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October 7, 2020 In Family Law

Is It Possible To Evict Your Spouse From Your Residence?

Family Lawyer

While going through the process of divorce, your marital property is still shared between you and your spouse. If both of you refuse to leave the family home before finalizing the divorce, it can lead to some awkward situations. This is particularly true if the divorce is hostile or contested. Is there a way for you to keep your spouse out of the family home before you finalize the divorce?

Are You Both on the Title?

If the two of you share the title of the home, then you legally cannot bar your spouse from entering the premises in most circumstances. He or she may have every right to be there. While most couples work out an arrangement, you cannot kick your spouse out of the home without taking the proper legal measures under serious circumstances. Even then, if your spouse pays any of the bills or utilities, he or she may have a case to enter the home.

Is Your Spouse Abusive?

If there is a history of domestic violence or if you do not feel safe with your spouse in the home, then you can file for an order of protection. While a judge will have to review your petition, your spouse will not be present. This is to protect you. Based on the petition, you may be able to receive a temporary protective order, with a hearing within 15 days.

When you have a protective order, your spouse cannot approach you. He or she will have to stay out of the home. At the full hearing, you may need to show evidence and have witness testimony about your spouse’s abuse. If the judge orders an extension on the order of protection, then your spouse will still have to stay away from you. If he or she violates the order or shows up at the house, you may call the police.

If you want your home to yourself during a divorce, you should always discuss your options with a lawyer. It is not always clear cut how you should keep him or her out. While some lawyers may suggest that you change the locks on the home, there are circumstances where you may not be able to. Likewise, you may still need to figure out who will pay the bills or if you should continue to share them. 

September 29, 2020 In Family Law

What Are The Considerations When Applying For Alimony?

Family Lawyer

Spouses who have decided to get divorced will probably need to have several emotional and tense discussions. One of these conversations is likely to be about whether alimony is needed. The intention of alimony is to eliminate unfair financial impacts that result from the divorce, particularly if one spouse made significantly more than the other or one didn’t earn any wage at all. Most divorcing couples will have to agree to some degree of alimony, even if it is only temporary while one gets on their feet financially. 

What are the considerations when applying for alimony?

Some questions you may want to ask yourself include things like whether you really need the support, if you are more concerned about being able to support your children, and if you are being fair in how much you want from your ex. Sometimes, former spouses can get resentful towards the other and want to find ways to seek revenge for the heartache. It is best to view alimony with a factual eye and realistically evaluate whether you need the support in order to have a reasonably similar lifestyle that you had during the marriage.

How do alimony amounts get calculated?

If possible, you and your former spouse can establish alimony terms amongst yourselves or through mediation. Then, you can submit it to the courts for final approval. However, if you aren’t able to reach an agreement regarding alimony then a family court judge will decide for you. While each state may have specific laws pertaining to alimony, in general, these are the factors the court considers when calculating alimony amounts: 

  • The age and health of each spouse (physical condition, diagnosis, disabilities, mental health struggles, etc.)
  • Whether one spouse needs further training or education to obtain employment
  • How long the couple was married (the less time you were married, the less money may need to be paid in alimony)
  • The ability of the paying spouse to financially support the one requesting alimony (the paying spouse must still be able to support themselves too)
  • The standard of living when they were married, since the courts don’t want to see one spouse suffer greatly financially while the other rebounds right away

What if my former spouse has refused to pay alimony?

If the court has established an alimony order, then your former spouse is required to abide by its terms. If he or she doesn’t, then you can notify the court of the failure to make payments, so they can contact the paying spouse and enforce repercussions if needed. If you have an amicable relationship with your ex, you may want to contact them and ask about the missed payments. If your former spouse has been paying on time and suddenly stops, it is possible that he or she had a sudden job change, has gotten injured, or has faced another setback. Otherwise, the court can use various measures such as suspending a license or garnishing money from your ex’s wages to get you your alimony payments. 

 

May 16, 2020 In Family Law

What Does Equitable Distribution Mean?

Family Law

The state in which you live is the one where you need to file for divorce. Unless you have lived there for less than the required timeframe (often six months), then it is that state’s laws that will dictate the procedure you should file for divorce.

There can be numerous issues that stress you out during your divorce. The top two most cited examples are child custody and finances. When a couple goes to divide up the property and debt they have amassed over the years of their marriage, things can go south pretty fast. If you live in an equitable division state, you may want to read up on how the process works so you can get an idea about what you may get when the divorce is finalized.

What Does Equitable Distribution Mean?

If your state law says that property is split equitably during divorce, then the process is not cut and dry. First, the court will determine what you owned separately. This is anything that you had in your name before you got married. The items you owned, assets and debts, before you got married will remain with you. Everything you own jointly or secured during your marriage will be put in a marital pot for splitting.

Equitable division does not mean a 50/50 split. Instead, the court examines your married life and decides who gets more or less of the assets and debts. The process of equitable division is meant to be fairer, especially for the spouses who left the workforce to care for children.

What Does the Court Consider When Splitting Assets?

The court does not just do a cursory examination of your marriage to decide who gets what. A judge will want detailed descriptions and examples of each spouse’s contribution to the relationship. The court will commonly consider:

  • Who made the most money?
  • Was this able to happen because the other spouse sacrificed their career?
  • What was the emotional contribution of each spouse?
  • Did one or the other contribute more to the demise of the relationship?

If your state allows for divorces based on grounds or reasons, then you may cite if your spouse did something wrong to cause the marriage to fail. A judge may factor this in when deciding how much of the marital pot goes to you versus your spouse.

An equitable split may find you coming out with more assets and less debt, or you may be on the other end. It is best to consult with a family lawyer to explore this and other divorce issues more fully.

 

 

January 16, 2020 In Family Law

FAQs: Temporary Child Custody Orders During Divorce

Family Lawyer

The divorce process can take some time. When it comes to matters involving child custody, it doesn’t always make sense to wait until a resolution is reached to start implementing your child custody agreement. In some cases, it may even be challenging to sort out the details right away, especially when two people are in disagreement over how they will share custody of their children. Children can’t always wait for parents to sort out the details, which is where child custody orders come into play. You may need a child custody lawyer to help you negotiate agreements and help you to advocate for your needs. The following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding temporary child custody orders during divorce. 

What is a temporary child custody order?

Child custody issues can be litigious. You and your soon to be ex may have difficulty working out long term agreements. Children can’t wait. They need to know where they will be living and how their time will be shared, especially amidst the significant changes they will be facing when their parents are splitting up. Permanent agreements can be drawn out. Because of this, temporary agreements help establish a plan while a more long term agreement can be made. 

If my soon to be ex and I are having difficulty reaching an agreement, what will happen?

While some couples are able to reach agreements together on their own, you may need additional help to reach a temporary custody agreement. Your lawyer can help you by petitioning the court to establish temporary custody. When this occurs, the court will make decisions regarding temporary custody orders that are based upon the best interest of the child. 

When will a formal child custody agreement take effect?

Once a formal child custody agreement is reached, it will take the place of the temporary agreement that was once in place. Often, this may occur as your divorce reaches a resolution. However, it’s important to be aware that a child custody agreement can always be subject to change, especially as the needs of your child change over the years. 

Are there times aside from divorce that a temporary child custody order may take effect?

While temporary child custody orders may be granted while couples go through the divorce process, they can also take effect for other reasons. Examples of reasons one party may request a temporary child custody order include:

  • Military Deployment
  • Illness
  • The Child is at Risk

Before making any changes, it’s always in your best interest to speak to a child custody lawyer for their counsel. With their help, they can review your situation and ensure that you are making a decision that is in the best interest of both you and your children. 

Child custody matters are perhaps one of the most essential components to the divorce process. Your children are the most important people in your life. Make sure that you are able to reach an agreement with your ex that is fair and in your children’s best interest.

 

October 5, 2019 In Family Law

Name Change And Divorce

Divorce Lawyer

Shakespeare’s Juliet famously asked, “What’s in a name?” For many people, the answer is actually quite a lot. Your name may be the single biggest identifier in your life. To retain the name of an ex-spouse can be a constantly frustrating reminder of a difficult time in your life from which you may prefer to move on.

Fortunately, the law provides methods of changing your legal name at almost any time, for any reason or for no reason. However, some of these methods are more difficult and costly than others. If you are changing your name due to a divorce that is still in process, you can simplify the process by including the name change as part of your divorce.

Name Change By Petition

This is the most difficult and costly process, but it is available to any adult regardless of situation or marital status. You will need to fill out paperwork, file the forms, pay a fee, and attend a hearing. You may also have to undergo a criminal background check and publish a public notice in the newspaper.

If you changed your name when you got married, you probably already know that this process has been legally simplified for wives who take their husband’s names upon marriage. Interestingly, and perhaps unfairly, there are no such simplified avenues for a husband who wishes to take his wife’s surname upon marriage. Those husbands who wish to do so must file a petition as they would under any other circumstances.

Name Change Included in Divorce

If your divorce is still in process, you do not have to file a petition to change back to your maiden name. All you have to do is include a clause or counterclaim in your divorce documents stating that this is your desire and then testify to it at your divorce hearing. This should be allowed as long as you are returning to a name that you have used in the past. If, on the other hand, you wish to adopt an entirely new name, you will probably be required to file a petition.

Name Change by Amending Divorce Decree

If your divorce has already been finalized but you would still like to revert to using your maiden name, there may be a third option available to you. It may be possible to amend the divorce decree to reflect your wishes and obtain a court order to change back to your maiden name. However, this option may not be available in all states.

Regardless of how you revert to your maiden name, you will then have to change legal documents like your Social Security card and driver’s license to reflect the change. An attorney may be able to advise you on this and other legal matters related to divorce and family law.

July 31, 2018 In Family Law

Child Support Lawyer Memphis, TN

Child Support Lawyer Memphis, TN

Parents are eligible to receive child support payments from another parent as a result of divorce. Parents can also make a request for child support in a paternity action in juvenile court. Unfortunately, many parents go through the child support process without understanding how payments are calculated.

How is Child Support Calculated?

In the state of Tennessee, guidelines are in place that help to calculate how much child support must be paid. Deviations from the guidelines may occur if the Court finds that it is in the best interests of the children.

The Tennessee guidelines require that the combined monthly gross income of both parents first be determined. This means that it is necessary to add up income from all sources from both parents. The gross income is then used to determine how much basic support the child or children will receive. This basic support amount is affected by the number of children the parents have and the number of days of parenting time with each child.

Credits are also given for other supported children, medical expenses, day care, and health insurance coverage.Once the appropriate amount of basic support is determined, each parent becomes responsible for a percentage of that support amount equal to the share of the combined family income he or she earns.

Child Support Enforcement

Child support orders in Tennessee are generally enforced by garnishing the wages of the parent who is required to pay. Wage garnishment means that when a child support order is issued, money is taken directly from the paycheck of the parent who is obligated to pay.

When this method of enforcement is not sufficient to ensure that a parent pays, there are other enforcement methods used by child support services or by the court. The court, for instance, may hold the delinquent parent in contempt. The delinquent parent may be reported to the credit bureau; may have his or her driver’s or professional license taken away; may have liens placed on property or have tax returns seized; and may sometimes face criminal charges.

Modifying Support Orders

In some cases a substantial change in circumstances will occur that will result in a need for modification of child support. At such time, parents may request that the court or child support services review the order to determine if modification is appropriate.

Tennessee has outlined rules for when modification is appropriate and specifies that modification will be granted if there is a “significant variance.”  Essentially, this means that unless there should be a 15 percent difference between the current support order and the new proposed child support modified order. As such, the new amount of support must be 15% more or less than the old amount of child support.

If you are in need of help with child support issues, or have other family law related questions, and need counsel to discuss family law issues, call or schedule a consultation with our family lawyer Memphis, TN attorneys at Patterson Bray today.  Call our office at (901) 372-5003 to ask for a consultation!

July 26, 2018 In Family Law

Alimony Awards in Divorce: Family Law Memphis, TN

Alimony Awards in Divorce: Family Law Memphis, TN

Alimony family law Memphis, TN attorneys can help you understand the types of alimony. Alimony is financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after the marriage has legally ended. Alimony is also referred to as spousal support. Further, parties may seek alimony during a divorce or separate maintenance claim. However, this post will focus on alimony awarded in divorce. A party’s need, and the other party’s ability to pay, are used to determine an award of alimony.

Tennessee’s Alimony Factors

Courts consider the following factors:

  1. The relative earning capacity, obligations, needs, and financial resources of each party;
  2. The relative education and training of each party;
  3. The ability and opportunity of each party to secure such education and training;
  4. The necessity of a party to secure further education and training to improve such party’s earning capacity to a reasonable level;
  5. The duration of the marriage;
  6. The age and mental condition of each party;
  7. The physical condition of each party, including, but not limited to, physical disability or incapacity due to a chronic, debilitating disease;
  8. The extent to which it would be undesirable for a party to seek employment outside the home because such party will be custodian of a minor child of the marriage;
  9. The separate assets of each party, both real and personal, tangible and intangible;
  10. The marital property division;
  11. The standard of living of the parties established during the marriage;
  12. The extent to which each party has made such tangible and intangible contributions to the marriage as monetary and homemaker contributions, and tangible and intangible contributions by a party to the education, training or increased earning power of the other party;
  13. The relative fault of the parties (who is more to blame) in cases where the court, in its discretion, deems it appropriate to do so; and
  14. Such other factors, including the tax consequences to each party, as are necessary to consider the equities between the parties.

Types of Alimony

Temporary alimony can be granted while the divorce is in progress, to help until the divorce is final. When the divorce becomes final, there may or may not be an order for alimony after the divorce. If alimony after the divorce is awarded, that amount could be higher or lower than the temporary amount. In addition to the monthly amount, the type of alimony is very important. There are four types of alimony in Tennessee: alimony periodic alimony, transitional alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and lump-sum alimony. The type also dictates the circumstances that the alimony obligation may terminate or be modified.

If you are considering filing for divorce, or have other family law related questions, and need counsel to discuss family law issues, call or schedule a consultation with our family lawyer Memphis, TN attorneys at Patterson Bray today.  Call our office at (901) 372-5003 to ask for a consultation!

July 23, 2018 In Family Law

Mental Health Records in Custody Proceedings

Mental Health Records in Custody Proceedings

During custody proceedings, including divorce, Tennessee courts have a duty to protect the best interests of children. Courts must also respect patient privacy and encourage individuals to seek treatment. When one parent alleges that another parent has mental health issues, Courts balance the interests of the children and the privacy of parents. The Tennessee Court of Appeals addressed these concerns in the case of Culbertson v. Culbertson, 455 S.W.3d 107 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2014).

The Culbertson allegations.

The mother alleged that she should be named as the primary residential parent. The mother alleged that the father had a history of mental health issues, including depression. In response to the allegations, the father denied that he was incapable of caring for the minor children. He also agreed to submit to a mental health evaluation by a licensed psychologist. Pursuant to Tennessee law, a party can agree to a Rule 35 health evaluation.

The psychologist concluded that the father did not represent a threat of harm to his minor children. He also agreed that father should be permitted to have regular parenting time with his minor children. Not satisfied, the mother requested that the father submit to a second evaluation. Additionally, she also asked for all of his mental health records from each and every mental health professional.

The mother argued that it was necessary to have all of father’s records to challenge the findings from the first evaluation. She also argued it was necessary to demonstrate father’s mental health status to the court. Father argued that Tennessee protects the confidential records of individuals pursuant to a psychologist-patient privilege. As such, mother could not access the records.

After this, father and mother submitted to a joint evaluation by a second psychologist. During this second evaluation, the father permitted the psychologist to discuss the case with prior mental health practitioners. Ultimately, the second psychologist agreed with the conclusions of the first evaluation. Specifically, father did not represent a threat of harm to his minor children. The second evaluation concluded that father should enjoy regular time with his children. After this, mother requested all of father’s personal, confidential mental health records again.

The Court’s conclusions.

Ultimately, the Court of Appeals mostly agreed with father. Specifically, the Court of Appeals concluded that it is vital to protect the psychologist-patient privilege in Tennessee. The rationale of the Court was that individuals should be open and honest with their mental health professionals. Further, the Court reasoned that if the mother gained access to father’s records, mental health treatment would be discouraged.

The Court further reasoned that there was no need for mother to gain access because two psychologists had evaluated father. They both agreed that he did not represent a threat of harm to his minor children. As such, the submission to a Rule 35 evaluation struck a balance between the best interests of the minor children and father’s privacy. As such, if you are concerned that your spouse or a parent of your children may represent a threat of harm to your child or children, contact a family lawyer Memphis, TN trusts.

If you are considering filing for divorce, or have other family law related questions, and need counsel to discuss family law issues, call or schedule a consultation with our family lawyer Memphis, TN attorneys at Patterson Bray today.  Call our office at (901) 372-5003 to ask for a consultation!

July 19, 2018 In Family Law

Contact a Family Lawyer Memphis, TN if Life Insurance is Changed During Divorce Proceedings

Contact a Family Lawyer Memphis, TN if Life Insurance is Changed During Divorce Proceedings

Tennessee Injunctions upon Filing Divorce.

Ask a family lawyer Memphis, TN about Tennessee law, which requires these injunctions. At the time a spouse files a complaint for divorce in Memphis,  TN, a set of automatic injunctions go into place.   They prevent either of the parties from taking certain actions. The parties are prevented from making changes to life insurance policies, hiding or disposing of assets, relocating with minor children, and harassing one another. These injunctions remain in place until the divorce is final or dismissed.

Unfortunately, all too often, some parties fail to abide by these rules.  A party may, in violation of the Court’s order, change life insurance beneficiaries or dispose of an asset. There are a number of remedies the other party can seek through a family lawyer Memphis, TN in order to rectify these issues.  For example, the other party may be cited for contempt of court. These issues can have large implications for assets and life insurance policies. However, a party may die before a violation is remedied.

Remedying Violations After Death.

Fortunately, the Tennessee Supreme Court took up this very issue for the first time in Coleman v. Olson. In this case, a wife filed a complaint for divorce against her husband. She then immediately served the complaint on him, and the injunctions went into effect. Unfortunately the wife became seriously ill a week after filing for divorce. While in the hospital she changed the beneficiary from her current husband to her mother. This change violated those injunctions. Soon thereafter, the wife died, and the life insurance company paid her mother all of the proceeds.

The Court could have directed that the husband be renamed as beneficiary, if the wife was not dead. However, upon a party’s death, divorce proceedings abate, and the remaining spouse becomes a widower, not a divorcee. As such, the statutory injunctions expire at the time of a party’s death.  This leaves the Court stuck since it does not have any way to enforce the injunctions or remedy the violation. Thus, presumably the husband would have been left without a remedy.

An Equitable Solution.

The Tennessee Supreme Court concluded that trial courts continue to have the equitable power to resolve such a violation. This remains true even though the divorce proceedings end at the time of the other parties’ death. The Court is empowered to consider an equitable result. The Court may use its discretion to award the life insurance proceeds among the widower and the other potential beneficiary.

In this case, the Court would therefore have the jurisdiction to decide how the proceeds should be divided between the husband and the wife’s mother. It may be equitable for all, a portion, or none of the proceeds to go to the husband. Tennessee trials courts have the discretion to fix a violation based on the circumstances. If the Court concludes that it is more equitable for the widower to receive all of the proceeds, then it may do so. Ask a family lawyer Memphis, TN trusts regarding an equitable remedy for these situations.

If you are considering filing for divorce, or have other family law related questions, and need counsel to discuss family law issues, call or schedule a consultation with our family lawyer Memphis, TN attorneys at Patterson Bray today.  Call our office at (901) 372-5003 to ask for a consultation!