Spousal Support

The decision to separate and divorce can, for many (and especially in today’s economy), hinge on the financial effect such a decision can bring upon either party. The law provides for support to ease either party through the divorce and beyond to enable a smoother transition, but the question of alimony and how much one party gives and one party receives can be an extremely contentious matter. Retaining an attorney on either or both sides during the divorce process can help by not only placing discussion between the professionals rather than the parties but also by providing the legal expertise you might need to achieve the best results for all involved.

Mississippi law provides for two types of alimony: lump sum and periodic payment. Several factors are taken into consideration when calculating the specific amount of alimony to be awarded – it must always state a specific amount, to protect both parties and ensure clarity from the get-go. For more information on how Mississippi calculates alimony, please click here.

For Mississippi code on alimony, click here. (Title 93: Domestic Relations, Chapter 5: Divorce and Alimony.)

Tennessee law provides for four types of alimony: periodic/in futuro alimony, rehabilitative alimony, transitional alimony (newly created in 2003), and lump sum/in solido alimony. As in Mississippi, Tennessee takes a whole list of factors into consideration when calculating the specific amounts to be awarded. For further information on Tennessee’s alimony laws, please click here.

For Tennessee code on alimony, click here. (Title 36: Domestic Relations, Chapter 5: Alimony and Child Support.)

The best alimony information you can receive (and in English, not legalese!) will be from your lawyer. Seek the advice of an experienced divorce attorney if you are unable to agree with your husband or wife on alimony matters.