Protect Your Interests When Alimony Is Under Discussion
Whether you are facing divorce or separation, alimony payments may be a significant concern. Alimony (a.k.a. spousal support) is widely discussed when spouses separate, but the family law court will not determine that it is necessary in all cases. To gain a proper understanding of how alimony payments might affect your case, it is critical to consult an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible.
Your spousal support agreement will be considered along with property division. At The Law Office of Jeffrey Jones in Bartlett, Tennessee, we help each of our clients gain a comprehensive understanding of how the factors that determine alimony payments will affect their unique situations and which type(s) of alimony might be possible.
When your livelihood or standard of living is under threat, we help you gain confidence and certainty.
In Pursuit Of A Favorable Alimony Agreement
It is unlikely that either spouse will be completely satisfied with the amount of a spousal support award. Attorneys help the parties reach a compromise that each side is capable of accepting, which usually means that each side gives something up.
The four types of alimony payments that might affect your divorce or separation in Tennessee include:
- Alimony in solido (lump-sum alimony) — Lump-sum or monthly payments that may be awarded alone or in addition to the other types of alimony.
- Rehabilitative alimony — Meant to provide support for the economically disadvantaged spouse to allow her or him to become self-sufficient.
- Alimony in futuro (periodic alimony) — A substitute for rehabilitative alimony if economic self-sufficiency is not feasible. Modification might be made if the receiving party begins living with a third party.
- Transitional alimony — Payments made to help the economically disadvantaged spouse adjust to the consequences of the separation and divorce. Payments are made for a definite period of time. The court determines the duration of the transitional period.
Factors For Determining Alimony In Tennessee
When evaluating alimony requests, Tennessee courts carefully weigh multiple factors to reach a fair determination. Our experience with alimony cases shows these factors significantly impact the final award:
● Earning capacity of each spouse, including current income, education level, employment history and future earning potential in their chosen field
● Financial obligations and needs, considering current expenses, future requirements, debt obligations and anticipated lifestyle adjustments
● Duration of the marriage, which often influences the length and type of support awarded, particularly in marriages lasting over 10 years
● Age and health conditions of both parties, including chronic illnesses, disabilities or ongoing medical needs that affect earning ability
● Contributions to the marriage, both financial and nonfinancial, including homemaking duties, child-rearing and support of spouse’s career
● Child custody arrangements that might affect employment opportunities, including scheduling constraints and child care responsibilities
● Separate assets and property division outcomes from the divorce, including retirement accounts, investments and inherited property
● Educational and training needs for the disadvantaged spouse to become self-sufficient, including costs and time required
● Standard of living established during the marriage and reasonable expectations for maintaining similar conditions
● Tax implications of different alimony arrangements and their impact on both parties’ financial situations
Understanding these factors helps us build stronger cases for our clients seeking fair alimony arrangements.
What Qualifies You For Alimony In Tennessee
Tennessee courts base alimony awards on two primary considerations: one spouse’s need for financial support and the other spouse’s ability to pay. Our team analyzes several key elements when evaluating potential alimony claims:
● Significant income disparity between spouses that affects post-divorce living standards
● Limited earning potential due to long-term focus on family care and household management
● Lack of marketable job skills or outdated professional training requiring significant updating
● Health issues limiting employment opportunities or requiring ongoing medical expenses
● Extended absence from the workforce during marriage affecting current employability
● Inability to maintain an established standard of living without supplemental support
● Cost of obtaining necessary education or job training to reenter the workforce
● Age-related limitations on employment opportunities or career changes
● Special needs of children requiring continued presence in the home
● Economic impact of property division on each spouse’s financial stability
We help clients document these qualifying factors to support their alimony requests. Through careful preparation and presentation of evidence, we work to establish valid claims for spousal support that meet Tennessee legal requirements.
Is Alimony Appropriate In Your Case?
We’ll answer that and many more questions concerning your divorce or separation. Please call our office at 901-410-5751 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers in Bartlett. Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are offered for your convenience.