Review and Adjustment

The custodial and non-custodial parents both have the right to request a review for possible adjustment of the child support order at any time. The TDHS Child Support Program may initiate a review once they become aware of a change in circumstances of either party in a IV-D case. A significant variance is required for adjustment of an existing order.

If the case has had a complete review, either judicially or administratively, within two (2) years of the request, the party requesting the review is required to provide the caseworker with information to indicate there has been a change before a new review will be initiated.

The change of circumstances could include, but are not limited to:

• Either party has an additional child for whom the party is legally responsible and actually supporting who was not included on the most recent credit worksheet;
• Either party has a qualified other child who was included on the last credit worksheet who has emancipated or is deceased;
• Either party has a significant change in income. This change could be from a job loss or change in employment, an inheritance, lottery winnings, or other source;
• A child supported by the order has become disabled.
• The noncustodial parent is incarcerated (or will be incarcerated) for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or greater.

A significant variance for adjustment of an income shares order requires a minimum 15% difference between the amount of the proposed order and the amount of the existing order.

Both parties will be mailed an Affidavit of Income and Expenses, when the review process begins. It is very important that this document be completed by both parties and returned to the child support office. Current income information for both parties will be reviewed to determine if an adjustment is appropriate based on the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines.

The review and adjustment may be conducted judicially by the court or administratively by the Department of Human Services and/or a local child support office.

Informational Brochures – Review and Adjustment Process

If you are interested in learning more about the review and adjustment process, you may contact your local child support office. Click Child Support Office Locator Map to find the office which serves the county in which you live.