Alimony, often referred to as spousal support, is a common concern for individuals facing divorce in Williamson County. The purpose of alimony in Tennessee is to provide financial assistance to a spouse who is economically disadvantaged compared to the other. It is not intended to be punitive, but rather to ensure that both parties can maintain a standard of living either somewhat close to what they enjoyed during the marriage or with the other post-divorce.
Tennessee law recognizes four types of alimony. Alimony in futuro is long-term support intended for cases where there is a long-term marriage, significant disparity in earning power and rehabilitation is not possible. Alimony in solido is a lump-sum payment, often used to balance the property division. Rehabilitative alimony is designed to help a spouse obtain education or training to become self-sufficient, quite literally helping a spouse rehabilitate themselves. Finally, transitional alimony is a short-term solution for those who need help adjusting to the economic realities of being single, transitioning from a married person to an unmarried person.
The court has broad discretion when awarding alimony. The two most important factors are the “need” of the disadvantaged spouse and the “ability to pay” of the other spouse. Some other considerations include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and the conduct of the parties during the marriage. While Tennessee is a no-fault state for the act of getting a divorce, “fault” can sometimes be considered by a judge when determining an alimony award.
Navigating alimony requires a sophisticated understanding of how local judges view these factors. Whether you are seeking support to get back on your feet or defending against an unreasonable alimony request, having experienced counsel is vital.
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The team at Rogers, Shea & Spanos has decades of experience litigating and negotiating spousal support agreements. By choosing a Franklin, TN divorce attorney from our firm, you gain a partner who will meticulously analyze financial data and present a compelling case to the court. We help our clients understand their obligations and rights, striving for an outcome that allows for a stable and predictable financial future.