Scott Rhodes

Introduction

f you have any doubt about whether your marriage can be saved, talk to your spouse and make an appointment with a licensed marital therapist or similarly qualified professional NOW and STOP READING HERE.  Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult emotional challenges you will ever face.  A relationship which once held much promise and the potential for a lifetime of happiness has collapsed. In addition to natural feelings like hurt, disappointment and guilt, you must now enter a future filled with uncertainty.

Area of Practice

Divorce

You are likely here because you want a divorce, you’ve been told by your spouse a divorce is coming or you’ve been surprised by the service of divorce papers.  Take a step back and consider what is at risk and what you’re going to do to protect your future. 

Child Custody and Visitation

Custody is an outdated word in Tennessee divorce cases, but is convenient short-hand for the modern term “primary residential parent.” In a divorce case, one parent may be designated the PRP and oftentimes that parent gets the final word on many child-rearing decisions like education, healthcare and after school activities.

Child Support

Parents are required to support their children financially under Tennessee law. The obligation usually ends when the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates high school.

Alimony

Alimony, which is sometimes called spousal support or maintenance, can be awarded by the court under various circumstances.  Tennessee statutes and common law (cases) make this a fact intensive inquiry.  Courts are given wide discretion on whether to award alimony, the forms the alimony will take and the terms of payment.