Child support is rarely simple, even though it sounds like it on paper. One parent pays, the other receives, and the kids are taken care of. That’s ideal, but in real life, it’s rarely that smooth.
And in Memphis, fixing a bad child support order later is often harder, more expensive, and more stressful than getting it right the first time.
When income is miscalculated, parenting time isn’t properly credited, or paperwork doesn’t reflect real life, Shelby County courts don’t pause and ask questions. They make decisions based on what’s in front of them. And when information is missing or unclear, those decisions are often based on assumptions—not facts.
At Hackett Law, we’ve been working for over two decades as child support lawyers in Memphis, TN, on a mission to help all local families understand how their child support situation actually works, what Tennessee law requires of them, and how to protect their children and themselves from injustice.
The Real Risk of Handling Child Support Without a Lawyer
Child support is dictated by Tennessee guidelines, but how those guidelines are applied to your situation in Shelby County matters more than most people realize.
Parents usually run into trouble with child support due to:
Income doesn’t fit neatly into a paycheck: many parents work hourly, receive overtime, or have side income
Self-employment or variable income is hard to document
Parenting time on paper doesn’t match reality
Documentation is incomplete or misunderstood
Support orders are entered quickly and carry long-term weight
Once an order is in place, changing it requires proving a significant change in circumstances. Until then, the order stands—even if it no longer reflects reality. That means paying too much, receiving too little, or accumulating arrears based on an unrealistic calculation.
A child support lawyer in Memphis, TN, helps prevent those problems by making sure the court sees the full financial and parenting picture from the beginning. Proper documentation, clear explanations, and strategic presentation can make the difference between an order that works and one that creates long-term financial trouble.
Cookie-Cutter Plan Equals Failure
Not every family in Memphis fits the same generic plan—and their finances don’t either. And don’t worry, that’s ok. Many parents work hourly, shift-based, or contract jobs. Others own small businesses, freelance, or juggle multiple income streams. Some parents live just minutes apart, while others are managing custody across different neighborhoods, school zones, and work schedules. All of these factors can make calculating fair child support more complicated than it looks on paper.
Shelby County courts expect parents to provide:
Accurate, well-documented income information
Clear and realistic parenting schedules
Complete financial affidavits
Proper compliance with local filing procedures
When these requirements aren’t met, judges still have to make a decision, and they’ll do so based on whatever information is available. That can result in an order that doesn’t reflect your true financial situation or parenting arrangement.
A local child support lawyer in Memphis, TN,like our team here at Hackett Law, knows how Shelby County judges actually review these details. We understand how income is verified, how parenting time affects support calculations, and how to present the full picture so your order is fair, accurate, and sustainable.
How a Child Support Lawyer Can Help
At Hackett Law Firm, we know exactly how to leverage facts to our clients' benefit, predict moves before they are made, and protect our clients.
Setting Up Child Support
We ensure your initial order reflects true income, realistic parenting time, and complete financial information.
Modifying Child Support
Life changes; it’s normal. Jobs, schedules, or income can shift. We help you determine whether a modification is justified and help you through the legal process so you’re never overwhelmed by the legal system.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When payments aren’t being made, we take relentless legal action through Shelby County courts to ensure full compliance and protect your child’s well-being.
Defending Against Unfair Claims
If you’re facing accusations of underpayment or unreasonable support requests, we advocate strategically and fearlessly for your rights and present clear, credible information to the court.
Child Support Is More Than a Monthly Payment
Child support affects your financial stability and your child’s well-being. It determines:
How much money comes in or goes out each month
Who pays for health insurance
How uncovered medical or childcare expenses are handled
How education-related costs are divided
Even small errors in calculating support can add up over time. A well-prepared case ensures that your child receives the support they need and that parents are not overburdened or unfairly penalized.
Schedule an appointment with a child support attorney today
Whether you’re paying support, receiving it, or need to modify an existing order, the right legal guidance makes all the difference. A child support attorney in Memphis, TN, ensures your case is handled carefully, accurately, and with your family’s best interests in mind.
Reach out to us today for expert child support guidance.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions
-
In Memphis, child support isn't just a flat percentage; it’s based on the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents' incomes and the number of days spent with the child. If your income is miscalculated or your "parenting time" isn't properly credited, you could end up with an unfair order. A local lawyer ensures the math is right the first time, preventing expensive legal battles later.
-
The biggest mistake is relying on verbal agreements. Even if both parents agree to a lower payment, the Shelby County court only recognizes the written order. If you pay less than the order says—even with the other parent's permission—you are technically breaking the law and building up debt. Always get your agreements legalized by a judge.