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Franklin TN Alimony Attorney

Williamson County, Tennessee Alimony Lawyer

Whether you are going through a divorce or seeking to modify an existing Final Decree of Divorce which awarded alimony from one party to the other, the payment of alimony, also known as spousal support is based primarily on two things; the need of one-party and the ability of the other party to pay. Also, there are several other factors which the court may consider in determining if spousal support is appropriate in a specific instance. An experienced divorce attorney familiar with the law as it relates to alimony and the pattern of awarding alimony for the judge who will hear your particular matter is necessary to help you determine if your situation is one in which the court will likely award some type of alimony and if so which type best fits your situation. John Milazo of the Franklin, Tennessee Law Firm, Milazo Law, P.C. has the skills necessary to help you prepare a strategy that best suits your particular situation. For a free inital consultation with John M. MIlazo please call (615) 599-7719 or click below to leave a message through this website and you will be contacted shortly.

There are four types of alimony available in Tennessee:

Alimony in Solido

First is Alimony in Solido, which is a lump-sum payment intended to provide for one party's support.

Transitional Alimony

Second is Transitional Alimony, intended to aid one party with the transition from their married lifestyle into their now lower income lifestyle. In marriages of short duration, this is likely the only spousal support available to the disadvantaged spouse.

Rehabilitative Alimony

The third is Rehabilitative Alimony. As its name indicates, rehabilitative alimony is intended to rehabilitate the earning capacity of one spouse; in order to more equalize the parties' respective income potentials.

Alimony in Futuro

Becoming more uncommon, but still available spouses in special circumstances or marriages of long duration, is Alimony in Futuro. This may allow a disadvantaged spouse to collect alimony for the duration of their natural life or that of their spouse. Transitional alimony may not be modified once it has been established by the court. In certain circumstances; however, either party may seek to have rehabilitative alimony or alimony in futuro increased, decreased or terminated. In most cases, alimony payments are tax deductible to the party paying the support and taxable to the recipient.

Alimony in Solido

First is Alimony in Solido, which is a lump-sum payment intended to provide for one party's support.

Transitional Alimony

Second is Transitional Alimony, intended to aid one party with the transition from their married lifestyle into their now lower income lifestyle. In marriages of short duration, this is likely the only spousal support available to the disadvantaged spouse.

Rehabilitative Alimony

The third is Rehabilitative Alimony. As its name indicates, rehabilitative alimony is intended to rehabilitate the earning capacity of one spouse; in order to more equalize the parties' respective income potentials.

Alimony in Futuro

Becoming more uncommon, but still available spouses in special circumstances or marriages of long duration, is Alimony in Futuro. This may allow a disadvantaged spouse to collect alimony for the duration of their natural life or that of their spouse. Transitional alimony may not be modified once it has been established by the court. In certain circumstances; however, either party may seek to have rehabilitative alimony or alimony in futuro increased, decreased or terminated. In most cases, alimony payments are tax deductible to the party paying the support and taxable to the recipient.

Determine Alimony With An Attorney

To determine what, if any, alimony you can expect to receive or pay you may contact John Milazo of the Franklin, Tennessee Law Firm Milazo Law, P.C.. With more than 14 years experience practicing in Williamson County, Tennessee, Maury County, Tennessee and all other surrounding Middle Tennessee Courts, John Milazo has the experience and skills necessary to help you maximize your position with respect to alimony in your divorce. For your consultation call (615) 599-7719.

Attorney Modifying Alimony in Tennessee

If you have already been through a divorce and are seeking to increase alimony payments or to decrease alimony payments and experienced attorney can help you file a Petition to Modify Alimony in the appropriate court. If you no longer live in the county where you were divorced, or if the other party has moved away jurisdiction may be complicated and a good divorce attorney can help you best determine where to file your Petition. An experienced alimony divorce attorney like John Milazo of Milazo Law, P.C. will meet with you to determine important factors that affect alimony modification such as:

  • a change in income of either party
  • co-habitation of the alimony recipient with a third party
  • remarriage of the alimony recipient
  • the health of either party
  • other factors that may be unique to your particular situation

Franklin, TN Alimony Divorce Lawyer

In respect to alimony, our Divorce Attorney at the Franklin, Tennessee law firm of Milazo Law, P.C. is experienced in practicing before our judges and strives to be familiar with the trends that each of the judges tend toward. The law is continually changing in this area and it is important for your lawyer to remain abrest of these trends. In the past few years it is becoming more difficult for an attorney to obtain Alimony in Futoro for a client than it once was. In evaluating your particular situation and determining the alimony likely to be ordered by the court, as well as, the type of support, the amount and the duration you may expect; it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with the Judge who will be hearing your case. A judge in Franklin, TN may treat a matter differently than say a judge in Nashville. Whether you are the party likely to be paying spousal support or the financially disadvantaged spouse, this information is necessary when attempting to plan for your future and that of your children.

Alimony Enforcement Attorney Franklin, Tennessee

If you are a alimony recipient who is not receiving your alimony payments as was ordered by the court, you may be able to:

  • garnish the payor's wages by a Wage Assignment Order
  • receive your payments by a direct deposit into your bank account
  • hold the alimony payor in Contempt of Court and incarcerate them until payment is made
  • obtain a judgment for the amount owed plus your attorney's fees and execute the judgment by seizing the property of the alimony payor
  • or even seize the tax refund check of the alimony payor directly from the Internal Revenue Service

For help enforcing an Order awarding you alimony you may contact John Milazo of the Franklin, Tennessee law firn Milazo Law, P.C. to schedule a free intitial consultation to discuss your rights at (615) 599-7719.

Divorce with Transitional Alimony Lawyer Franklin, TN

Williamson County, Tennessee Divorce with Transitional Alimony

In marriages of relatively short duration, Transitional Alimony will likely be the type of spousal support awarded by the court. This support payment is intended to allow the financially disadvantage spouse the ability to exit the marriage and reenter society as a single person with as little disruption as can be expected. Transitional Alimony is usually measured in months and like all alimony payments is based upon the level of need of the disadvantage spouse and the ability of the spouse with the higher earning capacity to provide the support.

The Tennessee Legislature and our judicial system recognize that the disadvantaged spouse may require an increase of his or her monthly budget in order to obtain new housing, transportation, furniture etc. when moving forward after a divorce. In marriages of short duration, especially those where there are no children between the divorcing parties, it will be the goal of the judge to allow each of the spouses to return to their premarital standard of living.

It is important to note that once ordered by the court in the Final Decree of Divorce, Transitional Alimony is not modifiable. This means that neither party may return to court and ask that the alimony payments, if specifically deems to be Transitional, be increased, decreased or terminated regardless of the reason. Set out below are some of the Tennessee statutes as they relate to Transitional Alimony.

Transitional Alimony may be deemed to be taxable to the recipient and tax deductible to the party providing the support. Parties should inquire of their counsel as well as their tax advisor or certified public accountant regarding the specific tax consequences of any support ordered in their matter.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(1) The court may award rehabilitative alimony, alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, transitional alimony, or alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony or a combination of these, as provided in this subsection (d).

T.C.A.§36-5-121(g)(1) Transitional alimony means a sum of money payable by one (1) party to, or on behalf of, the other party for a determinate period of time. Transitional alimony is awarded when the court finds that rehabilitation is not necessary, but the economically disadvantaged spouse needs assistance to adjust to the economic consequences of a divorce, legal separation or other proceeding where spousal support may be awarded, such as a petition for an order of protection.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(g)(2) Transitional alimony shall be nonmodifiable unless:

(A) The parties otherwise agree in an agreement incorporated into the initial decree of divorce or legal separation, or order of protection;

(B) The court otherwise orders in the initial decree of divorce, legal separation or order of protection; or

(C) The alimony recipient lives with a third person, in which case a rebuttable presumption is raised that:

(i) The third person is contributing to the support of the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of support previously awarded, and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse; or

(ii) The third person is receiving support from the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of alimony previously awarded and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(g)(3) Transitional alimony shall terminate upon the death of the recipient. Transitional alimony shall also terminate upon the death of the payor, unless otherwise specifically stated in the decree.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(g)(4) The court may provide, at the time of entry of the order to pay transitional alimony, that the transitional alimony shall terminate upon the occurrence of other conditions, including, but not limited to, the remarriage of the party receiving transitional alimony.

Divorce with Alimony in Futuro Attorney Franklin TN

Alimony in Futuro is usually awarded only in marriages of substantial duration. This type of spousal support is used in situations where the financially disadvantaged spouse has contributed to the marriage usually by assuming a domestic role, such as a stay at home mom or stay at home wife, in the marriage, while the other spouse has served as the primary financial provider. The financially disadvantaged spouse often has foregone improvement of his or her earning capacity and has allowed the primary financial provider to increase their earning capacity throughout the marriage. Further, the financially disadvantaged spouse has become accustomed to a lifestyle beyond that which may be expected after a divorce without support from the other spouse. Likewise, the financially disadvantaged spouse could not reasonably expect to enjoy a similar lifestyle as the financially more advantaged spouse without receiving support. Set out below are some of the Tennessee statutes as they relate to Alimony in Futuro.

John M. Milazo is expierienced in evaluating a client and their respective estate in order to determine whether or not Alimony in Futoro is likely to be awarded; particularly by one of our local judges. If you are anticipating a divorce in Williamson County, Franklin, TN, or one of our nerby counties; please do not hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation with John M. Milazo of the Franklin, Tennessee law firm,Milazo Law, P.C.

Alimony in Futoro Columbia Maury County TN Attorney

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(1) The court may award rehabilitative alimony, alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, transitional alimony, or alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony or a combination of these, as provided in this subsection (d).

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(3) Where there is relative economic disadvantage and rehabilitation is not feasible, in consideration of all relevant factors, including those set out in subsection (i), the court may grant an order for payment of support and maintenance on a long-term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (f)(2)(B).

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(4) An award of alimony in futuro may be made, either in addition to an award of rehabilitative alimony, where a spouse may be only partially rehabilitated, or instead of an award of rehabilitative alimony, where rehabilitation is not feasible. Transitional alimony is awarded when the court finds that rehabilitation is not necessary, but the economically disadvantaged spouse needs assistance to adjust to the economic consequences of a divorce, legal separation or other proceeding where spousal support may be awarded, such as a petition for an order of protection.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(1) Alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, is a payment of support and maintenance on a long term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient. Such alimony may be awarded when the court finds that there is relative economic disadvantage and that rehabilitation is not feasible, meaning that the disadvantaged spouse is unable to achieve, with reasonable effort, an earning capacity that will permit the spouse's standard of living after the divorce to be reasonably comparable to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, or to the post-divorce standard of living expected to be available to the other spouse, considering the relevant statutory factors and the equities between the parties.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(2)(A) An award of alimony in futuro shall remain in the court's control for the duration of such award, and may be increased, decreased, terminated, extended, or otherwise modified, upon a showing of substantial and material change in circumstances.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(2)(B) In all cases where a person is receiving alimony in futuro and the alimony recipient lives with a third person, a rebuttable presumption is raised that:

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(2)(B)(i) The third person is contributing to the support of the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of support previously awarded, and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse; or

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(2)(B)(ii) The third person is receiving support from the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of alimony previously awarded and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(f)(3) An award for alimony in futuro shall terminate automatically and unconditionally upon the death or remarriage of the recipient. The recipient shall notify the obligor immediately upon the recipient's remarriage. Failure of the recipient to timely give notice of the remarriage shall allow the obligor to recover all amounts paid as alimony in futuro to the recipient after the recipient's marriage. Alimony in futuro shall also terminate upon the death of the payor, unless otherwise specifically stated.

Alimony in Solido Franklin, Tennessee Divorce Attorney

Williamson County, TN Divorce with Alimony in Solido Attorney

Alimony in Solido, sometimes referred to as "lump-sum" Alimony, is often used to offset unequal earning capacities or unequal incomes of the parties in lieu of other types of spousal support. Other times Alimony in Solido is awarded in addition to Alimony in Futuro, Rehabilitative Alimony or Transitional Alimony. Many times Alimony in Solido is granted by awarding a larger portion of the proceeds of the sale of the marital residence or other marital property to the financially disadvantaged spouse. For a Free Initial Consultation with John Milazo of the Franklin, TN law firm, Milazo Law, P.C. located in Williamson County please call us at (615) 599-7719 and discuss the particular details of your situation today.

Also, the court may choose to award the financially disadvantaged spouse, as Alimony in Solido:

  • the balance owed on his or her attorneys fees,
  • the satisfaction of a debt owed in the name of the disadvantage spouse
  • or even the larger share of the funds located in the parties joint accounts or either parties' retirement accounts.

It is important that you are aware of your rights with respect to spousal support before entering into an agreement that may not be in your best interest. You should consult an experienced attorney before committing to a position.

To determine if Alimony in Solido is an appropriate remedy for your particular situation you will need to speak with an experienced attorney familiar with the applicable law as well as the Judge who will hear your matter. Different types of alimony have different advantages and disadvantages. If you want to speak with John Milazo and discuss you matter free of charge, please call (615) 599-7719 or Message Us and we will contact you shortly.

Alimony in Solido Divorce Attorney Columbia Maury County TN

Set out below are the portions of the Tennessee statutes which deal specifically with Alimony in Solido.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(1) The court may award rehabilitative alimony, alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, transitional alimony, or alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony or a combination of these, as provided in this subsection (d).

T.C.A.§36-5-121(d)(5) Alimony in solido may be awarded in lieu of or in addition to any other alimony award, in order to provide support, including attorney fees, where appropriate.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(h)(1) Alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony, is a form of long term support, the total amount of which is calculable on the date the decree is entered, but which is not designated as transitional alimony. Alimony in solido may be paid in installments; provided, that the payments are ordered over a definite period of time and the sum of the alimony to be paid is ascertainable when awarded. The purpose of this form of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse. In addition, alimony in solido may include attorney fees, where appropriate.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(h)(2) A final award of alimony in solido is not modifiable, except by agreement of the parties only.

T.C.A.§36-5-121(h)(3) Alimony in solido is not terminable upon the death or remarriage of the recipient or the payor.

 

Tennessee Law on Alimony at T.C.A.§36-5-121

§ 36-5-121. Classes of spousal support and maintenance; economic disadvantage

(a) In any action for divorce, legal separation or separate maintenance, the court may award alimony to be paid by one spouse to or for the benefit of the other, or out of either spouse's property, according to the nature of the case and the circumstances of the parties. The court may fix some definite amount or amounts to be paid in monthly, semimonthly or weekly installments, or otherwise, as the circumstances may warrant. Such award, if not paid, may be enforced by any appropriate process of the court having jurisdiction including levy of execution. Further, the order or decree shall remain in the court's jurisdiction and control, and, upon application of either party, the court may award an increase or decrease or other modification of the award based upon a showing of a substantial and material change of circumstances; provided, that the award is subject to modification by the court based on the type of alimony awarded, the terms of the court's decree or the terms of the parties' agreement.

(b) The court may, in its discretion, at any time pending the final hearing, upon motion and after notice and hearing, make any order that may be proper to compel a spouse to pay any sums necessary for the support and maintenance of the other spouse, to enable such spouse to prosecute or defend the suit of the parties and to make other orders as it deems appropriate. Further, the court may award such sum as may be necessary to enable a spouse to pay the expenses of job training and education. In making any order under this subsection (b), the court shall consider the financial needs of each spouse and the financial ability of each spouse to meet those needs and to prosecute or defend the suit.

(c)(1) Spouses have traditionally strengthened the family unit through private arrangements whereby one (1) spouse focuses on nurturing the personal side of the marriage, including the care and nurturing of the children, while the other spouse focuses primarily on building the economic strength of the family unit. This arrangement often results in economic detriment to the spouse who subordinated such spouse's own personal career for the benefit of the marriage. It is the public policy of this state to encourage and support marriage, and to encourage family arrangements that provide for the rearing of healthy and productive children who will become healthy and productive citizens of our state.

(2) The general assembly finds that the contributions to the marriage as homemaker or parent are of equal dignity and importance as economic contributions to the marriage. Further, where one (1) spouse suffers economic detriment for the benefit of the marriage, the general assembly finds that the economically disadvantaged spouse's standard of living after the divorce should be reasonably comparable to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage or to the post-divorce standard of living expected to be available to the other spouse, considering the relevant statutory factors and the equities between the parties.

(d)(1) The court may award rehabilitative alimony, alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, transitional alimony, or alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony or a combination of these, as provided in this subsection (d).

(2) It is the intent of the general assembly that a spouse, who is economically disadvantaged relative to the other spouse, be rehabilitated, whenever possible, by the granting of an order for payment of rehabilitative alimony. To be rehabilitated means to achieve, with reasonable effort, an earning capacity that will permit the economically disadvantaged spouse's standard of living after the divorce to be reasonably comparable to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, or to the post-divorce standard of living expected to be available to the other spouse, considering the relevant statutory factors and the equities between the parties.

(3) Where there is relative economic disadvantage and rehabilitation is not feasible, in consideration of all relevant factors, including those set out in subsection (i), the court may grant an order for payment of support and maintenance on a long-term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (f)(2)(B).

(4) An award of alimony in futuro may be made, either in addition to an award of rehabilitative alimony, where a spouse may be only partially rehabilitated, or instead of an award of rehabilitative alimony, where rehabilitation is not feasible. Transitional alimony is awarded when the court finds that rehabilitation is not necessary, but the economically disadvantaged spouse needs assistance to adjust to the economic consequences of a divorce, legal separation or other proceeding where spousal support may be awarded, such as a petition for an order of protection.

(5) Alimony in solido may be awarded in lieu of or in addition to any other alimony award, in order to provide support, including attorney fees, where appropriate.

(e)(1) Rehabilitative alimony is a separate class of spousal support, as distinguished from alimony in solido, alimony in futuro, and transitional alimony. To be rehabilitated means to achieve, with reasonable effort, an earning capacity that will permit the economically disadvantaged spouse's standard of living after the divorce to be reasonably comparable to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, or to the post-divorce standard of living expected to be available to the other spouse, considering the relevant statutory factors and the equities between the parties.

(2) An award of rehabilitative alimony shall remain in the court's control for the duration of such award, and may be increased, decreased, terminated, extended, or otherwise modified, upon a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances. For rehabilitative alimony to be extended beyond the term initially established by the court, or to be increased in amount, or both, the recipient of the rehabilitative alimony shall have the burden of proving that all reasonable efforts at rehabilitation have been made and have been unsuccessful.

(3) Rehabilitative alimony shall terminate upon the death of the recipient. Rehabilitative alimony shall also terminate upon the death of the payor, unless otherwise specifically stated.

(f)(1) Alimony in futuro, also known as periodic alimony, is a payment of support and maintenance on a long term basis or until death or remarriage of the recipient. Such alimony may be awarded when the court finds that there is relative economic disadvantage and that rehabilitation is not feasible, meaning that the disadvantaged spouse is unable to achieve, with reasonable effort, an earning capacity that will permit the spouse's standard of living after the divorce to be reasonably comparable to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, or to the post-divorce standard of living expected to be available to the other spouse, considering the relevant statutory factors and the equities between the parties.

(2)(A) An award of alimony in futuro shall remain in the court's control for the duration of such award, and may be increased, decreased, terminated, extended, or otherwise modified, upon a showing of substantial and material change in circumstances.

(B) In all cases where a person is receiving alimony in futuro and the alimony recipient lives with a third person, a rebuttable presumption is raised that:

(i) The third person is contributing to the support of the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of support previously awarded, and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse; or

(ii) The third person is receiving support from the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of alimony previously awarded and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse.

(3) An award for alimony in futuro shall terminate automatically and unconditionally upon the death or remarriage of the recipient. The recipient shall notify the obligor immediately upon the recipient's remarriage. Failure of the recipient to timely give notice of the remarriage shall allow the obligor to recover all amounts paid as alimony in futuro to the recipient after the recipient's marriage. Alimony in futuro shall also terminate upon the death of the payor, unless otherwise specifically stated.

(g)(1) Transitional alimony means a sum of money payable by one (1) party to, or on behalf of, the other party for a determinate period of time. Transitional alimony is awarded when the court finds that rehabilitation is not necessary, but the economically disadvantaged spouse needs assistance to adjust to the economic consequences of a divorce, legal separation or other proceeding where spousal support may be awarded, such as a petition for an order of protection.

(2) Transitional alimony shall be nonmodifiable unless:

(A) The parties otherwise agree in an agreement incorporated into the initial decree of divorce or legal separation, or order of protection;

(B) The court otherwise orders in the initial decree of divorce, legal separation or order of protection; or

(C) The alimony recipient lives with a third person, in which case a rebuttable presumption is raised that:

(i) The third person is contributing to the support of the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of support previously awarded, and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse; or

(ii) The third person is receiving support from the alimony recipient and the alimony recipient does not need the amount of alimony previously awarded and the court should suspend all or part of the alimony obligation of the former spouse.

(3) Transitional alimony shall terminate upon the death of the recipient. Transitional alimony shall also terminate upon the death of the payor, unless otherwise specifically stated in the decree.

(4) The court may provide, at the time of entry of the order to pay transitional alimony, that the transitional alimony shall terminate upon the occurrence of other conditions, including, but not limited to, the remarriage of the party receiving transitional alimony.

(h)(1) Alimony in solido, also known as lump sum alimony, is a form of long term support, the total amount of which is calculable on the date the decree is entered, but which is not designated as transitional alimony. Alimony in solido may be paid in installments; provided, that the payments are ordered over a definite period of time and the sum of the alimony to be paid is ascertainable when awarded. The purpose of this form of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse. In addition, alimony in solido may include attorney fees, where appropriate.

(2) A final award of alimony in solido is not modifiable, except by agreement of the parties only.

(3) Alimony in solido is not terminable upon the death or remarriage of the recipient or the payor.

(i) In determining whether the granting of an order for payment of support and maintenance to a party is appropriate, and in determining the nature, amount, length of term, and manner of payment, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) The relative earning capacity, obligations, needs, and financial resources of each party, including income from pension, profit sharing or retirement plans and all other sources;

(2) The relative education and training of each party, the ability and opportunity of each party to secure such education and training, and the necessity of a party to secure further education and training to improve such party's earnings capacity to a reasonable level;

(3) The duration of the marriage;

(4) The age and mental condition of each party;

(5) The physical condition of each party, including, but not limited to, physical disability or incapacity due to a chronic debilitating disease;

(6) 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;

(7) The separate assets of each party, both real and personal, tangible and intangible;

(8) The provisions made with regard to the marital property, as defined in § 36-4-121;

(9) The standard of living of the parties established during the marriage;

(10) 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;

(11) The relative fault of the parties, in cases where the court, in its discretion, deems it appropriate to do so; and

(12) Such other factors, including the tax consequences to each party, as are necessary to consider the equities between the parties.

(j) The court may direct a party to pay the premiums for insurance insuring the health care costs of the other party, in whole or in part, for such duration as the court deems appropriate.

(k) To secure the obligation of one party to pay alimony to or for the benefit of the other party, the court may direct a party to designate the other party as the beneficiary of, and to pay the premiums required to maintain, any existing policies insuring the life of a party, or to purchase and pay the premiums required to maintain such new or additional life insurance designating the other party the beneficiary of the insurance, or a combination of these, as the court deems appropriate.

(l) The order or decree of the court may provide that the payments for the support of such spouse shall be paid either to the clerk of the court or directly to the spouse, or, in Title IV-D cases, the order or decree of the court shall provide that payments shall be paid to the central collections and disbursement unit, pursuant to § 36-5-116.

(m) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the affirmation, ratification and incorporation in a decree of an agreement between the parties as to support and maintenance of a party.

(n) Any order of alimony that has been reduced to judgment shall be entitled to be enforced as any other judgment of a court of this state and shall be entitled to full faith and credit in this state and in any other state.

CREDIT(S)

2005 Pub.Acts, c. 287, § 2, eff. July 1, 2005.

Serving clients in Williamson County, Franklin TN, Fairview TN, Spring Hill TN, Brentwood TN, Maury County, Columbia TN, Mt. Pleasant TN, Davidson County, Nashville TN, Hickman County, Centerville TN, Lyles TN, Marshall County, Lewisburg TN, Bedford County, Shelbyville TN, Dickson County, Dickson TN, Burns TN, Marshall County, Lewisburg TN, Bedford County, Shelbyville TN, Dickson County, Dickson TN, Burns TN, Lewis County, Hohenwald TN, Perry County, Linden TN, Rutherford County, Murfreesboro TN, Smyrna TN, Sumner County, Gallatin, TN, Robertson County, Springfield, TN and Giles County, Pulaski, TN John M. Milazo would be happy to serve you as well.