Tennessee Family Law Attorneys
Divorce and family law issues are among the most stressful and emotionally charged of all legal matters. At Spragins, Barnett & Cobb, PLC, we understand that resolving family law matters requires not only skill but also discretion and respect for the highly personal and difficult situations our clients face.
We provide representation to clients in the following family law matters:
- Divorce
- Mediation
- Child custody
- Adoption
- Prenuptial agreements
- Post-divorce modifications
- Orders of protection
- Conservatorships, guardianships and powers of attorney (POA)
We know the stakes with these issues.
Table of Contents
Protecting Your Financial Future: Property And Debt Division
When a marriage ends, everything built together must be divided – and that process is rarely simple. Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, which means courts divide marital property in a way that is fair, not necessarily equal. Do not assume a 50/50 split is guaranteed, because it is not. As your Tennessee equitable distribution lawyer, we will work to make sure the division reflects the full picture of your marriage and your contributions.
The stakes are significant. Dividing a life together means dividing bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate and debts accumulated over the years. Without proper legal oversight, you could walk away carrying far more than your fair share of the financial burden. Whether your marital estate is straightforward or complex, the division of marital assets in Jackson requires careful attention and a clear legal strategy.
Marital Vs. Separate Property In Tennessee
Understanding what is subject to division is one of the first and most important steps in any divorce. Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property, on the other hand, includes assets you owned before the marriage, along with certain gifts or inheritances received during the marriage.
However, the line between marital and separate property is not always clear. When separate funds are combined with marital assets (commingling) or treated in a manner demonstrating an intent to make them joint property (transmutation), separate property can unintentionally become subject to equitable division. Working with a high-asset divorce attorney in Tennessee becomes especially critical when the dollar amounts at stake make every financial detail matter.
How Tennessee Courts Divide Assets
Under T.C.A. § 36-4-121, Tennessee courts consider a range of factors when determining the division of property. These include the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse and the earning capacity of each party. Courts also give meaningful weight to the contributions of a spouse who served as a homemaker or primary caregiver, roles that hold real legal value even when they do not come with a paycheck.
Dividing debt in a Tennessee divorce is equally important and often overlooked. We will make sure debt is allocated fairly so that you are not left shouldering an unfair burden. We are here to stand beside you every step of the way.
Tailoring Legal Solutions To Meet Your Needs
Because every family law situation is unique and fact-dependent, we offer a no-obligation, initial consultation where an attorney reviews and provides a realistic analysis of your case. During an initial consultation, we answer your questions and strive to gain a better understanding of your specific situation.
The goal of this consultation is not only for us to learn more about you and your needs and goals, but also for you to get to know our team of family law professionals and to learn more about our approach. Even in cases where you are not ready to move forward with a divorce or lawsuit, meeting with an attorney to obtain answers to your important questions is often the best thing you can do to prepare for a future legal action.
Our family law practice is led by a firm partner Sara E. Barnett, who provides comprehensive, courteous and informative family law services to clients in numerous courts, including chancery, circuit, juvenile and probate.
Contact Us To Learn How We Can Help
To learn more about how we can assist in resolving your divorce or family’s legal issue, call us at 731-300-1592 to schedule an initial consultation or contact us online.
