Springfield Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney In Springfield, TN

Whether you’re seeking spousal support, were asked to pay it, or you simply would like to learn more about how it works in Springfield, the attorneys at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC are here to help. When you work with an experienced Springfield, TN spousal support lawyer from our firm, you can trust that you’ll have a legal advocate by your side throughout every step of your case. We can fight to ensure you pay or receive what is truly fair.

Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Springfield

The team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC has decades of combined experience litigating complex spousal support cases throughout Tennessee. We understand how challenging spousal support cases can become and are prepared to advocate for your needs throughout your case. Our comprehensive knowledge of Tennessee family law allows us to build powerful cases that achieve the most optimal outcomes possible for each of our clients.

When Can You Request Spousal Support in Springfield, TN?

In Tennessee, judges have broad discretion when it comes to ordering spousal support. The state does not automatically provide spousal support rights to anyone. Because of this, a Springfield spouse who believes they need alimony must demonstrate to the court why financial aid would help them move forward. Relevant considerations may include:

• The length of the marriage
• The standard of living while the couple was together
• Whether the requesting spouse has a job
• Whether the requesting spouse has the ability to make money on their own
• Each spouse’s age and current health

How Alimony Works in Tennessee

Whether or not spousal support is granted during your Springfield divorce depends on the needs of the requesting spouse and the financial ability of the other. A Springfield court will evaluate numerous elements, like marriage duration and contributions to the marriage, to ensure a fair result is achieved.

A judge in Springfield may assign one of the following types of spousal support if they see fit:

• Rehabilitative
• Transitional
• In futuro (long-term)
• In solido (lump sum).

Due to the lack of a specific formula for spousal support determinations in Tennessee, the outcomes of a Springfield spousal support case can vary widely. Given Tennessee’s relatively high divorce rate, which was 3.0 per 1,000 residents in 2022, many individuals find themselves navigating complex financial changes after separation, making spousal support a key concern.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony After a Springfield Divorce

Like many other court orders established through Tennessee family courts, spousal support orders can also be modified or terminated. However, to modify or terminate a spousal support order in Tennessee, the requesting party must have strong evidence that demonstrates why the support should be changed or stopped. The state only allows modifications and terminations when specific conditions occur, such as:

• One spouse loses their job.
• One spouse becomes disabled.
• The receiving spouse gets remarried.
• The receiving spouse begins living with a new partner.
• The receiving spouse has a large increase in income.

Our experienced attorneys at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC can help you understand your spousal support options in Springfield and fight to ensure you pay or receive what you rightfully owe.

Negotiating Alimony During a Springfield Divorce Settlement

Although a judge can award spousal support during your divorce, it doesn’t always have to be determined in court. In many Tennessee divorces, couples can negotiate alimony as part of a larger settlement, which gives them more say in the terms of their agreement. If you are seeking or contesting support, it is wise to enter negotiations with a clear idea of your legal rights and a realistic plan for your financial future. You should also do so with an experienced lawyer.

A fair settlement achieved without court involvement helps to prevent legal disputes while permitting creative financial arrangements that match your income and lifestyle. Our Springfield attorneys can evaluate your settlement proposal while preparing financial disclosures and negotiating a spousal support arrangement that meets your needs and satisfies legal requirements.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Alimony Are Available in Tennessee?

A: In Tennessee, there are four different kinds of alimony available. These include rehabilitative, transitional, alimony in futuro (long-term), and alimony in solido (lump sum). Each form of spousal support is designed to help the dependent spouse become self-supporting, assist with economic transitions, provide long-term support, or award a fixed amount for past sacrifices. A court will consider the parties’ needs, ability to pay, and other factors when making a decision.

Q: How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Tennessee?

A: In contrast to child support, spousal support in Tennessee is not calculated using an assigned formula. Instead, Springfield judges consider a range of factors, including the length of the marriage, the parties’ income and ability to earn income, the standard of living established during the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, and other factors. To ensure you pay or receive what is truly fair, you should hire a spousal support lawyer to protect your interests.

Q: Does Adultery Affect Alimony Outcomes in Tennessee?

A: Yes, adultery can play a role in determining alimony in a fault-based divorce state like Tennessee. If one spouse’s behavior has a direct effect on the financial situation of the other or has been a factor in the breakdown of the marriage, the court may take it into account when awarding or denying alimony. It may not be a determining factor, but it can certainly be something that is argued during the divorce, and it can influence how the alimony is awarded.

Q: Is Alimony Taxable in Tennessee?

A: Under the federal tax law, for divorce and separation agreements executed on or after January 1, 2019, alimony is not deductible by the paying spouse and is not taxable to the receiving spouse. Agreements entered into before 2019 are still governed by the old tax law unless the parties amended the alimony provision to state that the 2019 tax law applies. Our attorneys can review your agreement to determine how alimony is currently treated for tax purposes.

Contact a Trusted Springfield Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal support cases in Springfield are typically handled through the Robertson County Circuit Court, where local knowledge can make a real difference. At Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC, we understand the court’s expectations and how to advocate effectively for our clients. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a Springfield spousal support lawyer who knows how to protect your financial future.