Mitchell A. Byrd Family Law Blog

Divorce is hard on families.  Even with the best intentions, spouses struggling to end their relationship can tread harshly on their partner, and their children.  When the dust settles, the landscape is different.  The family is no more, but both parents and children retain important rights - legal, financial, and emotional.... Read More

In determining equitable distribution following a divorce, Tennessee judges must determine not only what property is subject to distribution but also how it can most fairly be distributed.  Because judges have a high degree of discretion in determining equitable distribution, a divorce attorney must aggressively argue in favor of his or her client in order to achieve a favorable division of property.... Read More

Equitable distribution of property is a deeply subjective process that requires a court to examine a variety of factors.  In many cases, there may be some facts that bode in favor of each spouse.  It is up to a Chattanooga divorce lawyer to convince the court to accord greater weight to the factors that favor his or her client and ultimately secure a more favorable portion of the marital property.... Read More

Courts award alimony to prevent a spouse from suffering a major decrease in his or her standard of living following a divorce.  Alimony can come in several forms and can be short term, long term, or even permanent.  Courts have a great deal of discretion and consider a variety of factors in determining the propriety of awarding alimony.  That is why a skilled divorce attorney must aggressively advocate on behalf of his or her clients to ultimately secure a favorable alimony award.... Read More

While couples may agree to a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, spouses seeking divorce individually must establish specific grounds in order to succeed.  Doing so may require the spouse to offer proof during a court hearing, including physical evidence and sworn witness testimony.  But a skilled Chattanooga divorce lawyer like Mitchell A. Byrd can help a spouse effectively establish grounds for a contested divorce at trial.... Read More