Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

Tennessee Divorce Process Grounds for Divorce

Maybe you have decided that the marriage is over.  Or maybe you are still weighing your options. Can you get a divorce if your spouse does not agree?  This question leads to a more legally focused question. What are the grounds for divorce in Tennessee?  In order to get a divorce in the State of Tennessee a person must establish that there are irreconcilable differences between the parties. OR show by credible evidence, including testimony, that legal grounds for divorce exist.

Fault Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

(1) Either party, at the time of the marriage, was and still is naturally impotent and incapable of procreation (having children). (2) Either party is guilty of bigamy. In that he/she knowingly entered into a second marriage, in violation of a previous marriage, which has not been legally dissolved by divorce or death. (Bigamy is also a criminal offense in Tennessee). (3) Either party has committed adultery. (4) Willful or malicious desertion or absence of either party, without a reasonable cause, for one (1) whole year or more. (5) Being convicted of any crime. That, by the laws of the state, renders the party infamous. Typically this is involves a felony). (6) Being convicted of a crime that, by the laws of the state, is declared to be a felony. And sentenced to confinement in the penitentiary. (7) Either party has attempted the life of the other, by poison or any other means showing malice. (8)Refusal, on the part of a spouse, to come to Tennessee with that person’s spouse, without a reasonable cause. And being willfully absent from the spouse residing in Tennessee for two (2) years. (9) The woman was pregnant at the time of the marriage, by another person, without the knowledge of the husband. (10) Habitual drunkenness or abuse of narcotic drugs of either party. When the spouse has contracted either such habit after marriage. (11) The husband or wife is guilty of such cruel and inhuman treatment or conduct towards the spouse as renders cohabitation unsafe and improper. This may also be referred to in pleadings as inappropriate marital conduct. (12) The husband or wife has offered such indignities to the spouse’s person as to render the spouse’s position intolerable. Thereby forcing the spouse to withdraw from the marriage. (13) The husband or wife has abandoned the spouse. Or turned the spouse out of doors for no just cause. And has refused or neglected to provide for the spouse while having the ability to so provide. (15) For a continuous period of two (2) or more years that  both parties have lived in separate residences. Have not cohabited as man and wife during such period. And there are no minor children of the parties.

Do you have grounds for divorce? Ask a divorce attorney

Tennessee courts liberally construe family law in order to allow for the granting of  a divorce to a person that desires to end his/her marriage.  But, a divorce court is still a court of law.  Grounds for divorce must be proven.  Also keep in mind that fault grounds do play a role in alimony awards.  To learn if you have grounds for a divorce and can establish that to the satisfaction of the court, consult with a divorce attorney.   Learn more about divorce in Tennessee such as the waiting period for divorce, or the process of divorce including mediation.

Consult Divorce Attorney

To receive legal advice regarding divorce in Tennessee, child support or child custody contact and consult with a divorce attorney in Chattanooga, TN.  To learn more about grounds for divorce and other issues involved in the process of divorce and child custody in Tennessee contact Purple Law Firm in Chattanooga, TN:  divorce attorneys since 1982.