Divorce in Tennessee
State-specific overview · Family Law
Tennessee requires a 30-day waiting period and allows either no-fault or fault-based grounds for divorce.
How Tennessee treats Divorce
Tennessee imposes a 30-day waiting period from service of the divorce complaint before the case can proceed, though this can be waived by both parties. The state recognizes both no-fault divorce (based on irreconcilable differences or separation) and fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. Tennessee uses equitable distribution for property division, considering factors like each spouse's contribution to the marriage and earning capacity. Alimony awards depend on need and ability to pay, with statutory guidelines for support calculations.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.