Family Law Matters: Divorce, Custody And More

Divorce, by its very nature, presents many challenges, conflict and disruption for many people. However, there are many pathways to divorce. Every couple and household presents unique factors to consider. Every divorce must include provisions for property division but variables such as the following will determine how the divorce will proceed:

  • In a no-fault divorce, spouses agree there are irreconcilable differences.
  • In a fault divorce, one spouse claims the other had committed adultery, was bigamous, habitually used drugs or alcohol, was impotent or sterile, was cruel and inhumane, had been convicted of a felony or had abandoned the marriage, or that the two had been separated for more than two years.
  • In an uncontested divorce, parties agree on terms and conditions of the dissolution. Couples in such cases can prepare a written marital dissolution agreement.
  • In a contested divorce, couples are unable to agree on a particular issue such as property division or custody and support. The disagreement must be settled by the court or by an alternative dispute resolution method.

The attorneys at our firm can advise you as to whether you have legitimate grounds for divorce and help you prove your case to the court as needed.

When There Are Children Of The Marriage

When separating parents share custody of children, family ties continue after the divorce or separation, but in new configurations. Finding reasonable, rational ways to resolve custody and support issues can prevent lengthy litigation. A knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney can be a helpful resource as you negotiate the key elements of your Tennessee divorce, including:

Of these examples, property division is fundamental to every divorce. Custody and support questions must be addressed when they are applicable.

Spousal Support

Spousal support, or alimony, is intended to be temporary and rehabilitative, providing an economically disadvantaged spouse with the means to improve his or her situation relative to the other spouse. When determining the amount of support to be awarded, the court will consider: the length of the marriage, the earning capacity, needs and obligations, and education and training of each spouse; the division of marital property; each spouse’s separate property; and either spouse’s contributions to the other’s education, training or earning capacity.

Other Family Law Matters

The Law Office of Joseph S. Ozment, PLLC, clients benefit from an experienced lawyer’s guidance and representation in a variety of family law matters in addition to divorce, including:

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Paternity actions
  • Name changes
  • Grandparents’ rights
  • Fathers’ rights and mothers’ rights
  • Modifications
  • Enforcement

Clients typically come from throughout the Memphis metro area and beyond, including Shelby County, Tipton County and Fayette County.

Inquiries Are Welcome

Contact Memphis divorce and family law attorney Joseph S. Ozment at 901-525-4357 or via email.