{"id":376501,"date":"2019-02-22T13:00:22","date_gmt":"2019-02-22T18:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-spousal-support-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-07-12T18:26:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T23:26:23","slug":"tennessee-spousal-support-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-spousal-support-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Spousal Support Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tennessee Spousal Support Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Alimony<\/a>, also called spousal support, is money paid from a higher-income spouse to a lower-income spouse following a divorce. In Tennessee, an award of alimony is not automatic. One spouse must request it during the divorce process. Either spouse may request alimony. Alimony awards depend on one spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay.<\/p>\r\n

Tennessee family law expects both spouses to support one another throughout the marriage T.C.A. \u00a7 36-5-121(c)(1)<\/a>, including when the marriage ends. Alimony helps one spouse become self-sufficient following a long-term marriage if necessary. Spouses may make their own prenuptial agreement<\/a> or other arrangement for spousal support. Otherwise, Tennessee courts will order alimony payments.<\/p>\r\n

Note:<\/b><\/i> State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. You should consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) before making any legal decisions.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Tennessee Spousal Support Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In general, alimony helps the supported spouse for a short term after the divorce while they gain the job skills or education needed to become self-supporting. Very rarely, judges order permanent alimony if a spouse will be unable to work because of a chronic illness or disability.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Alimony in Tennessee<\/b><\/h3>\r\n