Murfreesboro Divorce Lawyers

Advocating for Families Rights to a Fair Divorce

Choosing to end a marriage in divorce is no easy decision, and the process can be just as difficult. If you would like to file for divorce, turn to our Murfreesboro divorce lawyers, TN, for legal guidance. Santel | Garner has been helping men and women file for divorce for many years in Tennessee. 

Our divorce attorneys in Murfreesboro, TN can prepare all the necessary paperwork on your behalf and guide you through the whole process. We will work diligently in order to ensure that your interests and rights are protected from start to finish.

Contact our divorce lawyers in Murfreesboro, TN, now at (615) 987-0268 or online to set up your confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your divorce. 

Our Approach to Divorce in Murfreesboro

The divorce process can easily cloud a person’s judgment and create many mixed emotions. With our firm’s legal representation, you can feel at ease knowing that you can make strategic, fully informed decisions with our help. 

Our firm can also assist you with other divorce-related matters, such as child support and child custody. Our Murfreesboro divorce lawyers believe in a multi-pronged approach to these cases, which can involve fragile emotions, the well-being of children, and complex financial considerations.

We believe that where amicable solutions are possible, that should be the goal. This helps not only to preserve important relational bonds but seeks to protect the family’s assets, necessary for the future well-being of those involved.

Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce in Tennessee

Divorces in Tennessee can either be assigned fault or may be considered “no-fault.” There are advantages to both, so determining which is more favorable in your case will require a thorough review of your circumstances by a competent lawyer.

The primary benefit of seeking a fault-based divorce is to secure an advantage in terms of child custody, spousal support, or alimony, and/or a larger share of marital assets. Proving one of these elements can be a challenge, and there is no absolute guarantee the outcome will be favorable. However, in some cases, it may be worth presenting a case for a fault-based divorce.

Grounds for a fault-based divorce may include:

• A felony conviction with a jail or prison sentence
• Adultery
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Attempted harm or murder of a spouse
• Bigamy
• Cruel and inhuman treatment
• Impotence
• Willful or malicious desertion for one whole year

Still, most Tennessee divorces are no-fault. This avenue is often preferred, as it allows the couple to avoid a contentious, drawn-out airing of marital business necessary in proving fault. It does not allege wrongdoing by either spouse but is rather a statement on the poor condition of the union. It tends to be less expensive also because it reduces legal battles, and in turn, creates a more civil environment for resolving differences on everything from child custody to property division.

The right avenue for your case will depend on the underlying circumstances of your divorce. Contact us to learn what is best for you and your circumstances.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

A contested divorce is one in which the parties involved cannot agree. It could stem from disagreements about the decision to get a divorce in the first place. Other disputes center on certain terms of the divorce, such as child custody, child support, alimony, allocation of debts, or division of assets.

Contested divorces tend to take longer and be more complex. However, there is sometimes a strong case for pursuing a contested divorce when there is much at stake. It is imperative in these situations to seek legal counsel as early as possible in the process because of the need for extensive research and investment of time.

There is often still a need for legal counsel in an uncontested divorce. The reason is even when couples agree on everything, there may be certain elements they have overlooked. A couple may agree for the wife to take the house while the husband keeps all his retirement benefits, but this may not in fact be a fair split. Having a lawyer review your agreement will at least help to ensure you aren’t getting a raw deal and that you haven’t overlooked anything of critical importance.

Whether we are dealing with the interests of young children or the division of assets it took many decades to acquire, even the most amicable separations should involve a competent divorce lawyer to ensure both parties walk away confident in their decisions.

Call our Murfreesboro divorce lawyers at (615) 987-0268 or contact us online to arrange your confidential consultation without any obligations. Let’s discuss your divorce options.

Key Steps in the Divorce Process in Tennessee

Navigating a divorce involves several essential steps. Understanding these can help demystify the process and prepare individuals for what lies ahead.

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is to schedule a free, initial consultation with a Murfreesboro divorce lawyer from our firm. During this meeting, clients can discuss their situation, ask questions, and understand the legal options available. 

2. Filing for Divorce

To initiate the divorce process, one party must file a petition for divorce with the appropriate court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce and the relief sought, such as asset division and custody arrangements. The other party must be served with the petition, allowing them an opportunity to respond.

3. Discovery Process

After filing, both parties engage in the discovery process. This phase involves gathering relevant information and documentation related to assets, debts, and other pertinent issues. Full disclosure is essential to ensure that both parties can make informed decisions.

4. Negotiation and Settlement

Once both parties have a clear understanding of the relevant facts, negotiation begins. This may involve direct discussions between the parties or through their attorneys. The goal is to reach a settlement that addresses all issues, including property division, child custody, and support obligations.

5. Mediation (if necessary)

If negotiations reach an impasse, mediation may be recommended. A mediator helps facilitate discussions and encourages compromise, guiding both parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution.

6. Court Hearings

If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case may proceed to court. During hearings, both parties present their cases, and the judge makes decisions on contested issues. It is essential to have skilled representation to advocate for one’s interests during this phase.

7. Finalizing the Divorce

Once all issues are resolved, either through negotiation or court ruling, the final divorce decree is issued. This document outlines the terms of the divorce, it is legally binding and ensures that both parties adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

Divorce Lawyers in Murfreesboro, TN Fighting For You

When the situation calls for it, we will not hesitate to use our extensive knowledge, experience, and skill to fight vigorously for the rights and best interests of our clients.

Divorces can become so contentious that sometimes they need to be settled in divorce court. In the event your divorce matter needs to be settled in court, you can feel confident by having a Murfreesboro divorce attorney with solid trial experience on your side. 

In fact, all members of our firm’s legal team are former prosecutors. The individualized attention and passionate advocacy you will receive as our firm’s client combined with our aggressive litigation backgrounds could make a difference to the outcome of your divorce.

Here are several benefits of hiring our Murfreesboro divorce lawyer:

• Our firm can help you to understand your legal rights and responsibilities, determine all your available legal options, and guide you through the complexities of the divorce process
• We will ensure that all applicable laws are followed during the divorce proceedings
• Our team can accurately complete and submit all the necessary paperwork in a timely manner
• We can negotiate with your spouse's attorney to get a fair settlement for both parties involved
• We will represent you in court, if necessary
• Our attorneys have experience dealing with tough emotions related to difficult family situations, which could help ease some of the stress associated with such proceedings

Discover how our Murfreesboro divorce lawyers can help you through every step of the process. Contact us now or call at (615) 987-0268 to set up your case evaluation. Hablamos Español.