Divorce Law: Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

May 5, 2023 Amanda

Divorce Law: Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee	Description
Irreconcilable Differences	Both spouses agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no hope for reconciliation.
Adultery	One spouse has engaged in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse.
Abandonment	One spouse has abandoned the other for at least one year, with no intention of returning.
Separation	The spouses have lived apart for at least two years, and there is no hope for reconciliation.
Cruelty or Violence	One spouse has been physically or emotionally abusive to the other, causing the marriage to become intolerable.
Bigamy	One spouse was already married to someone else at the time of the marriage.

Introduction to Divorce Law in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, divorce is a legal process that involves the termination of a marriage. Divorce law in Tennessee outlines the rules and regulations for filing for divorce, including residency requirements and grounds for divorce. Understanding these laws can help individuals going through a divorce navigate the process more smoothly.

Residency Requirements: In order to file for divorce in Tennessee, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing.
Grounds for Divorce: There are two types of grounds for divorce in Tennessee – fault-based and no-fault. Fault-based grounds include adultery, desertion or abandonment, cruel treatment or behavior that makes living together unsafe or intolerable, drug or alcohol addiction and conviction of a felony. No-fault grounds include irreconcilable differences that have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Filing for divorce can be a complex and emotional process. It’s important to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney who can provide insight into how best to proceed based on individual circumstances.

Definition of Divorce

In order to file for a divorce in Tennessee, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. Additionally, if children are involved in the divorce proceedings then at least one parent must have lived in Tennessee for at least six months before filing.

It’s important to understand that going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging and complex. Seeking guidance from an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate through this process with confidence and ensure that your rights are protected throughout it all.

Importance of Grounds for Divorce

When it comes to filing for a divorce in Tennessee, understanding the grounds for divorce is important. The grounds for divorce determine whether or not a judge will grant your request and can have an impact on other aspects of your case such as alimony, property division, and child custody.

Fault-based Grounds: If you choose to file for divorce based on fault-based grounds, you’ll need to provide evidence of the misconduct that led to the breakdown of your marriage. This can be challenging and emotionally taxing, but in some cases may be necessary.
No-fault Grounds: Choosing no-fault grounds allows you to avoid having to prove any wrongdoing by either spouse. Irreconcilable differences that have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage are typically cited as the reason for seeking a no-fault divorce in Tennessee.

In addition to helping determine how your case will proceed, understanding the different types of grounds for divorce can help you make informed decisions about what is best for yourself and any children involved in the proceedings. Ultimately, choosing which type of ground(s) is appropriate depends on each individual situation and should be discussed with an experienced family law attorney.

Overview of Divorce Law in Tennessee

In addition to these key concepts, there are many other factors that could come into play during a divorce case such as spousal support payments (also known as alimony) or child support payments. Ultimately, every case is unique so it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout.

Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

No-fault Grounds:

Irreconcilable Differences: This refers to disagreements between spouses that cannot be resolved and have led to an irretrievable breakdown of their marriage. No evidence needs to be presented by either party if they choose this option when filing for divorce.

Determining which ground(s) you should use depends on your individual circumstances. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout your case.

No-Fault Divorce

In Tennessee, a no-fault divorce is the most common type of divorce. It allows for both spouses to agree that their marriage has irretrievably broken down and that there are irreconcilable differences between them. This means that neither party needs to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of the other.

No-waiting period: In Tennessee, there is no waiting period required for filing a no-fault divorce. This means you can file immediately after meeting residency requirements without needing to wait any longer.
Agreement needed: Both parties must be in agreement about all aspects of the divorce including child custody, property division, and spousal support if applicable. If any disagreements arise during negotiations then it may not be possible to proceed with a no-fault divorce.

If you’re considering filing for a no-fault divorce in Tennessee, it’s important to consult an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure your rights are protected throughout proceedings.

Irreconcilable Differences

If you’re considering filing for a divorce based on irreconcilable differences, it’s important to have an experienced family law attorney by your side who can help you navigate through the process and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Living Apart for One Year

In Tennessee, one of the no-fault grounds for divorce is living apart for at least one year. This means that you and your spouse have been separated without cohabitation for a minimum of 12 months.

Living Apart: In order to qualify as “living apart” under this ground for divorce, you and your spouse must not have lived together during the entire time period.
Cohabitation: Cohabitation includes any situation where you and your spouse are living together as if still married – sharing a bedroom, preparing meals together, doing household chores jointly or engaging in sexual relations.

It’s important to note that even if you live in separate parts of the same house during this time period, it does not count as “living apart.” Additionally, if you reconcile with your spouse during this time period and then later decide to file for divorce based on this ground, the clock will reset and you’ll need to wait another full year before filing.

Living Apart for Two Years with No Minor Children

In Tennessee, one of the grounds for divorce is living apart for two years with no minor children. This type of ground falls under no-fault and does not require either spouse to prove any fault on the part of the other.

If you are considering filing for divorce based on this ground in Tennessee, it’s important to understand what is required:

The spouses must have lived apart continuously without cohabitation or resumed marital relations during that time period
There can be no minor children born to or adopted by both parties during this time
Both parties must agree that reconciliation attempts have failed, and there is no hope for future reconciliation

It’s important to keep in mind that even if you meet all these requirements, it may still be beneficial to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Fault-Based Divorce

Fault-based divorce is one of the two types of grounds for divorce in Tennessee. It involves proving that one spouse was at fault or responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering filing for a fault-based divorce:

It can be emotionally challenging and may require providing evidence in court.
The judge will need to determine whether or not there was misconduct by one spouse that led to the breakdown of the marriage.
If granted, a fault-based divorce can have an impact on other aspects of your case such as alimony, property division, and child custody.

Examples of fault-based grounds include adultery, desertion or abandonment, cruel treatment or behavior that makes living together unsafe or intolerable, drug or alcohol addiction and conviction of a felony. If you believe your situation fits within any of these categories it’s important to discuss them with an experienced family law attorney who can provide guidance on how best to proceed.

Adultery

One of the most commonly cited fault-based grounds for divorce in Tennessee is adultery. Adultery occurs when a married person engages in sexual intercourse with someone who is not their spouse.

If you are considering filing for divorce on the basis of adultery, it’s important to understand how this may impact your case:

You must be able to provide evidence that your spouse engaged in sexual relations with another individual outside of your marriage
The judge may consider this misconduct when determining issues such as alimony and property division
If you forgive your spouse and continue living together after discovering their infidelity, then you cannot use adultery as grounds for divorce at a later date

An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through the process of proving adultery in court and what other options may be available to seek resolution based on individual circumstances.

Willful Desertion for One Year

One of the grounds for divorce in Tennessee is willful desertion by a spouse for a period of one year. This means that if one spouse has abandoned the other without just cause and without consent, and has been gone for at least one year, then the abandoned spouse may file for divorce on this basis.

What qualifies as ‘willful desertion’: Willful desertion refers to when one spouse leaves with no intention of returning or providing support, and without any justification such as abuse or adultery.
Proof required: In order to prove willful desertion, the abandoned spouse must show that their partner left them willingly and with no reasonable explanation. Evidence can include witness testimony, emails or text messages indicating intent to leave, financial records showing lack of support payments etc.

If you’re considering filing for divorce based on willful desertion by your partner, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that your rights are protected throughout proceedings.

Bigamy

Bigamy is illegal in Tennessee and can have serious consequences. Bigamy occurs when a person knowingly marries someone while still legally married to another person. In other words, it’s when a person has two or more legal marriages at the same time.

If you are caught committing bigamy in Tennessee, you could face criminal charges that range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances of your case.
In addition to legal consequences, bigamy can also affect any divorce proceedings you may be involved in. If you are found to have committed bigamy, it can impact how property and assets are divided as well as child custody arrangements.

If you suspect that your spouse may be guilty of bigamy or if there is any question about whether their previous marriage was properly dissolved before marrying you, seeking guidance from an experienced family law attorney is recommended. They can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the divorce process.

Conviction of a Felony

In the state of Tennessee, a conviction of a felony can be grounds for divorce. If one spouse is convicted of a felony during the marriage, it can cause irreparable harm to the relationship and may ultimately lead to divorce.

Impact on Child Custody: A felony conviction can impact child custody decisions in a divorce case. The court will consider what is in the best interest of the child when making custody arrangements and may not award custody to a parent who has been convicted of certain crimes.
Division of Assets: In addition to impacting child custody decisions, a felony conviction can also affect how assets are divided in a divorce. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, it may be deemed an act that contributed to marital dissolution and result in an unequal division of property or assets.

If you’re going through a divorce that involves a felony conviction, it’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this complex process while protecting your rights and interests throughout all aspects of your case.

Abusive or Cruel Treatment

One of the grounds for divorce in Tennessee is abusive or cruel treatment. This can include physical, emotional, or psychological abuse and can be difficult to prove without proper evidence.

Physical Abuse: If you have been physically abused by your spouse, it’s important to document any injuries and seek medical attention immediately. You may also want to consider filing a police report.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Emotional or psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse but is often harder to prove. Examples of emotional or psychological abuse include controlling behavior, verbal attacks, intimidation tactics, and isolation from family and friends.

If you are experiencing abusive or cruel treatment at the hands of your spouse, it’s important to take action to protect yourself and any children involved in the proceedings. Seeking help from an experienced family law attorney who specializes in domestic violence cases can provide valuable guidance on how best to proceed with your case.

Impotence

In Tennessee, impotence is recognized as a ground for divorce. Impotence refers to the inability of one spouse to engage in sexual intercourse and must be present at the time of the marriage. If you are seeking a divorce on grounds of impotence, it’s important to understand what this entails and how it may affect your case.

Legal Definition: In Tennessee, impotence is defined as a physical or psychological condition that existed at the time of marriage which prevents sexual intercourse from taking place.
Medical Examination: When filing for divorce on grounds of impotence, both parties will likely be required to undergo a medical examination. This will help determine whether or not one spouse has a physical condition preventing sexual intercourse from occurring.
Impact on Divorce Proceedings: Proving impotence can be difficult and emotionally challenging. However, if successfully proven, it can impact other aspects of your case such as alimony and property division.

If you’re considering filing for divorce based on grounds of impotence or any other reason in Tennessee, working with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Pregnancy of the Wife by Another Before Marriage

Under Tennessee law, one of the fault-based grounds for divorce is pregnancy of the wife by another before marriage. This means that if a woman becomes pregnant with another man’s child before getting married to her current spouse, the husband can file for divorce based on this ground.

In order to prove this ground, the husband must show that he did not know about the pregnancy at the time of marriage.
The pregnancy must have been caused by someone other than the husband himself.

This particular ground for divorce can be difficult to prove and may require gathering evidence such as medical records or testimony from witnesses. It’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this process and help protect your rights throughout it all.

Habitual Drunkenness or Drug Abuse

In Tennessee, one of the fault-based grounds for divorce is habitual drunkenness or drug abuse. This can be a difficult situation to deal with and may require intervention from family members, friends, or even professional help.

Definition: Habitual drunkenness or drug abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where one spouse regularly abuses alcohol or drugs that affects their ability to fulfill their marital duties and obligations.
Evidence Required: In order to use this ground for divorce, you’ll need to provide evidence of your spouse’s addiction. This can include police reports documenting arrests related to substance abuse, testimony from witnesses who have seen your spouse using drugs or alcohol excessively, and medical records showing treatment for addiction.

If you’re dealing with a spouse who has an addiction problem that is affecting your marriage and want to file for divorce on these grounds in Tennessee, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through the process. They can advise you on how best to gather evidence and present your case in court while also protecting your rights throughout the proceedings.

Filing for Divorce in Tennessee

It’s important to keep in mind that every divorce case is unique and there may be additional steps required depending on individual circumstances. Seeking guidance from an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken and increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

Residency Requirements

In Tennessee, there are specific residency requirements that must be met in order to file for divorce. It’s important to understand these requirements before beginning the divorce process.

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Tennessee for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.
If children are involved in the divorce proceedings, then at least one parent must have lived in Tennessee for at least six months before filing.

Meeting these residency requirements is essential as it ensures that the court has jurisdiction over your case and can hear and rule on matters related to your divorce. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to move forward with your case until they’re met or risk having your case dismissed altogether.

If you’re unsure about whether or not you meet Tennessee’s residency requirements or if you have other questions regarding filing for divorce, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help provide clarity and guidance throughout the process.

Filing the Complaint for Divorce

The Complaint for Divorce must then be filed with a court clerk in either the county where you or your spouse resides. Once filed, copies of this document must also be served on your spouse by an authorized individual who is not a party to the case. In many cases, this means hiring a professional process server or having someone over age 18 deliver these documents personally.

Filing a Complaint for Divorce can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s important to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney throughout each stage of this process. With proper planning and support, however, navigating through a divorce proceeding can become more manageable and less stressful overall.

Serving the Complaint and Summons

In Tennessee, there are several ways to serve a complaint and summons:

Personal Service: This involves physically handing the documents to your spouse or leaving them with someone over 18 who lives with your spouse.
Certified Mail: If personal service isn’t possible or desirable, certified mail can be used instead. Your spouse will need to sign for the documents when they are delivered.
Publishing Notice: In some cases where it’s impossible to locate a missing spouse, you may be able to publish notice of the lawsuit in a local newspaper instead.

If you’re unsure about which method of serving is best for your situation, consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this process and ensure that everything is done correctly.

Response to the Complaint

Once a complaint for divorce has been filed, the other spouse will need to file a response. In Tennessee, this is known as an answer and can be done in one of two ways:

Contested: If the other spouse disagrees with any of the terms outlined in the complaint or wants to contest the grounds for divorce, they may choose to file a contested answer.
Uncontested: If both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce including property division, child custody and support, and alimony then an uncontested answer can be filed. This option is typically faster and less expensive than going through a contested divorce.

If an uncontested answer is filed by both parties agreeing to all aspects of their divorce case then it’s possible that neither party would need to appear before a judge. However, if there are any disagreements regarding property division or child custody arrangements then mediation sessions may be ordered by the court before proceeding further.

Temporary Orders

The purpose of these temporary orders is not to finalize all aspects of the divorce but rather provide guidance on certain issues until a final agreement or judgment can be reached. It’s important to have an experienced family law attorney by your side throughout this process as they can help you navigate through it smoothly and ensure that your rights are protected at every stage of the proceedings.

Divorce Process in Tennessee

The divorce process in Tennessee can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. Here is a general overview of what to expect when filing for divorce:

Filing the Complaint: The first step in the divorce process is filing a complaint with the court. This document outlines your reasons for seeking a divorce and any other relevant information about your case.
Serving the Complaint: Once you’ve filed your complaint, you’ll need to serve it on your spouse. This can be done through certified mail or by hiring a professional process server.
Discovery Process: During this phase, both parties exchange information related to assets, debts, income, and expenses. This helps ensure that all marital property is divided fairly between spouses.
Negotiation/Settlement: If both parties are able to come to an agreement on issues such as child custody and division of assets during negotiations or mediation sessions then they won’t have to go before a judge.
Trial: If no agreement is reached during settlement negotiation then spouses will need to appear before a judge who will make decisions about contested issues such as alimony and child custody.

Overall, navigating through the different stages of divorce proceedings in Tennessee can be challenging but hiring an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout this difficult time.

Negotiation and Mediation

While the decision to divorce can be difficult, it’s important to approach the process with a level head and a willingness to negotiate in good faith. This is where mediation comes into play.

Mediation: Mediation involves working with a neutral third-party mediator who helps facilitate discussions between you and your spouse in order to reach an agreement on key issues such as child custody, support, alimony, and property division. Mediation can help save time and money by avoiding lengthy court battles.
Negotiation: Even if you don’t use formal mediation services, being willing to negotiate with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse can make the entire process less contentious. Negotiating can include discussing what each party wants out of the divorce settlement or presenting options that may work for both parties.

No matter how amicable or hostile your divorce proceedings may become, negotiating in good faith should always be attempted before resorting to litigation. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can provide insight into whether mediation or negotiation is appropriate for your specific case.

Discovery

The discovery process is crucial because it helps ensure that both parties have access to all necessary information in order to make informed decisions about property division, alimony, and child custody. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout it all.

Trial

If you and your spouse are unable to reach a settlement agreement through mediation or negotiation, your divorce case may proceed to trial. During the trial, a judge will hear evidence from both sides and make decisions regarding any outstanding issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.

It’s important to keep in mind that going to trial can be costly and time-consuming. However, if there are significant disagreements between you and your spouse that cannot be resolved through other means, then it may be necessary.

Presentation of Evidence: During the trial process, each party will have the opportunity to present evidence in support of their claims. This can include testimony from witnesses or experts as well as documents such as financial records or medical reports.
Judge’s Decision: After all evidence has been presented, the judge will review everything presented during the trial before making a final decision on any outstanding issues related to your divorce case.

If you believe that going to trial is likely in your divorce case or would like more information about what this process entails in Tennessee specifically , consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help provide clarity around these matters.

Divorce Decree

Once a judge has granted your divorce, you will receive a legal document called a Divorce Decree. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your divorce settlement, including property division, child custody, child support, and alimony payments.

Property Division: The Divorce Decree will specify how marital property should be divided between spouses. In Tennessee, this is done according to the principle of equitable distribution which means that assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
Child Custody: If children are involved in the proceedings, the Divorce Decree will include a detailed plan for their care and living arrangements. This may include visitation schedules for non-custodial parents or joint custody agreements.
Child Support: The amount of child support to be paid by one spouse to another is also outlined in the Divorce Decree. In Tennessee, child support payments are determined based on state guidelines and can vary depending on factors such as income and number of children.
Alimony Payments: Finally, if one spouse is required to pay spousal support (alimony) to the other following the divorce, this will also be included in the Divorce Decree along with details regarding payment amounts and frequency.

If either party fails to comply with any aspect of their obligations as stated in the Divorce Decree then they could face legal consequences such as fines or even imprisonment. It’s important therefore that both parties fully understand what is expected of them before signing off on any agreement.

Property Division in Tennessee

Property division is a major aspect of divorce proceedings in Tennessee. In general, property acquired during the marriage will be divided equitably between the spouses. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be split 50/50.

Marital Property: Marital property includes any assets or debts that were acquired during the marriage. This can include real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts and personal belongings such as furniture and vehicles.
Separate Property: Separate property is typically not subject to division in a divorce. It may include assets owned by one spouse prior to the marriage or gifts or inheritances received by one spouse during the marriage.

The court will consider several factors when determining how to divide marital property including each spouse’s earning capacity, contribution to the acquisition of marital assets and length of the marriage. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout it all.

Equitable Distribution

If you are going through a divorce in Tennessee, it’s important to understand how equitable distribution works so that you can protect your rights and make informed decisions about your future. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process and work towards ensuring that you receive an outcome that is fair for both parties involved.

Marital Property vs. Separate Property

When it comes to divorce in Tennessee, understanding the difference between marital property and separate property is crucial. Marital property refers to any assets or debts that were acquired during the course of the marriage, while separate property refers to anything that was owned prior to the marriage.

Marital Property: Examples of marital property can include homes, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts and even pets. In Tennessee, marital assets are typically divided equitably between both parties involved in a divorce.
Separate Property: Separate property generally includes things like inheritances or gifts received by one spouse before or during the marriage. If you have questions about whether something is considered separate or marital property in your case, an experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process.

In some cases there may be disputes over what should be considered as marital versus separate property. This can make the already complex process of dividing assets and debts even more challenging. Working with a knowledgeable family law attorney can help ensure that your interests are protected throughout these negotiations.

Factors Considered in Property Division

One of the most contentious aspects of divorce proceedings is the division of marital property. In Tennessee, marital property is divided equitably, which means that it’s divided fairly but not necessarily equally between spouses.

When determining how to divide marital assets in a divorce case, the court considers several factors including:

The length of the marriage
The age and health of each spouse
The financial situation and earning capacity of each spouse
The contributions made by each spouse during the marriage – this can include both monetary contributions such as income earned and non-monetary contributions such as homemaking or child-rearing responsibilities
The value and nature of any property owned by either spouse prior to marriage

It’s important for individuals going through a divorce in Tennessee to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help them understand their rights when it comes to dividing assets. With proper guidance, you may be able to negotiate a fair settlement outside of court.

Alimony in Tennessee

If you believe you may be entitled to alimony after your divorce, it’s important to speak with an experienced family law attorney who can help assess your situation and provide guidance on what types of payments might be appropriate based on individual circumstances. If you’re facing a potential obligation to pay alimony, an attorney can also help ensure that any amount ordered by the court is fair and reasonable given your financial situation.

Note that in Tennessee, there are different types of alimony arrangements which include temporary support during litigation (pendente lite), rehabilitative support intended for job training/career building assistance where applicable; transitional support geared towards helping a person adjust financially following dissolution; long-term periodic support which involves recurring payments over time; lump-sum awards covering entire amount owed at once among others.

Types of Alimony

It’s important to note that each case is unique and whether or not any type of alimony will be awarded depends on many factors including length of marriage, earning potential, contributions made by each party during the marriage among others. An experienced family law attorney can provide guidance on what you can expect when it comes to potentially being granted spousal support/alimoney as part of your divorce settlement.

Factors Considered in Alimony Award

Alimony is financial support provided by one spouse to the other following a divorce. In Tennessee, alimony can be awarded in both fault-based and no-fault divorces based on several factors that are considered by the court.

The length of the marriage
The age and health of each spouse
The earning capacity of each spouse, including education level and work experience
The standard of living established during the marriage
The contributions made by each spouse to the household during the marriage, including homemaking and childcare duties
Any separate property owned by either spouse

In addition to these factors, courts may also consider any other relevant factor when determining whether or not to award alimony. It’s important for individuals going through a divorce in Tennessee to understand how these factors may impact their case so they can make informed decisions about how best to proceed.

Child Custody and Support in Tennessee

One of the most important aspects of a divorce involving children is determining child custody and support in Tennessee. Child custody refers to where the child will live and who will make major decisions about their upbringing, while child support refers to financial payments made by one parent to the other for the benefit of the child.

Types of Custody: In Tennessee, there are two types of custody – physical and legal. Physical custody determines where the child lives and spends time, while legal custody pertains to decision-making authority regarding issues such as education, healthcare, religion, etc.
Child Support Guidelines: Tennessee has guidelines that help determine how much child support should be paid based on factors such as each parent’s income, work-related childcare expenses, health insurance costs and any special needs or disabilities of the child(ren).

In some cases, parents may be able to come up with their own agreement regarding these issues through mediation or negotiation. However, if an agreement cannot be reached then a judge will make a determination based on what is in the best interests of the child(ren) involved.

Best Interest of the Child Standard

If you’re going through a divorce involving children, it’s important that you understand your rights under Tennessee law. An experienced family law attorney can help guide you through this process while advocating for your best interests and those of your children.

Types of Custody Arrangements

In some cases where both parents are unable to provide adequate care for their children due to drug addiction or incarceration, grandparents or other relatives may seek guardianship over them instead. It’s important to discuss all available options with an experienced family law attorney when determining what type(s) of custody arrangement(s) would be best for your unique situation.

Child Support Guidelines

If you’re facing issues related to child custody or support during your divorce proceedings in Tennessee, it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this complicated process while protecting your rights and ensuring that your interests are represented throughout negotiations and court proceedings.

Conclusion: Hiring a Divorce Attorney in Tennessee.

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process that can be made easier with the help of an experienced family law attorney. In Tennessee, there are specific rules and regulations regarding divorce proceedings that must be followed in order to ensure a successful outcome.

An attorney who specializes in family law can provide guidance on how best to proceed with your case based on your individual circumstances.
A divorce attorney can assist you in filing for divorce, as well as represent you throughout the entire process including negotiations or mediation, court hearings, and settlement agreements.
Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer will be able to explain the legalities involved in property division, alimony payments and child custody arrangements which could affect you long after the divorce has been finalized.

If you are considering filing for a divorce in Tennessee or if your spouse has already filed against you then it’s crucial to seek out professional legal assistance from an experienced family law attorney. Doing so can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout this trying time and will allow you to move forward into a brighter future.

FAQ on ‘Divorce Law: Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee’

Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce in Tennessee?

No, you do not have to prove fault to get a divorce in Tennessee. The state also recognizes no-fault grounds for divorce.

How long do I have to live in Tennessee before I can file for divorce?

You must be a resident of Tennessee for at least six months before you can file for divorce.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Tennessee?

The length of time it takes to get a divorce in Tennessee depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and whether there are any disputes over property or child custody. In general, an uncontested divorce can take as little as two months, while a contested divorce can take several months or even years.

Can I represent myself in a divorce case?

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in a divorce case in Tennessee. However, it is generally recommended that you hire an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that your interests are represented throughout the process.