Readers of this blog should be aware of the fact that alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) is not automatically awarded in any Tennessee divorce. It must first be determined -- through mediation, in accordance with a prenup or by the courts -- that alimony is in fact appropriate.
Once it has been established that alimony will be paid, the issue of how much will be paid must be addressed. Whether you are in the position to pay or receive alimony, you likely want to have some idea of what to expect in terms of what type of financial arrangement can be ordered.
In order to determine how much alimony will be awarded, the courts and other parties should take into account many factors, including:
- Earning capabilities of each spouse
- Property division arrangements
- Contributions, financial and otherwise, to the marriage by each person
- Current income levels
- Lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage
The duration of alimony is also typically a top concern for divorcing spouses. People want to know how long they will be connected -- if only financially -- to an ex.
In Tennessee, there are multiple types of alimony including rehabilitative alimony, periodic alimony, lump sum alimony and transitional alimony. The type of alimony awarded is based on the purpose of the support and will have a directly affect how long (and frequently) alimony will be paid.
Because every case is different and there are so many unique factors to consider, it is not possible to calculate an exact figure or percentage of income that should be expected in each case. This is why it can be so crucial to have the support of an attorney during this process who can help you make a case for or against alimony and make sure that whatever is requested or ordered is fair.