You put your career on hold to care for the kids, manage the household and support your spouse’s goals. Now, divorce is on the table, and the future feels uncertain. As a stay-at-home parent in Tennessee, it helps to know that you’re not alone and have options.
Homemakers play a crucial role in the household, and Tennessee’s law recognizes that. Your non-financial contributions to the marriage are as important as earning a paycheck when dividing marital property. Courts consider both partners’ efforts, financial or non-financial.
Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, and the court may award you a larger share of the marital property to achieve a fair division. It all boils down to the particulars of your case.
What about alimony?
As a stay-at-home parent, you’ve probably been out of the workforce for years, and reentering can feel daunting. That’s where alimony may come in. Tennessee courts often award spousal support to help a spouse transition to financial independence, especially after a long marriage.
The amount and duration vary. The court will consider factors like the length of your marriage, your education and job prospects, age, health and the standard of living established during the marriage.
Child custody isn’t automatic
Your time at home with the children may play a role in custody decisions. You may have a strong case for primary residential custody as the parent who has been the primary caregiver, but nothing is guaranteed. The law prioritizes the best interests of the child when awarding custody.
Don’t go through this alone
Divorce is tough, emotionally and legally. If you’re a stay-at-home parent facing the end of your marriage, get the guidance you need to protect what you’ve built and plan for what’s next. You’ve cared for your family. Now, it’s time to care for yourself, too.
