Franklin Alimony Lawyer

Trusted Alimony Attorney in Franklin, TN

The legal process of divorce in Tennessee has several legal topics that need to be resolved by the couple, from property division to child custody. Alimony awarded to one spouse during divorce can give them the finances they need to start a new chapter of their life. No matter if you are the paying or receiving spouse, an experienced Franklin alimony lawyer can help you navigate Tennessee’s complex family laws.

Hire an Alimony Lawyer With Years of Experience

For decades, Story & Abernathy, PLLP, has made it our mission to provide empathetic and transparent legal guidance to our clients. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to take on your alimony case with confidence, all while knowing our attorneys are by your side every step of the way.

Since 2001, Franklin alimony attorney and divorce lawyer Virginia Lee Story has been a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, allowing her to conduct mediation sessions for civil cases.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

This role has given her pivotal insight into Tennessee legal proceedings, allowing her and our entire team to better serve our divorcing clients and their families.

Alimony Laws in Tennessee

In 2024, 7% to 12% of Franklin residents were divorced. When a couple goes through the divorce process, one spouse may request alimony to help them transition financially and maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage. A Franklin family lawyer can help explain how alimony works and what factors courts consider when determining support. Alimony is financial payments made to one spouse from the other, usually for a specific period of time.

The court is in charge of deciding whether alimony is awarded, the amount that will be paid, and how often payments should be made. To decide whether to award alimony, the court considers a variety of factors, such as:

• The standard of living upheld during the marriage
• Each spouse’s age and health
• The income and financial resources of both spouses
• Each spouse’s level of education
• Each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage. Non-financial contributions are held in the same regard as financial contributions and can include situations where one spouse gave up their career to raise children.

Alimony may be awarded in all types of divorces, including high-asset divorce cases. In 2024, Franklin men earned $82,474 on average, with Franklin women earning an average of $56,452. Whether the judge awards alimony depends on the couple’s specific financial and personal situation.

The Importance of Legal Support

It’s vital to hire an alimony lawyer to help you understand if pursuing alimony in your case is realistic. They can help you file your case and represent you during court proceedings at the Williamson County Courthouse, located at 135 4th Avenue South.

Different Types of Alimony in a Tennessee Divorce Case

In Tennessee, when alimony is awarded to one spouse, it does not mean they can receive these payments for the rest of their life. Instead, the court considers the different alimony types and what would be right for the couple. The different types of alimony in Tennessee include:

1. Rehabilitative alimony. This type helps the receiving spouse improve their finances after the divorce, especially in situations where they worked fewer hours or took a lower-paying job to support the couple during the marriage. This type of alimony can be modified after being ordered if there is a drastic change in circumstances.
2. Long-term alimony. This type is awarded when the receiving spouse is unable to become self-sufficient. This is often due to having to raise the children full-time, or if they have a disability that makes it unrealistic to work full-time. This type of alimony can also be modified after it is ordered by the court.
3. Transitional alimony. This type is typically awarded during divorce proceedings to help the lower-earning spouse pay for their essentials during the divorce.
4. Lump sum alimony. This type of alimony is a large, one-time payment, which can be paid all at once or in installments.

FAQs About Franklin, TN Alimony Laws

What Happens if the Paying Spouse Does Not Pay Alimony?

If the paying spouse does not pay alimony, there are severe legal consequences. Alimony orders are treated the same as any other court orders, and violating the order can place the paying spouse in contempt. The court can seize their income and place a lien on their property if they do not pay. However, if you are the paying spouse and are struggling to make your payments, you can request a modification to the support order.

What Qualifies a Spouse for Alimony in Tennessee?

What qualifies a spouse for alimony in Tennessee depends on their specific circumstances, such as their finances and the contributions made during the marriage. The courts do not take gender into consideration, but rather what outcome would be fair to the couple. If you are a lower-earner than your spouse or a homemaker, you may have a higher chance of being awarded alimony. Your lawyer can help explain what to expect during your unique case.

Are Alimony Payments Taxable in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, alimony payments are not taxable if the court order was issued after 2018. This means that the paying spouse cannot deduct alimony payments from their taxes, and the receiving spouse cannot count alimony as part of their income. This law also includes alimony orders that were made before 2018 but later modified to include this law. Orders made before 2018 that were not modified can still be taxable for both spouses.

How Much Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Tennessee?

In a Tennessee divorce, the wife is entitled to what would be considered fair to both spouses. Tennessee courts divide property based on what is equitable to the couple, not necessarily equal. This means that one spouse may be awarded the family home to continue raising the children in, and the other spouse may be awarded the vacation home. In terms of alimony, the wife is not necessarily entitled to receive it. It all depends on the couple’s specific situation.

Choose a Dedicated Law Firm to Advocate for Your Rights During Divorce

When a couple broaches the topic of divorce, it can be difficult to know what to do next. The team at Story & Abernathy, PLLP, is committed to protecting the rights of our Tennessee neighbors and community members during their most challenging times in life.

Reach out to our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. We’re proud to represent clients living throughout Williamson County and surrounding Tennessee areas.