Alimony Spousal Support

Alimony or spousal support, the terms are used interchangeably. In Tennessee it is determined based on the recipient's need and the other spouse's ability to pay. Those are the two main factors. There is not set formula or calculator to determine how much spousal support will be paid or if spousal support will be paid at all.

The four types of spousal support are transitional, rehabilitative, solido, and in futuro.

The length of time of the marriage is also a factor when the court is determining whether or not to order alimony.

If the marriage was very short, then spousal support may not be ordered. There would need to be some extenuating factors for the court to justify an order of spousal support. In any case, it would probably be for a short duration.

Longer marriages where one party sacrificed their career for the advancement of the career of the other spouse can be ordered for a much longer duration and a higher amount.

Other Factors: Fault, Age and Health, Earning Capacity, and Standard of Living during the marriage may all be considered in a spousal support determination.