Franklin Divorce Lawyer

You’ve exchanged rings and said your vows. Years later, though, you find yourself facing divorce. The dissolution of a marriage is never easy, and it is important to have the experience of a Franklin divorce lawyer on your side. Whether you own a small business in Leiper’s Fork or call West Main Street home and work from The Factory, divorce is one of the most difficult things you can face. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Story & Abernathy, PLLP, our family law attorneys are based in Franklin and serve individuals throughout Williamson County. Our divorce lawyers are certified in Rule 31 mediation and experienced in a wide range of family law matters, including high-asset divorces and child custody cases. Since 1987, we have been defending the rights and interests of our clients. Our firm can provide compassionate and trustworthy legal care.

Grounds for Divorce in Franklin, TN

Tennessee has an annual divorce rate of around three cases per 1,000 residents. Out of a population of roughly 88,558, nearly 266 divorces happen in the Franklin area every year. These divorces typically fall into one of two categories: contested or uncontested.

An uncontested divorce, as the name implies, occurs when the spouses can reach amicable agreements regarding various aspects or issues of their divorce, such as child custody, support, and property division. Conversely, a contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot reach agreements regarding these key areas of contention. In both instances, having an attorney present is vital, especially in situations where mediation can prove effective.

If you and your spouse cannot reach agreements regarding the various issues in your divorce, a contested divorce is your only option. In that situation, you are legally allowed to seek this action on certain grounds, including:

• Either spouse has committed adultery.
• One spouse, at the time of the marriage, was and still is naturally impotent and unable to procreate.
• A spouse has been convicted of any crime that renders them infamous by the laws of the state.
• Either party willfully or maliciously abandons or deserts the other, without any reasonable cause, for at least one year.
• One party has tried to take the life of the other, whether through poison or other means, thereby demonstrating malice.
• A party has, in a knowing manner, entered into a second marriage and is in violation of their first marriage.
• Either party has been convicted of a felony crime and imprisoned.
• One party has treated the other with severe forms of cruelty, which renders their cohabitation unsafe.
• A party is guilty of habitual drunkenness or the abuse of drugs.

In cases where the divorce is uncontested, the parties can simply seek a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Keep in mind that, to seek a divorce, at least one of the involved parties must be a resident of Tennessee for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.

Effective Divorce Solutions With a Franklin Rule 31 Mediator

At Story & Abernathy, PLLP, our family and divorce attorneys are certified in Rule 31 mediation. This means we have extensive training and are confident in all mediation techniques. We can settle your divorce in an amicable manner without the need to take the case before a judge. Having this certification brings about several advantages that we can offer our clients, including:

• Helping you seek an amicable and fair divorce settlement without the need for court
• Encouraging cooperation between you and your spouse
• Protecting the interests of any minor children
• Saving you time, money, and stress
• Guiding you toward reaching your personal goals
• Enabling you to control all aspects of your divorce

At Story & Abernathy, PLLP, we approach each divorce case with practical and cost-effective solutions. Our team can save our clients the exorbitant amounts of stress that can accompany high-conflict divorce cases. However, if mediation is not the right fit for your case, we are not afraid of taking your case to court. There, we can argue for your rights and interests at the Williams County Courthouse on 4th Avenue South.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Issues of a Divorce Involving Minor Children?

A: There are two main issues involved in divorce cases when minor children are shared between the spouses: child support and child custody. In a divorce, the parents will need to reach agreements on how both legal and physical custody will be split and if support payments are required. Around 49.4% of all custodial parents have a legal or informal support agreement in place with their co-parent.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Franklin?

A: How long it might take to get a divorce in Franklin can vary. Many variables are involved in these cases, which can affect the timeline. If you and your spouse can seek a divorce through mediation, you will likely reach a settlement much faster than in cases where court litigation becomes necessary.

Q: How Can I Protect My Assets in a Franklin Divorce?

A: Tennessee operates as an equitable distribution state, meaning all assets and debts that were obtained during the marriage are subject to an equitable split between the parties. One of the most common ways of protecting your assets in a divorce is by entering into a pre- or postnuptial agreement with your spouse. A family lawyer can guide and assist clients in preparing these agreements.

Q: How Can an Attorney Help With My Tennessee Divorce?

A: There are several ways your attorney can help you with a divorce case in Tennessee. If you and your spouse can reach agreements on various topics of your divorce, such as custody or property division, an attorney can act as a mediator and facilitate productive conversations. If court litigation is necessary, your attorney can argue your case before a judge.

Speak to a Trusted Franklin Family Law Attorney Today

Story & Abernathy, PLLP, has over 80 years of combined legal experience. We understand just how difficult divorce can be, so we want to support you during this challenging time. Our team has been nationally ranked in the top ten attorneys for family law, and we can use that excellence to benefit your case. Contact our offices today to learn more about our legal services.