Chattanooga Divorce Lawyer Protects Spouses’ Rights

Tennessee attorney advises on all types of matrimonial litigation

Ending a marriage triggers legal, emotional and financial stress. As you’re going through these significant changes while managing the other responsibilities in your life, it can be difficult to keep track of important legal matters. During these times, you can rely on my Chattanooga firm, the Law Offices of Robert W. Sauser, to provide comprehensive support for you and your children. I’ve been serving Tennessee family law clients since 1978 and can guide you through each step of the marital dissolution process, from choosing the method of divorce to arrangements for custody and visitation. Whether you and your spouse agree on key terms or are battling over matters such as property division and alimony, you can trust my firm to deliver exceptional advice and advocacy.

Proven advocate assists with contested and uncontested divorces

As a Tennessee family law attorney with 40 years of experience, I can explain the relevant legal standards that will affect your divorce, such as:

• Fault and no-fault grounds — Couples who agree that they have irreconcilable differences or who have lived apart for two years and don’t have children can dissolve their marriage without alleging any fault. However, traditional fault grounds, including adultery, desertion and cruel treatment, are also available under state law. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, I can detail how each option might work in your case.
• Contested and uncontested divorce — Childless couples who have no disputes about the terms of their divorce can file a Marital Dissolution Agreement and have their divorce completed in approximately 60 days. Even if you think that true consensus exists, it’s important to get the advice of a qualified attorney, because the decisions you make now will have longstanding consequences.
• Division of property — Tennessee uses the equitable distribution principle, which means that marital property is not necessarily divided evenly in a divorce but is allocated according to what the judge thinks is fair. I work hard to help couples reach a fair consensus. If that’s not possible, my firm advocates in court for a proper resolution.
• Legal separation — If spouses no longer wish to live together but want to remain married, I assist with the legal separation, which covers custody, property division and other terms just as a divorce order does.

As you start a new chapter in your life, I take every legal step to ease your burden and help you emerge with a strong foundation.

Dedicated firm handles issues relating to child custody and support

Resolving questions of child custody and support through negotiation is usually best for everyone, especially sons and daughters. I have detailed knowledge of the factors that are used to determine what is in a young person’s best interests and use that information to  establish fair arrangements for legal custody, residence and the rights that noncustodial parents possess. My firm makes a detailed review of the circumstances and ensures that proper information is provided to the court in custody and child support determinations. If modifications or enforcement actions are needed, I can also handle those proceedings.

Hamilton County attorney explains alimony guidelines

Disagreements over alimony can linger for years, especially if one spouse took care of the home for many years while the other one worked. Five different types of spousal support exist, and payments can be ordered on a temporary or permanent basis. In many instances, an alimony award is given so the supported spouse can transition to single life and regain earning ability. However, permanent support (alimony in futuro) could be granted if the party seeking support substantially contributed to the marriage. Specific alimony amounts and duration vary greatly, but I can explain how the factors apply in your situation and press for a favorable agreement.

Contact a knowledgeable Chattanooga divorce lawyer to schedule an appointment.

The Law Offices of Robert W. Sauser advises Southeast Tennessee clients on divorce proceedings and other family law matters. Call me at (423) 535-9387 or contact me online to schedule a consultation at my Chattanooga office.