Nashville Alimony Lawyer
The end of your marriage can have profound financial consequences, especially if one spouse earns more than the other. A Nashville alimony lawyer can help fight for a fair amount of spousal support to be paid after the divorce.
At Burdine Law Firm, PLLC, our firm has an extensive track record of helping clients end their union with the money necessary to maintain their lifestyle. Our Nashville family law lawyers take a unique approach to every case, helping clients navigate the marriage dissolution process quickly and cost-effectively while focusing on building a brighter future.
Give us a call today at (629) 529-4615 to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
How Does Alimony Work in Tennessee?
Tennessee Code Section 36-5-121 establishes the rules for alimony, or spousal support as it’s also called.
This law states that “In any action for divorce, legal separation or separate maintenance, the court may award alimony to be paid by one spouse to or for the benefit of the other, or out of either spouse’s property, according to the nature of the case and the circumstances of the parties.”
This means the court considers the specifics of your marriage to determine if support is appropriate. As the same statute explains, factors the court considers when making this choice include:
- The length of the marriage
- The age and mental condition of each spouse
- The physical condition of each spouse
- The feasibility of working outside of the home when serving as a guardian to minor children
- The separate assets each spouse owns
- How marital property is divided
- The living standard established by the couple during the marriage
- The contributions either spouse made to the career of the other
- The “relative fault” of the parties
- The tax consequences of the court’s alimony decision
Based on all of these factors, the court will decide whether to award alimony to either the husband or wife in a divorce. Couples can also make their own agreement on spousal support if they prefer an uncontested divorce.
At Burdine Law Firm, PLLC, our Nashville alimony lawyers settle divorce cases out of court for 99% of our clients. This can lead to better outcomes since you’re making the decision yourself. It can also make divorce less expensive.
The alimony attorneys at Burdine Law Firm will help you negotiate for fair alimony that ensures you have the money you need moving forward. And, if necessary, we are ready and willing to go to court to fight for appropriate support.
Types of Alimony in Nashville, Tennessee
Tennessee Code Section 36-5-121 also details the types of financial support that someone may be entitled to after divorce. These include:
- Support and maintenance payments
- Attorneys fees
- Job training or educational expenses
It’s often the goal of the court to provide temporary alimony to allow a lower-earning spouse to get back on their feet. As the law reads: “It is the intent of the general assembly that a spouse, who is economically disadvantaged relative to the other spouse, be rehabilitated, whenever possible, by the granting of an order for payment of rehabilitative alimony.”
However, this isn’t possible in every situation. And, the statute makes clear: “Where there is relative economic disadvantage and rehabilitation is not feasible… the court may grant an order for payment of support and maintenance on a long-term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient.”
Burdine Law Firm, PLLC’s Nashville divorce lawyers works with you to determine what types of alimony are most appropriate and whether it will be temporary or permanent. Our goal is always to get you the support necessary to live your best life over the long term.
Getting Help from a Nashville Alimony Attorney
A Nashville alimony attorney at Burdine Law Firm, PLLC represents clients seeking spousal support, as well as those who want to ensure they’re not being ordered to pay more than their fair share.
Give us a call today at (629) 529-4615 to learn more about how we can help you to ensure your divorce doesn’t mean your standard of living must change.