Opinion ID: 1060316
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Calculation of Support: Chapter 1240-2-4-.03(2)

Text: Chapter 1240-2-4-.03(2) provides the method for calculating child support. The calculation is based solely upon the obligor's income. The income of the obligee is not considered in the initial calculation. In Gray v. Gray, 78 S.W.3d 881, 884 (Tenn.2002), we held that a comparative analysis of the parties' incomes was inappropriate under the Guidelines. We now hold that the use of our state's formula for computing child support, which is based solely upon a percentage of the obligor's income, does not result in any constitutional violation per se. We have previously determined that the manner in which child support is allocated does not implicate a fundamental right. Additionally, we have concluded that obligors are not members of a suspect class. Because no fundamental right is implicated and no suspect class is involved, the rational basis test applies to this equal protection challenge. Although the Guidelines rely solely upon the obligor's income in calculating child support, the Guidelines presume that the obligee will be expending at least an equal percentage of net income as that of the obligor for the support of the children for whom support is sought. Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 1240-2-4-.03(2). There is nothing irrational about this presumption. Furthermore, the Guidelines provide only a rebuttable presumption of support. The Guidelines permit deviation from the amount calculated if a court finds sufficient evidence to rebut the presumption in the Guidelines and makes specific findings of fact to support the deviation, and if the deviation is in the best interests of the child. See, e.g., Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 1240-2-4-.02(7); see also Tenn.Code Ann. § 36-5-101(e)(1)(A); Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 1240-2-4-.03(4); Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 1240-2-4-.04(2) and (4). Thus, we hold that Dr. Elam's right to equal protection is not implicated by the application of chapter 1240-2-4-.03(2) of the Guidelines.