Basics of Tennessee Spousal Support

The length of spousal support varies. A Collierville spousal support attorney can explain the process of how spousal support, also known as alimony, is determined. This is a regular payment one spouse makes after the divorce is finalized to provide financial support to the other.

Divorce can be stressful and full of tension, as there are many things to settle:

• division of assets and property;
• child support;
• child custody; and
• spousal support.

In most cases, the spouse who earns more money is often ordered by the court to make regular payments to the other spouse.

Determining Spousal Support

States are often given free range in determining alimony. Cases often differ regarding the amount of alimony that is awarded and for how long.

The following factors may be considered when making such a determination:

• how long it would take the recipient to become self-sufficient;
• the age, health and financial status of both spouses;
• how long the marriage lasted;
• the standard of living the spouses enjoyed during the marriage; and
• how much one spouse could afford to pay the recipient.

Types of Spousal Support in Tennessee

Tennessee offers four types of alimony. In some cases, judges have been known to award more than one type to a recipient.

The four main types of alimony include:

• alimony in solido – this type of alimony is designed to help a spouse for an extended period of time. The total amount is calculated at the time the court orders it. Payments are made at regular intervals until paid off;
• transitional alimony – this type of alimony is paid for only a limited period time until the spouse receiving the payments can get back on his or her feet financially after a divorce;
• rehabilitative alimony – this type of alimony is paid to spouses who have been unemployed for a period of time and do not have the ability to make enough money to meet the same standard of living that he or she enjoyed during the marriage. This is paid to spouses until they are rehabilitated, which means they have developed the skills needed to earn a decent income; and
• alimony in futuro – often paid in addition to rehabilitative alimony, this type of alimony is paid over an extended period of time to financially aid a spouse who is unable to attend school.

Length of Time for Spousal Support

Alimony must be paid as long as the court deems it necessary. It often ends when the recipient remarries or becomes qualified to obtain employment to support him or herself. If the spouse who is paying spousal support dies, the payments may not end. The court may order the estate to continuing paying the recipient, especially if he or she is unable to find employment.

Contacting a Collierville Spousal Support Attorney

Getting a divorce is almost never an easy experience. There are many issues to consider, including alimony. In many cases, ex-spouses may not agree on the support structure.

If you earn a high salary, it may feel unfair to you to have to continue supporting your ex-spouse even though you are no longer married. If you earn a low salary or no money at all, you may feel that you are still entitled to financial support even though the marriage is over. Alimony is often court-ordered, as many ex-spouses do not willingly pay any more than they have to, especially if the divorce was not amiable.

If you are filing for divorce, seek help determining your rights regarding spousal support. Contact Collierville spousal support attorneys from Miles Mason Family Law Group for help. They can help you determine what laws apply in your situation. Contact them today at (901) 683-1850.