When Tennessee courts decide on alimony, they look closely at how long a couple stayed married. This factor carries significant weight in Shelby County courtrooms, including Bartlett, where judges must balance fair support with practical solutions for both parties.
What is alimony in Tennessee?
Tennessee law allows four types of alimony: periodic, rehabilitative, transitional and lump sum payments. Each type serves different needs, from short-term help to long-term support. The court picks the most fitting option based on several factors, with marriage length at the forefront.
Marriage length and its impact on support
Long marriages of 20+ years often lead to more extensive alimony awards. The courts see these cases differently because one spouse may have given up career growth or become financially dependent during this time. Many judges lean toward periodic alimony in these situations, mainly when one spouse stepped back from their career to care for the family.
For marriages under 7 years, courts rarely grant long-term support. Instead, they focus on short-term solutions through rehabilitative or transitional alimony. This helps the receiving spouse gain skills or education for self-support.
Marriages lasting 7 to 20 years need deeper review. Judges will check:
- Career changes during marriage
- Both spouses’ ages
- Job prospects and training needs
- Living standards from the marriage
- Each person’s ability to earn
These points help courts decide fair support amounts and timeframes. While marriage length matters greatly, judges also weigh the receiving spouse’s needs against the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Every divorce brings its own set of facts and challenges. Your case might need special attention based on local court practices in Bartlett or broader Shelby County rules. A family law attorney who knows Tennessee alimony laws can guide you through your options and help you seek fair support based on your marriage length and other key factors.