Child Support Attorney in Johnson City, Jonesborough, Erwin, TN and All of East Tennessee

Child support is a critical part of ensuring that a child’s financial needs are met following a separation or divorce. At Lisa A. Witherspoon, Attorney At Law in Johnson City, TN, we help parents understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to child support. Whether you’re seeking a new support order, facing a dispute, or need help modifying an existing arrangement, we provide focused legal guidance rooted in Tennessee law.

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Establishing Child Support Orders in Tennessee

Child support obligations are generally established during a divorce, separation, or paternity case. Tennessee courts rely on a statewide formula to calculate support, considering the income of both parents, number of children, and parenting time. Key components of child support calculations include:

Gross Monthly Income of Each Parent

The court evaluates income from all sources, including wages, commissions, self-employment, and even certain benefits.

Parenting Schedule and Number of Overnight Stays

The more overnights a parent has, the more likely it may reduce their support obligation under the state's formula.

Childcare, Education, and Healthcare Costs

Necessary expenses like health insurance premiums, daycare, and school fees are factored into the final support amount.

Our firm ensures that all relevant financial information is accurately represented so the court’s decision reflects the actual needs and circumstances of the child.

Modifying an Existing Child Support Order

Over time, a child support arrangement may no longer fit the financial reality of either parent. Tennessee Law allows for modification of an existing child support order upon the showing of a significant variance. A significant variance is defined as at least a fifteen percent (15%) difference in the current support obligation and the proposed support obligation. Child support is calculated using each party’s gross income.

Circumstances That May Warrant Modification Include:

  • Job loss or substantial income change - If one parent experiences a major shift in earnings, the court may recalculate the obligation based on new financial data.
  • Change in custody or parenting time - If the number of overnights with the child shifts dramatically, the support obligation may be adjusted accordingly.
  • Medical or educational needs of the child - Unexpected expenses, such as a new diagnosis or school program, may justify a support increase or decrease.


Lisa A. Witherspoon helps clients formally petition for a change in support, ensuring that all documentation meets legal standards and deadlines.

Enforcing Child Support Obligations

If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, enforcement action may become necessary. Tennessee provides several legal tools to hold non-paying parents accountable.

Common Enforcement Strategies Include:

  • Wage garnishment and tax refund interception - Courts can direct employers to withhold support from a paycheck or seize tax refunds to cover unpaid support.
  • Suspension of licenses - Failure to pay can result in suspension of a driver’s license or professional license, depending on the amount owed.
  • Contempt proceedings and penalties - A parent may be found in contempt of court, which can lead to fines, jail time, or other legal consequences.


We assist clients in taking formal action when support is unpaid, as well as defending those who may be facing enforcement proceedings due to financial hardship or misunderstanding.

Child Support for Unmarried Parents

Child support is not limited to divorce cases. When unmarried parents have a child together, establishing paternity is the first legal step before a support order can be issued. The process typically involves:

Legal Establishment of Paternity

This may occur voluntarily or through DNA testing and a court order when parentage is disputed.

Determination of Financial Responsibility

Once parentage is confirmed, the court applies the same income-based formula to set support.

Lisa A. Witherspoon helps both mothers and fathers navigate these complex cases, ensuring fair support arrangements that prioritize the child’s well-being.

Child Support Services in Johnson City, Jonesborough, Erwin, TN and All of East Tennessee

Our firm is dedicated to serving families throughout Northeast Tennessee. Whether you're establishing, modifying, or enforcing a support order, we guide clients through every step of the legal process.

Johnson City, TN

Located in Washington County, our office represents local parents in child support hearings and related family court matters.

Jonesborough, TN

Washington County residents can rely on us for support orders, paternity actions, and modification petitions tailored to the county’s procedures.

Erwin, TN

In Unicoi County, we assist clients in securing child support that reflects both their needs and their child’s best interests.


With detailed knowledge of regional courts and Tennessee’s child support guidelines, Lisa A. Witherspoon, Attorney At Law ensures families are protected and heard.