The Rushton Law Firm, PLLC

08/01/2026

Does paying for back to school supplies "count" as child support?

Typically, the answer is no. The amount of child support stated in your Tennessee Permanent Parenting Plan is due each month - until you get a court order changing or terminating it. Typically, any funds expended outside of that court-ordered support amount, such as allowance you give your child or funds spent on your child's clothes, shoes, school supplies, etc., are considered "gifts" to the child, not child support.

Still have questions? Always check your Permanent Parenting Plan for specifics or contact us for a consult with questions.

Have a great Back to School season!

06/25/2026

Who pays a child's medical expenses post-divorce?

Once insurance pays their portion, usually the uncovered medical expense are paid by both parents. However, the amount due from each parent depends on your Permanent Parenting Plan states. Sometimes the amount is divided 50/50 and sometimes it is "pro rata", meaning the expense is divided proportional to the income each party earns (check the Worksheet attached to your Parenting Plan to see the percentages). Your Parenting Plan may require you to send the bill within 10 to 30 days of receipt of the unpaid medical expense invoice.

We often see Parent A not send Parent B the bill. Sometimes Parent A forgets or waits after the deadline stated in the Parenting Plan. Even so, a bill not sent is a bill not paid. Even if the invoice is sent to Parent B a little late, the Court will still usually require the other party to pay their portion of the unpaid medical expense. It is also best to send the expenses for reimbursement to Parent B via email. Yes, it is simple to snap a quick picture and text it but texts are easy to miss. Emails are easier to document.

In short, who pays what amount is a court order, not a suggestion. Send each bill as it arrives to your co-parent. Don't "save them up" before sending them. Document that you have sent the invoice in case you need to resend it or need it as admissible proof.

Having trouble getting your co-parent to reimburse unpaid medical expenses? Call us today to learn your options and next steps.

05/13/2026

04/27/2026

Child Support May Not Automatically End at High School Graduation!

Many parents are surprised to learn that a child support obligation does not always automatically terminate when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school. In many cases, you may need to take legal action to have your current child support order formally terminated.

Additionally, if you have a younger child who remains subject to the existing support order, you may also need to seek a modification of child support to ensure the amount being paid is properly adjusted.

If your child has reached 18 years of age and is expected to graduate high school soon, now is the time to understand your legal options and take the appropriate next steps.

Contact Rushton Law Firm, PLLC
today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.

📞 615-200-7239

Serving clients throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

04/06/2026

TAX TIME! Don't forget to check your Parenting Plan before filing your taxes. Many Parenting Plans rotate which parent claims the child(ren) for a particular year. See what your Parenting Plan says before your file.

04/06/2026

Text SCAM! Scammers don't rest, not even on Easter. Unexpected demands for payment are likely fake - just like this. Note, it says I have a hearing TOMORROW, which is designed to create urgency. Don't fall for it. Stop. Read. Consumer Protection starts with YOU, the consumer.

1. Notice the details. That's not a TN seal. In fact, it is hard to read what seal that is actually for... but it is not for General Sessions.

2. We do not have a Judge Rodriguez. Google it. Verify the claim.

3. Look the first paragraph. Is it saying my car is registered in Missouri or the problem happened in Missouri? Neither is accurate... and if it happened in Missouri, why is a TN statute applied?

4. The General Sessions Courthouse is not on 2nd Wenue (Wenue?).

5. 615 is one of our local area codes, not 613, which appears to be an area code in Canada.