There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding child support. Some of the wrong statements (or thoughts) I get from Knoxville parents include: 

1. If we have a 50/50 parenting plan there won’t be any child support. (false!)
2. My ex doesn’t want my money so we don’t need a child support order. (false!)
3. If the parenting plan says I have ___ number of days with my kids, child support will be set and it won’t matter how often I actually see them.
4. My ex hasn’t paid the child support so he/she isn’t allowed to see the kids.
5. My take home pay is only $_____ dollars; I can’t afford child support.

“I don’t want to pay a lawyer a bunch of money just to fill in a form”. 

I’ve heard this sentiment in one way or another from a number of mediation clients. Typically this is a couple who has already made many decisions regarding their assets, debts, and parenting schedule and is questioning the value they get from consulting an attorney who will charge a minimum of $200 per hour and a $2000 retainer to even look at the couple’s case. These individuals are intelligent, capable people who might deal with complex financial documents or contracts in their work; surely they can navigate the paperwork for a simple divorce, right?

Wrong.

As you know by now, the State of Tennessee requires all divorcing couples with minor children to attend a parenting class. While the state only requires a four hour course, local rules for the Fourth Circuit court in Knoxville increase the requirement to 12 hours. (Chancery Court in Knoxville only requires the four hour class.) I have three things to say about these classes: 1) this is about your kids not you, so no complaining, 2) twelve is better than four, 3) take your class ASAP.

When divorcing in Knoxville (or anywhere!), here are the options regarding a house that is mortgaged in both your names: 1) Sell it, 2) Refinance the mortgage under one name.  

One choice you do not have is to quit claim deed the property to one of you. Doing so simply removes one person’s control over a property while they continue to be liable for the debt (because their name is still on the mortgage.)

So let’s review these two options.