How Does the Length of My Marriage Affect My Divorce?
February 2, 2026
Home » Insights »

How Does the Length of My Marriage Affect My Divorce

Did you know that in a divorce case, the length of a marriage effects the division of assets? It’s true. The length of a marriage plays a significant role during many aspects of a divorce case. If you are about to file for divorce from your spouse, make sure you have a trustworthy attorney on your side.

Marriage Length and Division of Property

During a divorce case, the length of a marriage impacts how much of the property is given to each spouse. The trial judge is tasked with equitably dividing the marital assets.  Equitable does not always mean equal.  Often, the longer a marriage has lasted, the greater the chance there is an equal split of the marital assets.

Which spouse caused the grounds for the divorce is not an issue in property division.  For instance, infidelity does not play a role in the property division phase of a divorce case.  Alimony after retirement can be a topic which requires legal assistance. If you and your spouse are fighting over these issues and you have questions, be sure to contact the divorce attorneys at Hagar & Phillips today.

In some longer marriages, the division of property can prove to be a difficult task.  For instance, individuals in longer marriages tend to have a diverse portfolio of assets, investments, real property, and other types of property.  Dividing these assets may require expert or technical assistance from individuals trained in evaluating the value of each asset or investment.

Does the Length of my Marriage Determine my Chances for Alimony?

The simple answer is yes. Tennessee law has a list of factors that a judge must consider before alimony is awarded.  The most important factors are the need of the receiving spouse and the ability to pay the paying spouse.  Among the other factors the judge considers is fault and length of marriage.

Alimony is known as the legal obligation of one spouse to support the other after a divorce. The longer the marriage lasted, the greater the chance that alimony will be awarded to support the future needs of the supported spouse. For shorter marriages, alimony is rarely awarded unless there is a unique set of circumstances or if the receiving spouse needs time to transition from being a married person to a single person. Alimony may be impacted after retirement, so it is important to ask for legal assistance to review your details.

In the state of Tennessee, there are four types of alimony:

  • Alimony in Futuro (Intended for long-term support until death or remarriage)
  • Transitional Alimony
  • Rehabilitative Alimony
  • Alimony in Solido (also known as Lump-Sum Alimony)

Your Lebanon divorce lawyer will explain each type of alimony to you and help determine your possibility of either receiving alimony or being responsible for paying alimony. You can speak to a Lebanon divorce attorney to understand how Tennessee annulments and divorces work.

Contact Wilson County’s Trusted Divorce and Annulment Attorneys

Going through a divorce is a difficult situation. Divorce or an annulment may be a topic of conversation, and no one should go through this challenging time alone. You may have questions about your divorce or annulment in Tennessee. The Lebanon TN attorneys at Hagar & Phillips are ready to fight for your spousal rights and defend your case in court. For more information on divorce cases, how the divorce or Tennessee annulment, or Tennessee common law processes work, contact us, or to speak to one of our Lebanon TN divorce attorneys about your particular case, give us a call today at 615-784-4588!

The information provided on this blog is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the blog content. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. This blog may discuss legal topics, but for advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney. We do not assume responsibility for actions taken based on the information herein. We are not liable for any losses or damages resulting from the use of this blog. Links to other websites are not endorsements, and technical issues may affect blog availability. By using this blog, you agree to this disclaimer. Hagar Phillips Attorneys At Law
Recent Articles |  View All
Five Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Tennessee
Being involved in a car accident can be disorienting and stressful, especially if there are injuries, property damage, or questions about who is at fault. In the moments and days that follow, small decisions can have a big impact on insurance claims, medical care, and any legal issues that might arise later. While this information is not legal advice and does not replace professional guidance, being aware of common mistakes after a crash can help people in Tennessee protect themselves and make more informed choices.
Read Post
Dashcams and Liability After a Crash in Tennessee: Do They Help or Hurt?
More drivers in Tennessee are adding dashcams to their vehicles, hoping to capture evidence if a collision ever occurs. These small cameras can record what happens in and around a car, but many people wonder whether dashcam footage actually helps or can sometimes hurt them in the wake of a crash. In Tennessee, dashcams are generally legal, but how that footage is later used can depend on what the video shows, how it is stored, and how it fits into insurance and legal processes.
Read Post
Trusts in Tennessee: What They Are (and Are Not) For in Estate Planning
Many people in Tennessee include the word “trust” in their estate‑planning conversations, often alongside wills, powers of attorney, and guardianship documents. A trust is a legal tool that can be used to manage and distribute assets, but it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Understanding what trusts generally can and cannot do helps families decide whether a trust might fit into their long‑term plans, without turning into a promise about any specific outcome.
Read Post