Getting a Tennessee Divorce? Read This First!

Getting a divorce?

If you’re in Tennessee and contemplating divorce, there are a few things you might want to consider in order to completely…

Avoid Tennessee Divorce Disasters

After the divorce is final, there is only so much that can be done to correct mistakes, errors in judgment, and gross misunderstandings. For example, with:

Property Division:

A division of property could be inequitable, as when assets are overvalued and distributed to a spouse. A party may intentionally conceal property or undervalue certain assets (such as a business) so as to gain the upper hand.

Alimony:

Although it is sometimes possible to request modification of alimony, if spousal support was left out of the separation agreement and never made it into the final decree, then it cannot be raised independently later on. When Tennessee alimony is not awarded in the divorce, the opportunity vanishes.

Child Custody:

Modification of custody orders is possible after the divorce, but the process is costly and time consuming. Just as with the original custody order, any modification must be in the best interests of children. There is no guarantee that a request to modify will be successful. Furthermore, if the status quo is working, then a judge may be hesitant to make changes to the parenting plan.

Child Support:

Child support orders are modifiable after the divorce, too, but only if there has been a significant variance in the obligor-parent’s gross income or with other specified criteria.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Before sitting down to negotiate a settlement with your spouse on such matters as “Who will stay in the marital home?” “How much alimony is enough?” or “How will parenting time and child support be decided?” Get organized.

First, digest as much information as you can about Tennessee divorce law and procedure. Start by downloading our free e-book, Your First Steps: 7 Steps Planning Your Tennessee Divorce. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Divorces run the gamut from simple to very complex, but no two divorce are alike.

Concentrate your studies on those issues clearly raised by your case. For example, child support calculations may not be relevant to a couple in their sixties, but the division of a retirement fund certainly could be. If you’re a parent, then you need to prepare for custody evaluations. If you have a company, then prepare for a business valuation.

Once you’re reasonably comfortable with the applicable laws and court proceedings, important decisions should come easier to you. So long as time allows, keep preparing for each step in the divorce process.

Second, seek competent legal advice for the best possible results in your case. Look to hire a licensed Tennessee divorce lawyer to represent you. And don’t forget to bring that list of questions to the initial consultation.

Tennessee Divorce Handbook

Memphis divorce attorney, Miles Mason, Sr., practices family law exclusively and is founder of the Miles Mason Family Law Group, PLC. Check out The Tennessee Divorce Client’s Handbook: What Every Divorcing Spouse Needs to Know, available on Amazon and Kindle. To schedule your confidential consultation, call us today at (901) 683-1850.