Divorce
Knoxville Divorce Lawyer
family law firm that brings you the invaluable knowledge and skills of a seasoned attorney
- Divorce
- Debt Division
- Decree Modification
- Military Divorce
- Property Division
- Separation
Understanding Your Divorce Options
When going through a divorce, it's important to understand the different options available to you. Whether it's a contested or uncontested divorce, mediation, or collaborative divorce, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and help you choose the best approach for your unique situation.
Benefits of exploring your divorce options include:
- Reduced time and cost
- Less emotional stress for you and your family
- Potential for amicable resolutions
- Customized agreements that meet your needs
- Control over the outcome of your divorce
Our team at Jodi Loden, PLLC is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of divorce. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and get an experienced advocate on your side.
Connect with the law office of Jodi Loden at (865) 424-7225 or contact us online to discuss the specifics of your case in a 30 minute consultation.
Divorce Requirements in Tennessee
To begin the divorce process, you must meet Tennessee’s residency requirements. These are as follows:
- You were a resident of the state at the time the grounds for divorce occurred
- You have lived in the state for a least six months since the grounds for divorce occurred in another state
Military service members and their spouses can file for divorce after having lived in the state for at least one year.
To finalize your divorce, you will have to mutually agree upon or have the court render a decision on the following issues:
- The division and distribution of marital property and debt
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
Unless you seek spousal support through your petition to the court, it will not automatically be considered by the judge.
Where you and your spouse come to a settlement agreement on the above issues, your divorce will be uncontested and thus move through the system faster. If you cannot agree on all or any one of the issues through negotiation or mediation, it will be a contested matter to be decided by the family court judge. In Tennessee, mediation is a requirement before a trial can be scheduled when spouses cannot agree on issues. Trials require hearings before the court in which you will need to present your case. Jodi can thoroughly prepare and present such cases to the court in litigated matters.
Uncontested divorces can take as little as a few months. Contested divorces take much longer due to the need for thorough case preparations, court schedules, and time spent in hearings.
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“Jodi's experience, and her compassion towards her clients, caused us to never doubt our choice.” - Former Client
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“I couldn't be in better hands than Jodi.” - J. W.
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“Jodi fights for you and never gives up.” - J. S.
Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee
Tennessee provides various “grounds” for divorce; these are the reasons for seeking a divorce that have been established by law. These include no-fault and fault-based grounds. A no-fault divorce is based on irreconcilable differences. No-fault proceedings do not require that you prove any marital misconduct by your spouse that led to the breakdown of your marriage.
Fault-based grounds require that you prove misconduct to the court; this will involve litigation.
Fault-based grounds include:
- Adultery
- Felony conviction
- Habitual intoxication and/or drug abuse
- Cruel and inhuman treatment
- Attempting to commit, procuring, or conspiring to commit a felony and being convicted of the same
- Neglect or abuse (this includes neglect or abuse of minor children)
- Impotence
- Abandonment or willful refusal to provide reasonable and necessary support
You can also seek a divorce based on having lived separately and apart from your spouse and having no minor children in common.
Why You Need a Divorce Attorney
Divorce can be an emotionally draining process and one in which you will need professional guidance to come to a fair and just outcome. As a Knoxville divorce attorney, Jodi can give you the objective counsel you need to understand and prepare for the process. Her firm will handle all paperwork and case preparation, and she will give you the human support you need throughout all phases of the process. With her help, you can avoid pitfalls and mistakes that could wind up adding time, expense, and further emotional turmoil to the matter
As a proven litigator, Jodi has the skills and experience to fully represent you should your divorce require litigation. However, she will work vigorously to help you settle outside of court while seeking the best possible outcome.