Smyrna Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney in Smyrna, TN

During a divorce, one of the most contentious aspects is spousal support. Whether you expect to pay alimony or believe you may be entitled to it, the outcome of a divorce ruling can have significant implications on your finances and lifestyle. If you are going through a divorce, work with an experienced Smyrna spousal support lawyer from Boss Law. They can determine what type of alimony you can pursue or what you could be expected to pay.

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support is a court-ordered payment that one spouse provides to the other following a divorce. Oftentimes, one spouse makes more money than the other, and alimony is a way to make sure the receiving spouse can maintain their standard of living. 

There are four main types of spousal support, which include the following:

• Alimony in solido. This type of alimony is given over time in larger sums.
• Rehabilitative alimony. This is short-term support meant to help a spouse become self-sufficient.
• Reimbursement alimony. Conversely, reimbursement alimony serves to repay a spouse for money they spent on the other’s education or job training. 
• Alimony in futuro. Also known as periodic alimony, this type of support lasts until the receiving partner remarries. 

Who Can Receive Alimony?

Alimony is not guaranteed in divorce cases. First, a spouse must ask for it. The court will not take it upon itself to include alimony in the final divorce order. Additionally, a spouse must show that they need additional support after the marriage to either maintain their quality of life or prepare themselves for the job market. This is especially true if they did not work while they were married. Spouses can also request alimony in exchange for giving up certain assets. 

Regardless of the reason for spousal support, it is rarely permanent. In many cases, these payments serve only to help the receiving spouse adjust to their new life. In other cases, payments cease when the recipient remarries or even moves in with a new partner.

How a Spousal Support Lawyer Can Help

Tennessee has a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000, over 16% higher than the national average. Knowing this, it is important to understand how a spousal support lawyer can help you during the divorce process. A Smyrna spousal support attorney can:

• Collect proof of your finances.
• Demonstrate your need.
• Argue against your spouse’s demands.
• Represent you through every step of the process in the Superior Court of Cobb County.

Should your spousal support arrangement no longer reflect your situation, an attorney can help you to modify the agreement. For example, if the receiving spouse finds a new job and their salary drastically increases, this could justify modifying or terminating the order. 

Trust Boss Law for the Legal Support You Need

At Boss Law, we have decades of experience in family law cases. We prioritize the rights of our clients, working hard to make sure you feel heard throughout the process. Communication is key in alimony cases, and you can reach our team day or night and even on weekends. We treat our clients like family, and we keep you involved at every step.

When you choose Boss Law, you are not just another file on a desk. We have handled over 800 divorce cases, and we customize our strategy to fit your exact needs. During your free consultation, we can discuss your circumstances, understand your goals, and create a winning plan on how to proceed.

FAQs

What Disqualifies You From Alimony in TN?

You can be disqualified from receiving alimony if you cannot demonstrate to the court that you have a genuine need for financial support or if the other spouse does not have the ability to pay support. If you are self-supporting or earn a similar income to your partner, it could be difficult to convince the court that you deserve spousal support. Additionally, you could lose your right to alimony if you engaged in fault-based misconduct.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Spousal Support?

No, you do not technically need a lawyer to file for spousal support, but it is unwise to go through the process on your own. Spousal support laws can be challenging to navigate, but an experienced lawyer can manage your alimony case and pursue what you deserve. An attorney has the legal knowledge and negotiation skills to effectively advocate for you.

How Is Spousal Support Determined in TN?

When determining spousal support, the court does not have a specific formula to follow. Rather, it assesses the reported needs of one spouse and compares that to the other’s ability to pay. The court looks at each partner’s income, employment, and future prospects to determine what’s fair. Similarly, a judge will consider the length of the marriage and the cause for its breakdown.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified After a Divorce?

Yes, spousal support can be modified after a divorce. Spouses can request modifications to the divorce order if either party has experienced significant changes in their lives. If a paying spouse loses their job, they may apply to have payments reduced or terminated. Similarly, if the receiving spouse remarries or moves in with a new partner, alimony payments may end. Conversely, if a receiving spouse can show an increased need, they can file for an increase.

Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal support laws in Smyrna can be complicated, but an experienced family law attorney can navigate the divorce process. Whether you are requesting support, trying to limit the amount you need to pay, or asking to modify an existing divorce agreement, hire a spousal support lawyer. They can help you collect financial documents, negotiate a fair deal, and represent you during litigation. Contact Boss Law today to schedule a free consultation. Sit down with our team to discuss your case, and we can help create a strategy tailored to your needs. We are a bilingual staff, so we can assist both English and Spanish speakers.