Bedford County Divorce Lawyer
Divorce Attorney In Bedford County, TN
Ending your marriage can be a very emotional and stressful time, especially if there are children involved. There are so many decisions, many of which can change your whole life. You may not know where to turn for advice or even how to get a divorce in Tennessee. Whether you want to settle things amicably with your soon-to-be-ex spouse or advocate for what you deserve in court, you need a knowledgeable Bedford County divorce lawyer who can guide you.
The legal team at Fiola | Parker PLLC has over 135 years of combined experience, which can give us an edge over other attorneys. We’ve won awards, like Tennessee Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the nation. Our clients say we’re professional, responsive, and hard-working, which is what you want for your divorce case. We also tackle other family law issues and strive to offer a caring approach during these complicated cases.
Divorce Rates in Tennessee and Bedford County
Divorce is common in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Tennessee had a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents in 2023. A United States Census report detailed that 31.1% of those living in Bedford County were divorced that same year.
How Do I Get a Divorce in Tennessee?
Getting a divorce in Tennessee follows certain guidelines and steps. The divorce process is detailed in the divorce laws, which are included in the Tennessee Code, Title 36, Domestic Relations, Chapter 4, Divorce and Annulment.
- You file a complaint to start the divorce. Anyone who has been a resident of Tennessee for six months can file. This can be done at the Bedford County Judicial Center in Shelbyville on North Creek Drive.
- Your spouse is served with the complaint and has 30 days to respond.
- There’s a waiting period. This is considered a cooling-off period when both parties may reconcile and decide not to divorce. Couples with no children must wait 60 days, and couples with children must wait 90 days.
- The grounds for the divorce have to be documented. This can be a no-fault divorce, meaning neither party declares fault, which is an uncontested divorce. There are also irreconcilable differences, which is the most commonly used reason. Then, there’s a contested divorce when someone is at fault. These reasons for a contested divorce are listed in the divorce laws under 36-4-101:
- Adultery
- Substance abuse
- Desertion
- Abandonment
- Convicted of a felony
- Bigamy
- Living apart for two years
- Neglect or abuse
- Mediation begins to review and discuss the terms of the divorce. An agreement about child custody and support, alimony, and property division can be addressed with a neutral third party. When the agreement is signed, a judge can finalize it, making it legal.
- If an agreement can’t be reached during mediation or you want to provide proof of fault in a contested divorce, you go to court to argue your case. The judge makes the decisions based on the evidence presented in court. It’s essential to have a capable divorce attorney to represent you and your interests.
Considerations for a Divorce in Tennessee
There are a few considerations to keep in mind. Your words and behavior after filing can impact your divorce proceeding, making the process more difficult:
- Don’t speak badly about your ex or post negative comments on social media.
- Don’t try to hide funds or other assets. A forensic accountant can find it later, making your behavior suspect.
- Keep the best interests of your children in mind when making decisions about their future.
- Gather any information or evidence relevant to your divorce case.
- Work with your divorce attorney and their team to develop a plan for mediation or your time in court.
FAQs
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Tennessee?
The cost of a divorce lawyer depends on several factors. An uncontested divorce with no children involved can be more straightforward and not take as much time. When higher assets need to be identified and assessed, experts need to be retained. The amount of hours spent in court can increase attorney fees. In the long run, having a skilled Bedford County divorce attorney can be priceless.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Divorce in Tennessee?
You aren’t required to have a lawyer for your Tennessee divorce, but it’s highly recommended. You may not be equipped to handle all the ins and outs of your divorce, especially if you have children and assets you want to protect. Your ex may hire a divorce lawyer, while you have no one in your corner. The decisions that are made during divorce proceedings can impact you for the rest of your life. Make sure you’re protected.
Are Assets Always Divided 50/50 in Tennessee?
No, assets are not always split 50/50. Tennessee is considered an equitable distribution state, meaning the assets are distributed in a fair way. For example, if the mother gets primary custody of the children, the judge may decide to give her the family’s residence because that’s where the children live. In this scenario, the father can get some other asset, rather than having the primary residence sold and the profits split in half.
Can I Get Alimony?
Yes, you can get alimony if you make less than your spouse. In Tennessee, the judge can determine what your standard of living is and calculate how much you can get in alimony. There are other factors, as well, such as the length of the marriage and how the assets have been divided. You can discuss the possibility of alimony with your divorce attorney.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Bedford County
At Fiola | Parker PLLC, we pride ourselves on getting favorable outcomes for our clients. Since 1975, we’ve served middle Tennessee and Bedford County by addressing different legal issues. We offer a personalized and compassionate approach to every case. When it comes to your divorce, our team can develop strategies to negotiate an acceptable outcome or argue on your behalf in court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to review your case.