Where to send Tennessee child support payments

Tennessee child support payments go to the Tennessee Child Support Centralized Collection Unit, not directly to the other parent. The state collects all payments through this single system, then distributes them to the parent or guardian owed the money. This applies whether your case is handled by the Tennessee Department of Human Services or a private attorney.

Payments can be made by check, money order, electronic transfer, or automatic payroll deduction. The address for mailed payments is on your court order or payment notice. Many people set up automatic deduction through their employer, which is the most reliable method because it happens before you receive your paycheck.

If you do not have a court order yet or do not know where to send payment, contact your local child support office. Each county in Tennessee has one, and they can tell you the exact payment method and address for your case.

Key Takeaways

  • All Tennessee child support payments go through the state's Centralized Collection Unit, which then sends the money to the parent or guardian owed support.
  • You can pay by check, money order, electronic transfer, or automatic payroll deduction — payroll deduction is the most common and reliable method.
  • Your payment address and method are listed on your court order or the payment notice you received from the child support office.
  • If your income changes or you cannot make a payment, you must contact your child support office to discuss your options rather than straightforward stopping payments.
  • Missed or late payments can result in wage garnishment, license suspension, or other enforcement actions.

Setting up automatic payroll deduction

Automatic payroll deduction is the standard payment method in Tennessee. Your employer withholds the amount from your paycheck and sends it directly to the state collection unit. This happens automatically once a court order is in place — you do not need to request it.

Your employer receives a withholding order from the child support office. If you change jobs, notify your new employer's payroll department when ready so the withholding continues without interruption. If there is a gap between jobs, you are still responsible for making manual payments during that time.

If you are self-employed or do not have a regular employer, you will need to make payments manually by check, money order, or electronic transfer. Contact your local child support office for the current payment address and any electronic payment options they offer.

Making manual payments by mail or electronic transfer

If you are paying by check or money order, write your case number on the payment and mail it to the address on your court order or payment notice. Include a note with your name and case number so the payment is credited to the correct account. The state processes mailed payments, so allow extra time for delivery and processing.

Some Tennessee counties accept electronic payments through their websites or third-party payment processors. Check your local child support office website or call them to see what electronic options are available in your county. Electronic payments typically post faster than mailed checks.

Keep a record of every payment you make — the date, amount, and method. If you pay by check, keep the cancelled check or a copy. If you pay electronically, save the confirmation number. These records protect you if there is ever a dispute about whether a payment was received.

What happens if you miss a payment

Missing a child support payment triggers enforcement actions. Tennessee law allows the child support office to garnish your wages, intercept your tax refunds, suspend your driver's license, or report the debt to credit bureaus. The longer payments remain unpaid, the more serious the consequences become.

If you cannot make a payment on time, contact your child support office before the due date. Explain your situation — job loss, medical emergency, or temporary hardship. The office may be able to work with you on a temporary adjustment, though this requires formal approval and does not erase the debt.

If you fall behind, you will owe the unpaid amount plus any interest or penalties allowed under Tennessee law. The only way to resolve this is to catch up on the full amount owed or reach a formal agreement with the child support office about a payment plan.

Changing your payment amount or arrangement

If your income has changed significantly — you lost your job, received a raise, or your circumstances have shifted — you can request a modification of your child support order. This is a formal legal process, not something the child support office can do on its own. You must file a motion with the court that issued your original order.

A modification changes the amount you owe going forward, but it does not erase past-due amounts. If you are behind on payments, you still owe that money even if your order is reduced. The court will consider your current income, custody arrangement, and other factors when deciding whether to modify the order.

Do not straightforward stop paying while waiting for a modification. Continue making payments at the current amount, and the court will adjust future payments if the modification is approved. Stopping payments without a court order will result in enforcement action.

Tracking your payment history and balance

Tennessee's child support office maintains a record of every payment you make. You can view your payment history and current balance online through the state's system or by calling your local child support office. Checking your account regularly helps you catch any errors or missed credits.

If you believe a payment was not credited correctly, contact your child support office with the date, amount, and method of payment. Provide any proof you have — a cancelled check, confirmation number, or bank statement. The office can investigate and correct the record if there was an error.

Your payment history is also used to calculate any arrears (past-due amounts) if your case goes to court or if enforcement action is taken. Keeping accurate records on your end protects you if there is ever a dispute about what you have paid.

Special situations: incarceration, disability, or military service

If you are incarcerated, your child support obligation does not stop, but you may be able to request a modification based on your inability to earn income. Contact the child support office or the court to discuss your situation. Some judges will reduce or suspend payments during incarceration, but this requires a formal request.

If you are on active military duty, you may be able to request a temporary adjustment to your payment amount. Military service does not eliminate child support, but courts sometimes modify payments for active-duty service members. Contact your local child support office or military legal information for guidance.

If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you can request a modification based on your reduced income. This requires documentation of your disability and income. The court will review your situation and decide whether to adjust your obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of through the state?

No. Tennessee law requires all payments to go through the state's Centralized Collection Unit. Paying the other parent directly does not count toward your legal obligation, even if they agree to it. Always pay through the official system so the payment is recorded and credited to your account.

What if I lose my job and cannot pay?

Contact your child support office when ready. Explain your situation and ask about a temporary modification or payment plan. You are still responsible for the debt, but the office may work with you while you find new employment. Do not straightforward stop paying — that will trigger enforcement action.

How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?

Payroll deductions typically post within one to two weeks. Mailed checks take longer depending on mail delivery and processing time. Electronic payments usually post within a few business days. Check your account online or call your local office if a payment has not appeared after the expected time.

What if the other parent says they never received the money?

The state distributes all payments, so if you paid through the official system, the money reached the correct account. If the other parent claims they did not receive it, that is a distribution issue between them and the state, not a problem with your payment. Your proof of payment to the state is your protection.

Can I get a refund if I overpaid?

If you have paid more than you owe, the overage may be applied to future payments or refunded depending on Tennessee law and your specific situation. Contact your local child support office with proof of the overpayment. They can review your account and tell you what happens to the extra amount.