Is There an Alimony Calculator in Tennessee?

Is there an alimony calculator in Tennessee?

Over the years, we have been asked the question “Is there an alimony calculator for Tennessee?” many times by clients. The answer is, well, sort of.

If you were hoping to download an iPhone or Android app, input income and expense numbers, and arrive at a sum certain on the amount of spousal support that should be awarded, then you may be disappointed. Although there are very useful calculators for child support, currently there is no corollary for Tennessee alimony. What we do have is a series of factors in alimony law that are considered by the Court on a case-by-case basis.

Look Inside Tennessee’s Alimony Factors

To better understand how spousal support is awarded, take a few minutes to read up on important TN Alimony Factors in Divorce Law. For easy reference, here is a checklist of considerations under T.C.A. § 36-5-121:

● What are the spouses ages?

● How long did the marriage last?

● What was the marital standard of living?

● What is the income, asset, and debt picture for both spouses?

● What training, education, and abilities for future income improvement do the parties possess?

● Does either spouse have a challenging mental or physical condition or disease?

● Should the primary residential parent obtain employment outside the home?

● What are each party’s separate assets?

● Are there any agreements regarding disposition of marital property?

● What has each spouse contributed to benefit the marriage?

● Was either spouse at fault for undermining the marriage?

● Are there any additional circumstances that the court should consider?

Additionally, there are four possible types of alimony that may be awarded in the divorce – periodic, rehabilitative , transitional, and lump sum. To learn more about each type, see Tennessee Alimony Law.

Alimony By Agreement

Should the issue of alimony go to trial, the judge will apply the T.C.A. § 36-5-121 factors and render a final decision. The parties can retain control over decision-making by reaching an agreement on the type, amount, and duration of alimony to be awarded in the divorce or legal separation.

You and your spouse can control the outcome by negotiating or, quite possibly, mediating the issue of spousal support. The matter will be decided at trial when an agreement is not obtained or when there is an objection (for example, the amount of periodic alimony is unsustainable and unjust given obligor’s income and reasonable living expenses).

Need a few examples? Visit our discussion on Tennessee Alimony Law in Divorce | Answers to FAQs.

Memphis Alimony Lawyer

For legal updates, news, analysis, and commentary, see our Tennessee Family Law Blog and its Alimony category. A Memphis divorce lawyer from the Miles Mason Family Law Group can help. To schedule your confidential consultation, call us today at (901) 683-1850.