Murfreesboro Alimony Lawyer
Alimony Attorney In Murfreesboro, TN
A Murfreesboro alimony lawyer can help clients understand how spousal support is determined, modified, and enforced under Tennessee law. Support orders often raise complex questions about earning capacity and long-term financial security. If a client is seeking support or facing a request for support, it is important to have a clear understanding of the options, especially when high incomes or significant assets are at stake.
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our experience with alimony cases provides insight into the factors that can affect your outcome. We are familiar with the way the court will look at the financial needs and resources of both spouses.
Hire an Alimony Lawyer
Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC has several decades of combined litigation experience. This includes high-income alimony cases with complex financial records. We are Murfreesboro’s oldest law firm, and our history of litigation demonstrates a legacy of preparing every case for trial and courtroom effectiveness. As a Murfreesboro Divorce Lawyer, our firm brings depth, preparation, and courtroom-tested advocacy to every matter we handle.
Attorney Donald Bulloch has worked with high-value divorce cases for 50 years and counting. Attorney Heather Parker has experience in both trial work and appeals. Our firm’s approach to all cases is driven by a knowledgeable strategy, financial analysis, and proven legal skill.
Types of Alimony Available in Tennessee
Tennessee law recognizes several types of alimony, which can be granted to a former spouse for various reasons. The different types are determined based on the income and resources of each party, as well as the other party’s financial needs. When an order is granted, the court may provide the following:
- Alimony in futuro. This type of alimony is usually paid for an extended period of time. It applies in cases where the spouse requiring support has a limited income in comparison to the other spouse.
- Rehabilitative alimony. Some forms of alimony are designed to help a spouse become more financially independent, often by obtaining education, job training, or work experience.
- Transitional alimony. This may be requested if one spouse requires temporary support to adjust to post-divorce life.
- Alimony in solido. When alimony is paid in a fixed total amount of support, it is payable either as one lump sum or in installments.
Income Discrepancies and Ability to Pay
Income is a primary consideration when determining eligibility for alimony in Tennessee. According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the median household income in Tennessee is $71,997.
In other words, half of Tennessee’s families earn less, and half earn more. There will also be some families on either side with dramatically different incomes due to career choices or work experience.
In circumstances where there is a large gap in spousal income, the court will consider a party’s earning ability, contributions to the marriage, and whether they can reasonably meet their financial needs. All these issues will factor into the decision about the amount and duration of the support order and how to create a financial plan after divorce.
Murfreesboro High Cost of Living
Murfreesboro is a rapidly growing city, and as the cost of housing and living expenses increases, so does the question of spousal support during divorce. The population of Murfreesboro has grown by almost 20% from 2017 to 2022.
With this increased demand, the cost of housing and services will only continue to rise. The Rutherford County Chancery Court, where Murfreesboro cases are filed, is well aware of the increasing cost of living in the city.
The local cost of living will likely impact a spouse’s ability to pay certain reasonable expenses, so economic factors will often play a role in a support request and can assist in determining the duration and amount.
Modification and Enforcement of Alimony Orders
There are a number of reasons why a person might want to change an alimony award. Tennessee law does permit the modification of certain types of spousal support.
These may include substantial and material changes such as job loss, health issues, or significant income changes. Enforcement of an alimony order may also require a separate legal case, especially when a party is behind on their payments.
Reviewing the documentation of expenses and the terms of the original support order will help to determine what relief, if any, may be available. It is a serious matter, and the legal issues should be thoroughly reviewed to understand what changes a court may grant and how it can affect your long-term financial obligations.
FAQs
How Does a Court Decide Whether Alimony Is Appropriate?
A court decides whether alimony is appropriate by reviewing earnings, financial need, marriage duration, each spouse’s contributions, and the marital standard of living. There are multiple factors that guide decisions related to support, with some support potentially fitting the facts of a case. Alimony is not automatic or assumed to fit a general category; rather, it is based on a party’s documented financial picture.
What Tennessee Law Governs Alimony Decisions?
A: The Tennessee law that governs alimony decisions is Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-5-121. The law includes types of alimony, factors for the court to consider, and maximum time limits or modification possibilities. The judge will look at earning capacity, separate property, contributions to the marriage, and each party’s financial needs.
In many high-income cases, additional financial investigation is required. Courts look into compensation structure and future projections to provide a clearer financial picture from which to request support.
Can Alimony Be Modified After a Divorce?
Some forms of alimony can be modified after a divorce. Rehabilitative alimony and alimony in futuro can be modified based on a substantial and material change. Changes in employment, health, and financial need can all be reviewed by the court. Some alimony awards cannot be modified. An overview of a client’s current situation can help determine possible options, including how requests for modification are viewed.
What Happens if a Former Spouse Falls Behind on Payments?
If a former spouse falls behind on payments, enforcement of alimony orders might be needed. This is done through the courts if payments have become late, irregular, or nonexistent. Judges can look at the reasons for nonpayment and financial circumstances to determine a course of action. Enforcement often focuses on measures to return to compliance and address continued support needs.
Contact a Murfreesboro Alimony Lawyer
A Murfreesboro alimony lawyer at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC can help clients navigate support decisions, understand Tennessee’s laws, and approach complex financial issues with clarity during and after divorce. Book a consultation to hire an alimony lawyer who can help you.