Divorce is rarely an easy process and often involves emotionally charged disputes and tough decisions, particularly if children are involved. But while state laws don't force people to stay married if it's no longer working out, states do have certain divorce law requirements. Tennessee, for instance, allows "no fault" divorce after a two-year separation if no minor children are involved. Other grounds for divorce in Tennessee include adultery, cruelty, drug/alcohol addiction, and the existence of a previously unresolved marriage.
If you are considering filing for divorce, review the following provisions of Tennessee's divorce laws to get started. See FindLaw's extensive Divorce section for additional resources.
| Code Section | 36-4-101, et seq. |
| Residency Requirements | No residency required if acts committed while plaintiff was resident; or if grounds arose out of state and plaintiff or defendant has resided in state 6 months preceding filing (1 yr. prior for military personnel or spouse). |
| Waiting Period | - |
| 'No Fault' Grounds for Divorce | Separation of 2 yrs. with no minor children; irreconcilable differences. |
| Defenses to a Divorce Filing | For adultery, defense if complainant guilt of like act, or had sex with spouse after adultery with knowledge; or husband solicited wife for prostitution or exposed her to lewd society that ensnared her to adultery. |
| Other Grounds for Divorce | Adultery; cruelty or violence including attempted murder of the other; desertion for 1 yr. or absent state for 2 yrs.; drug/alcohol addiction; impotency; pregnant at time of marriage by another man, without knowledge of husband; offers indignities that renders other spouse's condition/life intolerable, conviction of infamous crime or felony; previous marriage unresolved; also irreconcilable differences; lived separately without cohabitation for 2 continuous years and there are no minor children; abandonment or refusing/neglecting to provide when having the ability to do so. |
Note: State laws are constantly changing. FindLaw regularly updates state laws, but you may want to contact a Tennessee divorce attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Anyone filing for divorce or responding to a divorce filing will want to get acquainted with Tennessee's court-approved divorce forms. The forms are available for download in either Word or PDF format. If you choose to mediate your divorce, the state offers a directory of mediators.
Research the Law
Tennessee Legal Requirements for Divorce: Related Resources
Get Help From a Tennessee Divorce Lawyer
While you are going through the stages of a divorce, you'll likely have questions about filing procedures, child custody, and spousal support, in addition to inquires about mediation and more. An experienced legal professional will know the laws of your state and fight to get you the best possible outcome. Contact a skilled Tennessee divorce attorney near you today.
