Franklin, TN Divorce Attorney
At Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC, our Franklin, divorce attorney understands that divorce can be difficult and emotionally draining. We are here to help you navigate through the divorce process and ensure your rights and interests are protected. We are committed to providing you with the high-quality legal representation you need and deserve.
High-Quality Legal Representation
Our skilled and compassionate family law attorneys in Franklin, TN, have helped hundreds of families successfully navigate through divorce. When you work with our TN law firm, you can expect the same level of personal service and commitment that we deliver to every client.
Focused on Personalized Service
When you work with our family law firm, you can expect a personalized experience. We will work with you to understand your unique needs and goals. We will then work with you to develop a customized strategy that is tailored to your situation. We want you to feel comfortable with our family law firm in Franklin, TN, and know that you are working with a legal team that has your best interests at heart.
High-Quality Legal Counsel Delivered with Integrity
As a trusted and experienced family law firm, we are committed to offering legal counsel that is personalized, efficient, and cost-effective. Our goal is to help you reach a favorable resolution to your case, while also helping you to avoid unnecessary costs.
Serving Families Throughout Williamson County, Tennessee
Our TN law firm serve families throughout Williamson County, including Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and Brentwood, Tennessee. If you are going through a divorce, please feel free to contact our firm today to schedule a consultation. Our Franklin divorce attorneys are here to help.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Divorce Lawyers in Franklin, TN at Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC and Call us today - 615-933-2366!
What Is Legal Separation?
Legal separation is a practical alternative to divorce, allowing a couple to decide on specific issues without permanent dissolution being the end goal.
You and your spouse will come to a formal agreement on matters involving:
- Child Custody
- Visitation
- Spousal support
Although separated, you and your spouse remain legally married.
What Are the Benefits of Legal Separation?
Deciding to separate instead of divorce may make sense for financial reasons, such as those concerning:
- Taxes
- Insurance policies
- Social Security benefits
- Religious reasons
Couples also choose to separate as a way to find time to reflect and reunite or make a final decision on divorce.
Grounds for Legal Separation in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the process starts when you file a complaint for legal separation that provides the court with the grounds for pursuing separation. We live in a “mixed divorce state” which means providing specific reasoning is not required in both separation and divorce proceedings, but grounds could be used to initiate the process.
In a legal separation, you may claim irreconcilable differences, for example, or that you and your spouse have been living separately. After the complaint for legal separation is filed and a “cooling off” period has elapsed, you can negotiate the terms of your separation and the court will finalize your decisions and resolve any undecided matters.
What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a judge will divide marital assets equitably during a high-asset divorce. This ruling means that assets will be divided fairly and equitably, but not necessarily with a 50/50 split. The division depends on circumstances such as each spouse's financial situation and ability to earn an income.
Can a Spouse Refuse Divorce in Tennessee?
A spouse can refuse to sign divorce papers in Tennessee, but you can still get a divorce. You don't need your spouse's signature or permission to divorce, but you will need a family lawyer.
How Long Does a Legal Separation Take in TN?
In TN, there is a mandatory waiting period before a judge can act on a legal separation case. The waiting period is 60 days if there are no minor children or 90 days if there are. During this time, spouses should negotiate the terms of their separation agreement.
Have additional questions regarding legal separation in Tennessee? Contact our knowledgeable Franklin separation lawyers online to learn more.
Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. Mediation allows a divorcing couple to talk about issues and reach important agreements without having the stress of a judge deciding their future. Often, it is a more comfortable, less costly, and more productive approach to your legal matter.
In Tennessee, mediation is required in almost all divorce cases before trial unless the court allows the parties to waive mediation. Our family lawyers are experienced and have settled many cases in mediation. They will select a mediator that is right for your case, prepare you for mediation, and participate in mediation with you.
Similarly, the collaborative divorce process focuses on you and your family as individuals. It involves a team of financial professionals, legal professionals, and mental health professionals who develop practical solutions to the terms of your divorce agreement.
You will work with an attorney who is specially trained in collaborative law and sign an agreement allowing your team of professionals to help assess important issues. Mediation and collaborative divorce may not be right for all couples.
To discuss your situation, contact our divorce attorneys in Franklin at Puryear, Newman & Morton, PLLC. We offer tailored legal help to families throughout Williamson and Davidson counties, as well as across Metro Nashville.
A Reputation for Excellence
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ExperienceOur attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
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DedicatedOur attorneys are dedicated to serving the needs of it's clients in a professional, ethical, and caring manner.
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DiverseWe are a full-service law firm with skilled attorneys who have years of experience handling specific areas of law.
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Rooted In the CommunityOur firm has been serving the people of Franklin for over 20 years and have an excellent reputation within the community.
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Quality Counsel for Your Legal Matters
Tennessee Divorce FAQ
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At least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months prior to filing for divorce.
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Not all divorce cases go to trial. Most divorces end up settling before a case reaches court, either through mediation or continued negotiations. If both parties are unable to reach an agreement, then both must go to court.
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If you and your spouse agree on all terms and have no children, there is as 60-day waiting period from the time you file before the divorce can be final. If you have children, the waiting period is 90 days. The waiting period is required in the event that couples change their minds and reconcile during that time. However, if you are facing a contested divorce that may end up in court, your divorce could take years to resolve.
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An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree to all the terms of the divorce. By contract, a contested divorce is one in which the spouses disagree on all the major issues, including child custody, spousal support, and property division.
