Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Children | Parent A AGI | Parent B AGI | Add-ons | Estimated payer share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard two-child case | 2 | $3,950 | $3,350 | $470 | 45.89% |
| One child with insurance | 1 | $2,800 | $4,000 | $150 | 58.82% |
| Three children with child care | 3 | $5,000 | $3,500 | $650 | 41.18% |
Formula Used
The calculator uses a planning version of the Income Shares method. First, it subtracts entered adjustments from each parent's gross monthly income. This gives adjusted gross income for each parent.
Combined AGI = Parent A AGI + Parent B AGI. Income share = parent AGI ÷ combined AGI. Basic support comes from the 2017-style Tennessee schedule anchors. The tool interpolates between anchor rows.
Add-on expenses = child care + health insurance + recurring medical + other approved expenses. Payer obligation = basic support × payer share. Add-on share = add-on expenses × payer share.
Final support = payer basic share + payer add-on share − direct credit − parenting credit ± deviation + arrears − prior payments. The selected payment frequency converts the monthly result into weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly amounts.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter each parent's monthly gross income. Add only adjustments that are allowed for your worksheet review. Choose the number of children covered by the support case.
Add monthly child care, insurance, medical, and approved recurring costs. Select the paying parent. Add direct credits if the paying parent already pays a qualifying expense.
Use the parenting credit and deviation boxes carefully. These fields are manual because case facts can differ. Press the calculate button. The estimate appears above the form.
Review the chart and table. Download the CSV file for spreadsheet work. Download the PDF for sharing or record keeping.
Tennessee Child Support Planning Guide
Why the 2017 Estimate Matters
A Tennessee child support estimate helps parents review expected monthly support before a meeting, mediation, or filing. The 2017 approach uses shared income. This means both parents matter in the calculation. The paying parent is not reviewed alone. The number of children also changes the basic support amount. Higher child counts usually raise the combined support obligation.
Income Shares in Simple Terms
Income Shares tries to divide support by each parent's income share. The calculator first creates adjusted monthly income. Then it combines both adjusted amounts. Each parent's percentage is calculated from that total. The payer's percentage is applied to the scheduled support amount. This gives the payer's basic share.
Expenses and Credits
Child care, insurance, and recurring medical costs can affect the result. These costs are entered as monthly amounts. The calculator allocates them by income share. Direct credits reduce the payer's result when entered. Parenting time and court deviations can also change the estimate. Those fields are manual because facts vary.
Using Results Carefully
Treat the result as a planning figure. It can help compare scenarios. It can also show how income changes affect support. Still, a real case may require official worksheet entries. A judge or tribunal can set the final obligation. Keep records for every number entered. Save the CSV or PDF for review. Update the estimate when income or expenses change.
FAQs
Is this calculator an official Tennessee worksheet?
No. It is a planning estimator. It helps organize income, expenses, credits, and payment timing. Official worksheet review may require more fields and legal judgment.
What income should I enter?
Enter monthly gross income before regular deductions. Then enter monthly adjustments separately. Use amounts that match your worksheet records, pay documents, or professional guidance.
What are monthly adjustments?
Adjustments may include allowed support credits or deductions. The calculator does not decide legal eligibility. Enter only amounts you believe are allowed for review.
How are child care and insurance handled?
The calculator adds those costs to other child expenses. It then allocates them by the paying parent's income share. This creates an estimated add-on share.
What does parenting credit percent mean?
It is a manual reduction field. Use it only when a worksheet, order, or professional review supports a specific percentage for parenting time.
Can the result be negative?
No. The calculator floors the final monthly support estimate at zero. If minimum order is enabled, it can apply a minimum when support remains positive.
Why does high income use extra rates?
The schedule provides base amounts at the upper income limit. Amounts above that limit can be estimated by applying child-count rates to excess income.
Should I rely on this for court?
No. Use it for preparation and comparison. Final support should be reviewed with official tools, current rules, and qualified legal or agency guidance.