Sevierville And East Tennessee Divorce Attorneys
Divorce is rarely easy. Some people contact a Sevierville divorce lawyer after their spouse cuts them off from their children or finances. They need legal help right away. Others contact a Sevierville divorce attorney before filing because they want guidance through every step of the process.
No matter where you are in your divorce, it helps to have an attorney who can protect your rights and explain your options. As an East Tennessee divorce law firm, White & White, Attorneys at Law, provides compassionate, practical representation tailored to each family’s unique circumstances.
Whether you need help dividing complex assets, creating a parenting plan or protecting your relationship with your children, our attorneys can help. Since 2003, our family of attorneys has represented people from all walks of life, including other attorneys. Attorney Brandon White has handled about 1,000 domestic matters, and our team has handled many more.
Our Family Serving Your Family
As a family-owned law firm, we understand the challenges families face during divorce. Our family serves your family. We work to protect what matters most, whether you settle your case through negotiation or resolve it in court.
Navigating Divorce In Tennessee: No-Fault Vs. Fault Grounds
Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. No-fault divorce may be based on irreconcilable differences or, in limited situations, spouses living apart for at least two years without minor children.
Fault-based divorce grounds in Tennessee include adultery, inappropriate marital conduct, abandonment, habitual drunkenness or drug abuse, and other grounds recognized under Tennessee law.
Whether you need help with a contested or uncontested divorce in Tennessee, our attorneys explain your options, answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.
Division Of Marital Property And Assets In East Tennessee
Tennessee follows the equitable distribution of marital assets. Courts divide marital property fairly, but not always equally. Before dividing property, the court decides whether each asset is marital or separate.
Some assets need a closer look before the court divides them. These may include:
- Family-owned and small businesses
- Professional practices
- Real estate and investment property
- Retirement accounts
- Digital assets
- Memberships, collectibles and luxury items
Our attorneys help families resolve business asset division for small businesses and family businesses. We also help clients address alimony and spousal support issues throughout East Tennessee. Whether your marital estate includes a family business, investment property or other valuable assets, we work to protect your financial future.
Child Custody, Parenting Plans And Child Support
Parents often worry most about their children during divorce. Attorneys Brandon White and Felisha White regularly answer questions such as:
- How does the court determine parenting time and visitation?
- Who will be the primary caregiver?
- Who will have custody of the children?
- How much child support will I pay or receive?
Tennessee courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests. Parents usually must submit a permanent parenting plan. The plan sets parenting schedules, identifies the primary residential parent, assigns decision-making authority and addresses child support.
Many Tennessee courts also require mediation before a contested case goes to trial, although judges may make exceptions.
If you are looking for a Tennessee parenting plan attorney, White & White, Attorneys at Law, can guide you through the process and help you develop a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your children.
We encourage negotiated solutions whenever possible. If litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys are ready to protect your interests.
How The Tennessee Divorce Process Works
Every divorce is different, but most cases include these steps:
- File a Complaint for Divorce.
- Exchange financial information.
- Participate in mediation, if required.
- Resolve the case through settlement or trial.
Tennessee law also requires a waiting period before a divorce becomes final. The waiting period is at least 60 days if you do not have minor children. It is at least 90 days if you do.
Domestic Disputes And Orders Of Protection
Domestic disputes can threaten your safety and your family’s well-being. These situations often require quick legal action.
If you or your children are in immediate danger because of domestic violence, call the police. Our attorneys can help you seek an order of protection. We prepare the necessary documents and represent you in court.
A court may:
- Order the other party to leave your home
- Grant you temporary custody of your children
- Require the other party to pay temporary support
An order of protection applies only to you, not your children. If your children are also at risk, we can help you file the appropriate petition in juvenile court. We understand how stressful these situations can be, and we are ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Divorce
Below are answers to common questions about divorce in Tennessee. For advice about your situation, speak with one of our attorneys.
Is Tennessee a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Tennessee allows no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. The state also recognizes several fault-based grounds.
How is property divided during a Tennessee divorce?
Tennessee follows the equitable distribution of marital assets. Courts divide marital property fairly after reviewing the facts of the case. A fair division is not always an equal division.
What happens to a family business during divorce?
The court may classify a family business as marital property based on how and when the spouses acquired it. The court often determines the business’s value before dividing it.
Is mediation required during a Tennessee divorce?
Many Tennessee courts require mediation before a contested divorce goes to trial. Judges may waive that requirement in some situations.
How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?
Every divorce is different. Tennessee law requires a waiting period of at least 60 days if there are no minor children and at least 90 days if there are.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
Whether you are preparing for divorce, facing a custody dispute or seeking an order of protection, you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Contact White & White, Attorneys at Law, today to schedule your free initial consultation. Call 865-622-7768 or reach out online to speak with one of our attorneys.