Divorce with less Disruption
Every divorce is different. Some couples divorce after the briefest of marriages, others require the painful division of the accumulation of lifetime together. For some people, the process is relatively easy, but most cases involve at least some emotional response and the potential for conflict.
My goal as an attorney is to help families minimize or avoid these costs as much as possible. I am a firm believer in reducing conflict in family law matters because it inevitably damages families and can be especially stressful for children involved. I am committed to resolving matters out of court whenever I can, because it reduces costly litigation and improves outcomes for everyone. I often counsel clients on how best to deal with the others involved in the case in their personal interactions, especially on co-parenting issues. There are proven ways to reduce conflict and improve outcomes in family law matters, and I will always urge my clients to take advantage of those.
Divorce Basics:
In Tennessee, couples who file for divorce must wait at least 60 days (90 if there are children) from the date that the complaint is filed with the Court until the divorce can be finalized. However, in Memphis, even if the parties agree on all of the terms of their divorce, they must appear before a judge to have the final divorce decree entered.
The final divorce decree will include the actual dissolution of the marriage, as well as orders dividing the couple’s property, addressing payment of debt, alimony if appropriate, and a name change if the wife requests it. If there are children, the final orders will include provisions on custody, parenting time, and child support, including a Permanent Parenting Plan.
For couples without children and without assets, this process can be fairly simple. The Tennessee Supreme Court even provides forms and instructions for parties to do it themselves. If you can’t use the forms for whatever reason (you have minor children and need assistance with the parenting plan, there are assets to be divided, or the divorce is not 100% agreed), an attorney can help you save time AND money, especially if your case will require a child support order. If you think it is time to dissolve your marriage, please Contact Anna Phillips schedule a consultation.
Attorney Anna Phillips charges a base rate of $200 per hour, however, she offers a sliding scale and discounts to be able to work with working families.
In addition to traditional hourly retainer engagements, Attorney Anna Phillips offers flat fee arrangements for some uncontested divorces. And new for 2015, Anna Phillips will review proposed Marital Dissolution Agreements and give advice for a flat feel. Visit the Divorce Flat Fee page for more information.
What to bring to the consultation:
- Full names and addresses for both spouses, or if the spouse cannot be located, as much information as possible about the spouse’s whereabouts.
- Birth information – date and place of birth for each spouse, prior names if applicable.
- The dates and locations of the marriage and separation, as well as information about both spouses prior marriages.
- Names and birth dates of all children of the marriage, including adopted children.
- Social security numbers for everyone (spouses and minor children) if you have them.
- Addresses of any real property (houses and land) owned by either spouse.
- Income and employment information for each spouse, including unemployment or disability benefits. If either or both spouses are unemployed, bring information about the last employment.
- Prior year(s) tax returns if you have them.
- If either party has children outside of the marriage, information regarding child support paid for those children.
