Alimony is meant to assist the more financially dependent spouse with financial support provided by the other spouse during or after a divorce.

There are a lot of myths about alimony. You may have heard that alimony always means one spouse pays the other until death or remarriage (sometimes, but not always). Or, you may have heard that kind of alimony doesn't exist anymore (it absolutely does). Maybe someone told you that a spouse that has committed adultery cannot receive alimony (incorrect) or that if you have cheated you should expect to pay double (also incorrect).  Some people come in to our office asking about a "formula" for how to calculate alimony (doesn't exist in Tennessee). 

Just because your hair stylist's cousin got half her ex's salary for the rest of his life doesn't mean you will too (in fact, that would be a very unusual award) and just because your buddy only has to pay $200/month for 2 years doesn't mean that's what you should expect. 

The most important factors in whether and how much alimony is awarded is the need of the person seeking maintenance versus the ability of the other party to pay. The court considers various other factors according to statute, including the length of the marriage; the earning capacity of each party; the level of education of each party; separate assets, a spouse’s contribution to the marriage as a homemaker, parent, or to assisting the other spouse in obtaining education or training; the standard of living during the marriage; relative fault; and other relevant factors that the judge might take into account.

One important thing to remember in Tennessee alimony cases is that each and every one is different, and the judge makes the decision on alimony on a case-by-case basis.

Harrington Law will strategize and advocate for your short- and long-term financial interests after a divorce.