How to change child support in Tennessee

The rule for changing support, the forms, and a ready letter to the agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. Either parent can ask for a review at any time, but the order can be changed only if there is a significant variance: at least a 15% difference between the current order and the new guideline amount.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Child Support Modification brochure (English)

When you can ask for a change in Tennessee

Either parent can ask for a review at any time, but the order can be changed only if there is a significant variance: at least a 15% difference between the current order and the new guideline amount. If there was a full review in the last 2 years, you must first show a change (for example, a new child, a big income change, a child becoming disabled, or a parent jailed 180 days or more). The child's health care needs are always a reason to modify.

Law: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04-.05

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Tennessee's rule: Either parent can ask for a review at any time, but the order can be changed only if there is a significant variance: at least a 15% difference between the current order and the new guideline amount. If there was a full review in the last 2 years, you must first show a change (for example, a new child, a big income change, a child becoming disabled, or a parent jailed 180 days or more). The child's health care needs are always a reason to modify.

Law: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-02-04-.05

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Tennessee: Ask your local child support office for a review (both parents fill out an Affidavit of Income and Expenses) or file in court yourself. The review can be done by the court or administratively by DHS.

How a change is made in Tennessee

Ask your local child support office for a review (both parents fill out an Affidavit of Income and Expenses) or file in court yourself. The review can be done by the court or administratively by DHS.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

Incarceration and changes

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Your next steps in Tennessee

  1. Get the order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    Tennessee's rule: Either parent can ask for a review at any time, but the order can be changed only if there is a significant variance: at least a 15% difference between the current order and the new guideline amount.

  3. Show the change

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Ask for a review with Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Program ((833) 772-TDHS (8347)) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Legal aid can help for free: Help4TN (Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services).

Free help in Tennessee

Questions about changing support in Tennessee

What counts as a reason to change support in Tennessee?

Either parent can ask for a review at any time, but the order can be changed only if there is a significant variance: at least a 15% difference between the current order and the new guideline amount. If there was a full review in the last 2 years, you must first show a change (for example, a new child, a big income change, a child becoming disabled, or a parent jailed 180 days or more). The child's health care needs are always a reason to modify.

How do I request a review in Tennessee?

Ask your local child support office for a review (both parents fill out an Affidavit of Income and Expenses) or file in court yourself. The review can be done by the court or administratively by DHS.

Keep reading about Tennessee

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources