In re Conner F. (Tennessee 2017)

When determining income for child support, the court can consider a parent’s lifestyle if the lifestyle is inconsistent with the amount of income the parent claims. The father appealed the lower court’s income determination. The record showed that he represents his income inconsistently. He made claims of a high yearly income, but provided documents that showed a very low monthly income. He owned horses and livestock. He traveled extensively for business and spared no expenses during his travels. The appellate court found the lower court considered all the evidence and appropriately set his monthly income at $5,000. The appellate court also upheld the lower court’s decision not to deviate from presumptive support for travel expenses. The appellate court found the difference in the parties incomes and job obligations made a deviation inappropriate.