DIVORCE
Divorce is one of the most significant legal and emotional transitions a person can experience. The end of a marriage often brings uncertainty about finances, property, children, and the future. Whether you are considering divorce, have been served with divorce papers, or need help resolving disputes with your spouse, having an experienced divorce attorney in Tennessee can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions.
At Jones, Green, & Tackett Law, PLLC, we understand that every divorce is different. Our attorneys provide compassionate, practical, and knowledgeable legal guidance to help clients navigate the divorce process while protecting their interests, their families, and their futures.
We assist clients with all aspects of divorce, including:
Contested and uncontested divorce
Division of marital property and debt
Alimony and spousal support
Child custody and parenting plans
Child support
Post-divorce modifications and enforcement matters
Divorce mediation and negotiated settlements
Whether your goal is to resolve your divorce amicably or you need strong representation in a contested matter, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Understanding the Divorce Process in Tennessee
No two divorces are exactly alike. The best approach depends on your unique circumstances, including your relationship with your spouse, the complexity of your finances, whether you have children, and your ability to reach agreements.
Some couples are able to resolve their differences and complete an uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on the major issues involved, including property division, debt allocation, child custody, parenting time, and support obligations. Because the parties are able to reach an agreement, uncontested divorces are often faster, less expensive, and less stressful than traditional litigation.
When spouses cannot agree on important issues, a contested divorce may be necessary. A contested divorce begins when one spouse files a complaint for divorce and formally serves the other spouse with legal documents. The case then proceeds through the court system, which may involve discovery, negotiations, mediation, hearings, and, if necessary, a trial.
Our divorce attorneys guide clients through each stage of the process, helping them understand their options and advocating for resolutions that protect their legal and financial interests.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Tennessee?
The length of a divorce depends on the specific circumstances of each case. An uncontested divorce may often be completed within a few months, while a contested divorce involving disputes over property, custody, or support may take six months to a year or longer.
Factors that can affect the timeline include:
Whether both spouses agree on the terms of divorce
The complexity of marital assets and debts
Whether children are involved
The need for mediation or court hearings
Disputes regarding custody, support, or property division
At Jones, Green, & Tackett Law, PLLC, we work to move your case forward efficiently while taking the time necessary to protect your rights and achieve a fair outcome.
Division of Property and Debt in Divorce
One of the most important issues in many divorces is determining how marital property and debts will be divided. Tennessee follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided in a manner the court considers fair—not necessarily equally.
Before dividing assets and debts, the court determines whether property is considered separate property or marital property.
Separate Property
Separate property generally includes:
Assets owned before the marriage
Property received as a gift during the marriage
Inherited property
Certain assets kept separate from marital funds
Separate property is typically awarded to the original owner; however, issues can arise if separate assets become mixed with marital property through a process known as commingling or if marital contributions increase the value of separate property.
Marital Property
Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, such as:
Homes and real estate
Bank accounts
Retirement accounts
Investments
Vehicles
Business interests
Credit card debt and other marital obligations
When dividing marital property, Tennessee courts consider multiple factors to determine what distribution is fair under the circumstances. Our attorneys help clients understand how property division laws apply to their specific situation and work to protect the assets that matter most.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Alimony, also known as spousal support, may be awarded in certain Tennessee divorce cases when one spouse demonstrates a financial need and the other spouse has the ability to provide support.
Courts consider several factors when determining whether alimony is appropriate, including:
The financial needs of each spouse
Each spouse’s earning capacity
The length of the marriage
The standard of living during the marriage
Contributions made by each spouse
The ability of one spouse to pay support
There are different types of alimony available under Tennessee law, and the appropriate type and amount depend on the circumstances of the case.
Our divorce attorneys can help evaluate whether alimony may be an issue in your divorce and advocate for a fair outcome based on your financial situation.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
When children are involved, divorce involves more than dividing property—it also requires decisions about parenting responsibilities and the future care of your children.
Tennessee courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Parents typically work through a Permanent Parenting Plan, which establishes important details such as:
Where the child will live
Parenting schedules and visitation
Holiday and vacation schedules
Transportation arrangements
Decision-making responsibilities
Communication between parents
In many cases, Tennessee courts encourage both parents to maintain meaningful relationships with their children and share responsibility for important decisions.
At Jones, Green, & Tackett Law, PLLC, we help parents develop parenting plans that are practical, stable, and tailored to their family’s needs. When custody disputes arise, we advocate for arrangements that protect your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s well-being.
Child Support in Tennessee
Child support is an important component of divorce and custody cases involving minor children. Tennessee uses statewide child support guidelines to calculate support obligations based on several factors, including:
Each parent’s income
Parenting time allocation
Health insurance expenses
Work-related childcare costs
Support obligations for other children
While the guidelines provide a starting point, certain circumstances may justify adjustments. Our attorneys help clients understand how child support calculations work and what factors may impact their case.
Divorce Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Many divorcing couples are able to resolve disagreements through negotiation or mediation rather than going to trial. Divorce mediation allows spouses to work with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on issues such as property division, custody, parenting plans, and support.
Mediation can provide several benefits, including:
Lower legal costs
Greater privacy
Less conflict
More control over the outcome
Faster resolution
Our attorneys can help prepare you for mediation, represent your interests during negotiations, and work toward solutions that protect your future.
Experienced Divorce Representation When You Need It Most
If you are considering divorce or are already facing the divorce process, Jones, Green, & Tackett Law, PLLC is here to provide experienced and compassionate legal guidance. We understand the challenges that come with divorce and are committed to helping clients navigate this difficult time with confidence and clarity.
Our attorneys work to protect your rights, explain your options, and pursue practical solutions tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Contact Jones, Green, & Tackett Law, PLLC today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Tennessee divorce attorney and learn how we can help you move forward.
