período obligatorio de "reflexión" de 60 días después de que uno de los cónyuges presenta la demanda de divorcio antes de que se pueda finalizar el divorcio. Por tanto, lo más rápido que se puede completar un divorcio sin hijos es 60 días. Si la pareja que se divorcia tiene hijos menores, el plazo de reflexión se amplía a 90 días. Estos períodos de reflexión están diseñados intencionalmente para ralentizar los divorcios, de modo que las parejas que se divorcian puedan contemplar si divorciarse es lo que realmente desean hacer o no. En realidad, incluso los divorcios amistosos y sin oposición suelen tardar unos meses en completarse, siempre que su abogado sea minucioso y se asegure de que su divorcio se maneje adecuadamente. Por otro lado, un divorcio con disputa puede tardar desde unos pocos meses hasta varios años en completarse, dependiendo de una variedad de factores. ¿Puedo obtener una anulación? Casi nunca. En una anulación, el tribunal trata a la pareja como si nunca hubieran estado casados. Una anulación puede estar disponible si el matrimonio se celebró ilegalmente, como si una de las partes ya estuviera casada o si el matrimonio se basó en fraude o coacción. Pero normalmente la mayoría de los matrimonios no cumplen con los requisitos para una anulación. ¿Qué es la mediación y cuándo es necesaria? La mediación es un proceso extrajudicial para que los cónyuges que se divorcian resuelvan cuestiones relacionadas con su divorcio, en lugar de tener un juicio para que un juez decida. Un mediador, que es un tercero neutral y capacitado, facilitará una conversación entre los cónyuges para intentar resolver cualquier problema relacionado con el divorcio. La mediación suele ser beneficiosa cuando se trata de cuestiones de custodia y visitas de los hijos. Muchas partes en divorcio quieren intentar la mediación prematuramente y sin la asistencia de un abogado. Sin embargo, la mediación es mucho más exitosa si los abogados de las partes han podido limitar los temas en disputa y enfocar la mediación solo en los temas más difíciles del caso. ¿Qué pasa si mi cónyuge no participa en el proceso de divorcio? En Tennessee, si un cónyuge se niega a participar en el divorcio después de haber recibido una demanda de divorcio, existen formas de hacer avanzar el divorcio. Una vez que una de las partes haya presentado y notificado la demanda de divorcio a la otra parte, tendrá 30 días para presentar una respuesta a la demanda ante el tribunal. Si no se presenta una respuesta, su abogado puede presentar una moción de sentencia por defecto, que solicita al tribunal que conceda el divorcio por defecto. Si el juez determina que los documentos de divorcio se han entregado correctamente y ha habido tiempo suficiente para que la parte contraria presente su respuesta, el juez puede otorgar una sentencia por defecto para el divorcio, a pesar de que uno de los cónyuges no firmó nada ni participó en el proceso de divorcio. ¿Es Tennessee un estado de divorcio sin culpa? Sí. Tennessee ofrece divorcios por motivos tanto con culpa como sin culpa. Un motivo de divorcio sin culpa significa esencialmente que la pareja que se divorcia está de acuerdo con las declaraciones de la demanda de divorcio y solicita al tribunal que apruebe su divorcio acordado. Esto se conoce comúnmente como “diferencias irreconciliables” o divorcio sin disputa, lo que significa que la pareja que se divorcia acepta que no hay manera de reparar su relación y, por lo tanto, tienen diferencias irreconciliables que les impiden vivir juntos como marido y mujer. Este tipo de divorcio sólo se puede utilizar cuando el divorcio es de mutuo acuerdo y no hay disputa sobre cómo se deben dividir los bienes conyugales. ¿Cuánto cuesta un divorcio disputado? Es casi imposible estimar el costo de un divorcio con disputa. Es por eso que los abogados de divorcios generalmente exigen anticipos y facturan por horas para los divorcios con disputas. Para algunas parejas que se divorcian y que atraviesan un divorcio disputados, es decir, que hay algunas cuestiones en las que las partes no pueden ponerse de acuerdo, el costo puede ser de sólo unos pocos miles de dólares. Sin embargo, para las parejas que se divorcian y que están experimentando desacuerdos importantes en asuntos como la división de bienes, la custodia de los hijos y la pensión alimenticia, literalmente no hay límite en cuanto a lo que podría costar un divorcio. ¿Puedo restaurar mi apellido de soltera o soltero al momento del divorcio? Sí, una esposa que se divorcia puede restaurar su apellido acutal a su apellido de soltera como parte del procedimiento de divorcio, y es muy común que un cónyuge que se divorcia lo haga. ¿Qué tan rápido después de un divorcio puede un cónyuge volver a casarse? En Tennessee, no puede volver a casarse hasta que su divorcio haya sido definitivo durante 30 días, ya que existe un período de apelación de 30 días después de la emisión de la sentencia de divorcio. Sin embargo, el sentido común probablemente diría que, en cualquier caso, se le dé algo de tiempo antes de volver a casarse. ¿Puedo salir con otra persona mientras mi divorcio está pendiente? Aunque muchos cónyuges que se divorcian comienzan a salir una vez que se separan de su cónyuge, es importante recordar que entablar una relación romántica antes de que el divorcio sea definitivo todavía se considera adulterio. Dependiendo de los problemas de su caso, esto podría tener un impacto en el resultado de su divorcio. En resumen, no empieces a tener citas hasta que estés divorciado. Para programar una consulta con nuestros abogados de divorcio, llame al 1-888-368-2269.