Asked in Child Support for Tennessee

Q: I'm behind in my child support but paying what I can is it likely that state of Tennessee will still give me jail time?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Leonard Robert Grefseng
Answered
  • Columbia, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Its impossible to say based on the limited info you've provided. How far behind are you? How much do you earn and what are the other expenses ( child support is number one) ? do you have a history of getting behind and then catching up? Its not possible in this limited question/answer format to discuss and evaluate your exposure. Contempt of court ( jail) must be willful or intentional. The other side must prove you had the ability to pay and you decided not to pay or to use the money for something else instead of your support. This usually requires a detailed analysis of your wages and expenses. You should consult an experienced family law attorney to assist you, and if you can't afford an attorney, the Judge is supposed to appoint an attorney for you if you are in danger of going to jail.

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