Knowledgeable Chattanooga Lawyer Eases the Marriage Dissolution Process
Committed Tennessee attorney helps clients with divorce matters
Ending a marriage can present unexpected challenges. At Vital Law Office & Dispute Resolution Services in Chattanooga, our attorney has decades of experience helping clients secure favorable resolutions. Our firm represents spouses in the Chattanooga area in all aspects of divorce. Each situation is unique, and our attorney will develop a personalized strategy to pursue your specific goals. Whether you have questions about dividing marital assets, petitioning for spousal support or establishing your right to visitation with your child, our attorney will determine the best approach to achieve the outcome you seek.
How are marital assets and debts divided in divorce?
Assets or debts acquired by either spouse during a marriage are typically considered part of the marital estate and subject to division in a divorce. This property must be divided equitably, or fairly, which does not necessarily mean that each party will receive equal value. Courts use many factors to decide what would be appropriate, including the length of the marriage, the contribution of each spouse to the marriage and the economic circumstances of both spouses. The outcome of this issue will directly impact your long-term financial security, and our attorney will help you make sound decisions about whether to negotiate a settlement or turn the decision over to the judge.
What types of spousal support are available under Tennessee law?
Parties who have relied on their spouses for income often seek spousal support to help maintain their stability during and/or after a divorce. Tennessee has four types of spousal support:
- Temporary/transitional — Offered while the divorce is pending as a stopgap before marital assets are distributed.
- Rehabilitative — Short-term assistance paid periodically while a spouse who depended on their partner’s income is working toward becoming financially independent.
- Long-term or permanent — Periodic payments for spouses unable to earn sufficient income to meet their own needs, typically related to age, disability or health conditions.
- Lump-sum payment — Generally occurs only through an agreement and is paid in installments or all at once.
Our attorney is highly skilled at mediating and litigating spousal support issues and will work to protect your rights.
Is a non-custodial parent entitled to visitation with their child?
Generally, parents are entitled to frequent contact with their child. Consequently, even where one parent has full custody, the non-custodial parent typically has visitation rights. However, the extent of these rights may be limited or denied based upon the level of involvement the non-custodial parent has with the child and/or whether the parent poses a risk to the child’s health or safety. Our firm is invested in preserving your parental rights and will work to secure sensible solutions to your child custody issues.
How is child support calculated in Tennessee?
Both parents share in the legal obligation to financially support their child until adulthood, but the non-custodial parent is typically the one who pays child support. The amount of child support owed primarily depends on:
- Each parent’s income
- How much time the child spends with each parent
- Daycare and medical insurance costs
- The number of minor children a parent has
Child support obligations and guidelines can be difficult to understand, and our attorney will fully explain what to expect.
Contact a respected Tennessee law firm today to schedule an initial consultation
At Vital Law Office & Dispute Resolution Services, our attorney assists clients throughout the Chattanooga area in a wide range of divorce matters. Please call 423-558-0673 or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation at our Chattanooga office to discuss your options.
