Tennessee laws specify grounds for legal separation or divorce, and a qualified attorney pinpoints what best applies to your case. Without justifiable reasons, proceeding to file for divorce weakens your fight from the start. For domestic abuse, prevailing state laws allow a trained mediator to intervene only when the abused spouse agrees to mediation.
Your divorce attorney in Knoxville, TN, can enlighten you on your eligibility to register a divorce complaint in Tennessee. Either your spouse or you must be residing in this state at least for the past six months. As per law, due consideration is given when the party contesting the divorce submits a reply within 30 days of being served.
Does Knoxville Laws Allow Legal Separations?
Though divorce rates are at 8% with a nationwide 44th rank in Knoxville, a feasible alternative for married couples who cannot live together but are not keen on divorce is a legal separation. Though you remain legally married, Knoxville courts recognize legal separations as being divorced from bed and board. After two years of legal separation, if parties involved have failed to reconcile, absolute divorce proceedings can be initiated on a spouse’s request.
An experienced divorce attorney can help you better understand intricate laws and your rights and responsibilities from a legal perspective. Keeping in mind your circumstances, they help suggest viable options and formulate a tailored strategy that works in your favor.
Even when your divorce is initiated through mutual consent, your settlement agreement needs to be drafted fairly from a long-term standpoint. Hiring a lawyer to assist you through your divorce formalities makes complete sense and is highly recommended.
When you have professional guidance steering you through this emotionally charged process, you stand to gain. However, you must make a smart decision and refrain from hiring a Knoxville attorney at face value. Enumerated here is a handy questionnaire that allows you to dig deeper and make an informed choice:
What Are Your Qualifications?
The lawyer you engage in fighting your divorce case must possess the requisite credentials and license to practice family law. A legal specialist in this domain who is aware of the applicable laws in Tennessee will be an asset to you.
There is no harm in asking them to share their credentials, which validate their expertise. Proceed when you have confidence that your attorney is capable of delivering as per your expectations
Do You Have Relevant Experience?
Even if a potential attorney comes with years of experience, you must examine how often they have handled a divorce case. Give preference to those who can confidently enumerate relevant instances wherein they have argued and settled divorces previously.
A lawyer who lacks relevant experience even if talented and thorough in their approach, may not serve your purpose. Having handled divorce encounters in the past suitably equips your attorney to seal the deal in your favor.
What Is Your Plan Of Action?
Only a qualified divorce attorney in Knoxville, TN, has a clear vision of how they intend to proceed with your case. Their ability to outline a well-conceived plan from the outset allows you to put your faith in their skill sets.
Your legal aid must first get an assessment from you about your expectations from this case to strategize accordingly. A lawyer open to working around your requirements is an encouraging start as their actions will correspondingly comply.
Can You Specify The Costs Involved?
Besides updating you about their professional fees, a Knoxville attorney must share with you anticipated costs. The latter may arise as your case progresses depending upon your circumstances.
It helps to proceed on a prepared note instead of encountering unpleasant surprises along the way. The payment your lawyer expects for his or her services should be transparently communicated without any hidden expenses surfacing later.
Do You Have References To Share?
A divorce lawyer who has no hesitation in sharing references of former clients with whom you can connect to get feedback is a plus. These testimonials become an indicator of what to expect when you start working with the attorney in question.
Having a fair idea at the very outset prevents disappointments down the line. It also allows you to evaluate whether your legal aid’s working style will suit you.
In the absence of a waiting period in Knoxville, Tennessee, you can file for divorce anytime. If minor children are involved, a divorce can be granted 90 days after initiating the process otherwise, 60 days.
Take your time exploring the legal specialists available in Knoxville. Choose one accessible, conveniently located, communicative, and who displays a genuine interest in your case. Trust is established when you share a healthy and open working relationship with your attorney.
