Tennessee Alimony Laws 2026
Complete guide to spousal support in Tennessee
Tennessee Alimony at a Glance
Types Available
Maximum Duration
Periodic: not to exceed marriage length
How Courts Calculate
Judge discretion
Understanding Tennessee Alimony Law
In Tennessee, alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. Tennessee caps periodic alimony at the length of the marriage.
Tennessee courts generally consider the following factors when determining alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's income and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse's age, health, and employability
- Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
- Child custody arrangements and their impact on earning capacity
- Marital misconduct or fault (in some cases)
Types of Alimony in Tennessee
Transitional: Short-term support to help a spouse transition to independent living after divorce.
Rehabilitative: Designed to support a spouse while they gain education or job skills to become self-sufficient. Typically has a defined end date tied to the completion of a training program or return to the workforce.
Periodic: Regular (usually monthly) payments over a defined or indefinite period.
In Solido: Available under Tennessee law based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Duration of Alimony
In Tennessee, the duration of alimony awards is: Periodic: not to exceed marriage length.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
In most cases, alimony in Tennessee can be modified or terminated upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
- Recipient spouse's remarriage
- Recipient spouse's cohabitation with a new partner (in many states)
- Either party's retirement
- Death of either party
Estimate Your Tennessee Alimony
Use our calculator to get a rough estimate based on Tennessee guidelines.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed Tennessee family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.