Nashville Divorce Attorneys 

Trusted Legal Advocates for Divorce Cases in Nashville 

No one goes into a marriage thinking that someday it will end, but unfortunately every year the divorce rates get higher, and while that may sound a little disheartening, it is just a part of life sometimes. Finding the right Nashville divorce attorney is something you should invest in if you happen to be ending your marriage. 

That is why our lawyers at Lackey | McDonald, PLLC are committed to making our clients feel comfortable by taking the time to listen to all of their questions and concerns. We understand that divorce can be a sensitive, and sometimes sticky, situation. Our skilled Tennessee lawyers can advocate for your needs and ensure your best interests are protected throughout the legal process.

Call (615) 392-4916 to speak to a lawyer at our firm in Nashville. 

Why Choose Lackey | McDonald, PLLC?

Clients in Nashville choose Lackey | McDonald, PLLC to handle their legal issues because:

• Our attorneys’ history in the community separates us from other law firms.
• The level of experience we bring to each case is extremely valuable to the clients we serve.
• When you call us, you get to speak to an experienced lawyer, not a paralegal.
• We are very hands-on with the each case we handle.
• We strive to treat each client like a member of our family, not just another case number.
• We offer free consultations for most case types.

Divorce Matters We Handle 

Our lawyers proudly serve clients throughout the greater Nashville area who need legal guidance resolving the following matters:

• Divorce
• Alimony
• Child support
• Child custody
• Paternity
• Asset division 
• Visitation
• Parental rights
• Restraining orders
• Domestic violence

Common Causes of Divorce in Tennessee

Divorce can stem from many reasons, and it’s often a combination of factors that lead to the end of a marriage. Some of the most common causes include:

• Emotional and Physical Abuse: Abuse can be a major factor in divorce. Whether it's physical violence or emotional manipulation, abuse creates an unsafe environment that makes it difficult to maintain a healthy marriage.
• Infidelity: Cheating is a common cause of divorce. When trust is broken, it can be challenging to rebuild the relationship. Infidelity often leads to feelings of betrayal, making it hard for couples to continue.
• Financial Strain: Money issues can add significant stress to a marriage. Whether it’s job loss, excessive debt, or differing spending habits, financial problems often lead to conflicts that result in divorce.
• Communication Problems: Poor communication can cause misunderstandings and resentment. When spouses stop talking or listening to each other, the emotional connection fades, contributing to the breakdown of the marriage.
• Irreconcilable Differences: In Tennessee, this is a common legal ground for divorce. It means that the couple has fundamental differences that cannot be resolved, and they can no longer live together as husband and wife.

Understanding Divorce Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has specific legal grounds for divorce, and it's important to know your rights:

• Grounds for Divorce: Tennessee allows for both fault and no-fault divorces. Common grounds include adultery, abandonment, and irreconcilable differences.
• Residency Requirements: To file for divorce in Tennessee, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing.
• No-Fault Divorce: This means you don’t have to prove wrongdoing by the other spouse. Irreconcilable differences are enough for a no-fault divorce in Tennessee.

Divorce Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Divorce doesn’t always have to go to court. Alternative methods can help resolve disputes:

• Mediation Process: Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps the couple negotiate and settle issues like custody and asset division.
• Collaborative Divorce: In this process, both spouses work with their attorneys to reach a settlement without going to court.
• Benefits of ADR: Mediation and collaborative divorce can save time, money, and emotional stress by avoiding the lengthy court process.

What to Expect During the Divorce Process

Divorce can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can ease some of the stress:

• Filing for Divorce: The first step is filing a petition with the court. You’ll need to include grounds for divorce and other relevant details.
• Temporary Orders: Before the divorce is finalized, the court may issue temporary orders for custody, alimony, and child support.
• Court Hearings: If the case goes to court, hearings will be scheduled to address unresolved issues like custody and division of assets.
• Finalizing the Divorce: Once all matters are settled, a judge will issue the final decree, officially ending the marriage.

Understanding these steps and the common causes of divorce can help you navigate this difficult process with more clarity.

Contact Our Nashville Divorce Lawyers Today 

With divorce comes a multitude of other things, such as childcare, asset division, real estate, insurance policies, and business ownership, just to name a few. You can trust the divorce lawyers at Lackey | McDonald, PLLC in Nashville will handle your case with compassion and patience each step of the way.

Our experience in family law gives us the upper hand when it comes to treating you and yours with professionalism and care. Sometimes your case may require additional assistance with courtroom representation, childcare arrangements, or real estate, but our seasoned attorneys will be with you every step of the way. You can feel confident knowing our skilled family law and divorce lawyers have your best wishes at heart and will handle your case in a professional manner.

FAQs on Divorce in Tennessee

• What is asset division in a Tennessee divorce?
  Asset division refers to how property and debts are divided between spouses during a divorce. In Tennessee, assets are divided equitably, which means fairly but not necessarily equally. The court will consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contributions, and the needs of each party when deciding how to divide assets. It includes real estate, savings, investments, and retirement accounts, among others.
• How long does it take to finalize a divorce in Tennessee?
  The duration of a divorce in Tennessee depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all terms, can be finalized in a few months. However, a contested divorce—where there are disputes over issues like custody, asset division, or alimony—can take much longer, sometimes over a year.
• Can I modify child custody after my divorce is finalized?
  Yes, child custody arrangements can be modified post-divorce if there is a significant change in circumstances. If there is a major shift in either parent’s life—such as a job relocation, a parent’s health, or the child's needs—a court may consider making adjustments to the custody agreement. It's essential to work with an experienced divorce lawyer to ensure that any modification is in the best interest of the child.
• What are post-divorce modifications?
  Post-divorce modifications refer to changes made to divorce agreements after the final decree. This can include changes in alimony, child custody, child support, or visitation schedules. If your circumstances change significantly such as a job loss or a substantial increase in income—you can petition the court for a modification of your original agreement. The court will review the request and make a decision based on the new circumstances.
• What if my spouse is hiding assets during divorce?
  If you believe your spouse is hiding assets during divorce proceedings, it's crucial to work with an experienced divorce attorney. Your lawyer can help uncover hidden assets through discovery methods like subpoenas, depositions, and financial document review. It's important to be thorough, as the court will divide assets based on full disclosure from both parties.
• How does Tennessee handle alimony?
  Tennessee may award alimony depending on the circumstances of the divorce. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial disparity between spouses, and the recipient's need for financial support will be considered. Alimony can be awarded temporarily during the divorce process or permanently, depending on the situation. If there’s a significant change in either spouse's circumstances, alimony may also be modified after the divorce is finalized.
• What happens if we cannot agree on asset division?
  If you and your spouse cannot agree on asset division during the divorce process, the court will intervene. The judge will make a decision based on what they determine to be fair and equitable. It’s important to have skilled legal representation to ensure your assets are properly valued and divided in a way that protects your interests.

If you are divorcing your spouse, please reach out to us today to set up a free case consultation so we can discuss your situation. Call (615) 392-4916 to speak to a lawyer at our firm in Nashville.