Divorce Modifications Attorney in Franklin, TN

What Can Be Modified Under Tennessee Law

Not every provision in a divorce decree or custody order is open to change. Understanding which orders are typically modifiable and what the court generally requires can help you decide whether it makes sense to move forward.

Custody & Parenting Plans

Tennessee courts recognize that children’s needs and parents’ circumstances evolve. To modify an existing parenting plan, the petitioning party generally must demonstrate a substantial and material change in circumstances and show that the proposed change serves the best interests of the child under T.C.A. § 36-6-101. Common triggering events include relocation, remarriage, a parent’s serious health condition, or a significant shift in a child’s medical or educational needs.

Child Support

Under the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, a modification petition typically involves showing at least a 15% variance between the current ordered amount and the amount that would result from a new calculation. Changes in income, parenting time, or a child’s healthcare costs are among the most frequent grounds for a child support variance request.

Alimony

Whether alimony can be modified depends on how the original award was structured. Under Tennessee law, alimony in futuro and rehabilitative alimony can often be adjusted upon a showing of substantial and material change in circumstances. Alimony in solido, however, generally isn’t modifiable once entered, except by agreement of the parties.

Property Division

Property division orders are generally final. Once a court enters an order dividing marital assets and debts, that division typically isn’t subject to modification. If you believe property was improperly divided, the remedy is usually an appeal, not a modification petition.

How the Modification Process Works in Franklin

A modification case begins with filing a petition in the court that issued the original order. For cases involving married parties in Williamson County, that generally means the Circuit Court or Chancery Court at the Williamson County Judicial Center in Franklin, TN. Cases involving unmarried parents are typically heard in Williamson County Juvenile Court.

From there, a modification can follow one of two tracks:

• Uncontested modification: Both parties agree on the proposed changes, and a consent order is submitted to the court for approval.
• Contested modification: One party objects, and the court schedules a hearing where a judge evaluates evidence from both sides.

Mediation often plays a role in resolving disputed modifications before a full hearing. Williamson County courts may require mediation as a preliminary step, and we help clients prepare for and navigate alternative dispute resolution when it offers a faster, less adversarial path. When agreement isn’t possible, we advocate assertively at contested hearings.

Throughout the process, we maintain clear, consistent communication so you understand what each filing, deadline, and hearing means for your case.