Woodbury Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney in Woodbury, TN

Spousal support, or alimony, is a major decision that must be made during a Tennessee divorce. Whether you may be entitled to alimony or could be required to pay it, the outcome of an alimony case can affect your financial stability for years after a divorce. By working with a Woodbury spousal support lawyer, you can feel confident that your alimony agreements are equitable, with respect to the financial factors of both spouses.

Boss Law: Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer Who’s on Your Side

Since 2004, Boss Law has helped couples navigate Tennessee’s spousal support system, finding fair agreements that support rehabilitation without causing undue financial strain. We understand how difficult going through a divorce can be. Our compassionate attorneys are on your side, searching for solutions that provide stability during this major transition. We provide personalized guidance throughout this process for both English and Spanish speakers.

The Role of Alimony in Tennessee’s Spousal Support Laws

With a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000 people, many Tennessee couples are left wondering how they will be affected by Tennessee’s spousal support laws. Spousal support is not guaranteed in a divorce. If there is a financial need for alimony, and the higher-earning spouse has the ability to pay, the court can use case-specific factors to determine the amount of support owed.

Alimony is designed to help the lower-earning spouse adjust to life after a divorce, without the same financial support they received during the marriage. This is important, as about one in five women falls into poverty as a result of divorce.

What Factors Influence Spousal Support

Tennessee had 5,127 divorces with minor children and 7,245 divorces without minor children in the Chancery Court in the fiscal year 2023-2024. Beyond the presence of children and potential need for child support, each of these cases is individually evaluated to determine how much spousal support, if any, should be paid.

Some of the most significant factors the court can use to determine the amount of spousal support include the following:

• Spouses’ current income
• Spouses’ earning potential
• Duration of the marriage
• Spouses’ level of education or vocational training
• Spouses’ age
• Standard of living during the marriage

Understanding the Four Types of Alimony

Spousal support laws outline four main types of alimony that may be ordered in an alimony case. While each type of alimony has unique use cases and stipulations, they are ultimately personalized to the financial needs of both spouses. The four types are:

• Alimony in futuro. Alimony in futuro is a long-term spousal support plan that ends when the person receiving support becomes remarried or dies. This type of alimony may be used when there is a significant economic disparity between spouses, and the court finds it unlikely that the lower-earning spouse will rehabilitate and be financially self-sufficient.
• Alimony in solido. Similar to alimony in futuro, alimony in solido is a long-term alimony option. Typically, alimony in solido is paid as a lump sum in cash or through property, though it can be paid in installments. Often, this type of alimony is awarded to cover the lower-earning spouse’s legal fees and attorney costs and can even be ordered in addition to other alimony payments.
• Transitional alimony. Transitional alimony provides short-term spousal support when the lower-earning spouse needs financial assistance during the transition but does not need assistance rehabilitating and becoming more self-sufficient.
• Rehabilitative alimony. Rehabilitative alimony is another short-term alimony option. This type of alimony is designed to help a lower-earning spouse gain the education, job skills, or training they need to adjust after a divorce. For example, rehabilitative alimony can be used to support someone during vocational training at the Turney Adult Education Center or similar opportunities that allow them to be self-sufficient.

Why You Should Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

A Woodbury spousal support lawyer plays an important role when determining a fair level of spousal support for your case. If you are seeking support, a lawyer can gather evidence demonstrating your financial need and your spouse’s ability to pay. If your spouse is requesting support after your divorce, a lawyer can protect your financial assets from unfair payments and protect your personal financial interests.

During negotiations, a Woodbury spousal support attorney facilitates discussions that are founded in financial transparency. Hire a spousal support lawyer to gather and analyze financial documents and calculate support amounts based on your individual circumstances.

FAQs

What Disqualifies You From Alimony in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, there is no single rule that automatically disqualifies you from receiving alimony, as it is determined on a case-by-case basis. Support may be denied if you have a high enough income or earning capacity to support yourself financially, or if your spouse is unable to provide spousal support.

What Is the Maximum Alimony Payment in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not set a fixed maximum amount for alimony. Instead, the court will determine the appropriate amount based on your case. Cases with a higher amount of alimony often involve significant financial need, the ability to pay a large amount of alimony, a long length of marriage, and a high standard of living during the marriage.

How Much Alimony Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s alimony laws do not guarantee any amount of alimony for a wife or either spouse following a divorce. Courts will evaluate each person’s need and ability to pay to determine whether one spouse is entitled to any alimony. Additionally, alimony is gender-neutral and based on financial circumstances rather than gender.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified?

Yes, spousal support in Tennessee may be modified. However, some types of alimony, such as alimony in solido, are typically final and won’t be modified. To modify spousal support orders, a party must be able to show a significant change in circumstances that highly impacts their ability to pay or financial need. Some factors that may warrant a change in alimony include job loss or a significant income increase.

Reach Out to an Experienced Woodbury Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal support is not easy to determine, requiring a careful balance between the rights and needs of both people in Woodbury. Contact Boss Law today to set up a free and confidential case consultation where you can learn how an experienced lawyer can bring you a fair alimony plan.