ALIMONY ATTORNEY IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

No matter the circumstance, divorce or legal separation can have a significant impact on your financial health. If you are considering a divorce and trying to understand how to decide alimony arrangements or would like to modify an existing alimony arrangement, it is crucial that you consult with a knowledgeable alimony & spousal support attorney immediately. 

At the Law Offices of Fisher Wise, I serve individuals and couples in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and other surrounding areas, including Red Bank, East Ridge, Soddy-Daisy, Hamilton County, Bradley County, Meigs County, Bledsoe County, Marion County, Sequatchie County, and Rhea County. 

HOW WE CAN HELP 

At the Law Offices of Fisher Wise, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal services to clients. With years of experience in family law, my firm understands the difficulties and emotional challenges involved in divorce and separation cases. My primary goal is to protect your financial interests and ensure fair alimony arrangements that reflect your unique situation. 

My firm prides itself on offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific needs. From initial consultations to final settlements, you'll be guided you through every step of the legal process, given knowledgeable advice and relentless advocacy. My firm's attorneys are well-versed in the latest laws and regulations governing alimony and spousal support, so your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and care. 

Whether you need assistance negotiating a new alimony agreement, modifying an existing one, or handling a tough divorce, I am here to help. Let me be your trusted legal partner in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas.

FAQS ABOUT ALIMONY

What Is Alimony/Spousal Support? 

Also referred to as spousal support, alimony is a court-ordered payment or financial support provided by one spouse to the other spouse during or for a period after a divorce. The court often considers several factors to determine whether to award alimony, the amount of alimony to award, and how long financial support will continue. 

How Is Spousal Support Awarded during a Divorce? 

During a divorce, the court may decide to award spousal support to one of the ex-spouses, depending on the existing agreement between the couples or a decision by the court itself. However, in the state of Tennessee, different factors are taken into account when awarding spousal support during a divorce. These include; 

• The age, mental state, and physical condition of each spouse. 

• The earning capacity, needs, obligations, and financial condition of each spouse. 

• The length of the marriage. 

• The individual assets of each spouse. 

• The standard of living of the couple during the marriage. 

• The level of education and training of each spouse, and the length of time the recipient would need for education or training to find employment, increase earning capacity, and become self-sufficient. 

• The ability of the spouse providing financial support to support the recipient and still support himself/herself. 

However, if you and your spouse would like to have control over the type, amount, and duration of alimony, you can negotiate with each other and come to an agreement. So far as the agreement is fair to both spouses, it will be honored by the court. 

What If I Want To Change Or Enforce an Existing Spousal Support Arrangement? 

Tennessee law (TN Code § 36-5-101 (2018)) states that, upon dissolution of a marriage, the court is allowed to review, modify, or terminate an alimony arrangement if the requesting party demonstrates a considerable and material change of circumstances. 

Changing the Arrangement 

Scenarios that can cause you to change the existing spousal support arrangement include: 

• Changes in income: You lose your job and can’t pay the amount you were originally ordered to pay due to a drop in income. 

• Cost of living changes: Increase in your cost of living can cause you to modify the alimony agreement since your area is now more expensive. 

• Self-Sufficiency: There is a decreased need to provide financial support because the recipient has become self-sufficient. 

• Physical or mental condition: You are unable to support yourself due to a mental or physical condition. 

• New Child: If you remarry and have another child. 

Enforcing the Arrangement 

If the other spouse isn’t making (full) payments that were earlier agreed upon, and no agreements can be reached between both parties to modify the amount, duration, and frequency of payment, the receiving spouse can return to court to enforce the spousal support arrangement. 

Can Alimony Be Terminated? 

Yes, alimony can be terminated under certain conditions. In Tennessee, alimony may end if the recipient spouse remarries or enters into a cohabiting relationship that effectively changes their financial position.

Additionally, alimony may be terminated if the paying spouse experiences a significant change in circumstances, such as retirement or a substantial reduction in income. However, the termination of alimony is subject to court approval, which will consider the specific details of the situation. 

What Are the Tax Implications of Alimony? 

For divorces and separations finalized after December 31, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the way alimony is treated for tax purposes. In these cases, alimony payments are no longer deductible by the paying spouse, and the recipient spouse does not have to include the alimony as taxable income.

However, for divorces finalized before this date, the paying spouse can deduct alimony payments, and the recipient must report it as income. It's essential to consult with a tax professional or your attorney to understand the specifics of your alimony arrangement and its tax implications. 

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY

Divorce and spousal support cases in Tennessee can be very complicated. If you believe that circumstances have changed since your divorce and you think your spousal support payments should be reviewed or modified, talk to a knowledgeable family law attorney immediately. 

At the Law Offices of Fisher Wise, I understand how complicated and stressful the entire alimony process can be. I have dedicated my career to handling matters related to divorce, child custody, alimony, and spousal support. As an experienced family law attorney, I can help with every aspect of your divorce or spousal support modification. 

Even if your spouse is not making (full) payments and you need to enforce an existing agreement or order, I can fight for your rights and attempt to help you get the relief you need. I will represent you strongly and compassionately, and help you pursue a favorable outcome.