Tennessee Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Tennessee can be emotionally draining and legally complicated — especially when decisions about custody, finances, and long-term stability must be made under stress. Whether you're facing a high-conflict divorce or pursuing an amicable agreement, an experienced Tennessee divorce lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through every stage of the process.

Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce, and the division of marital property follows an equitable distribution model. With your future on the line, having the right legal support can make the difference between a peaceful resolution and a drawn-out battle.

Below is a clear overview of Tennessee divorce laws, when you may need an attorney, and a curated directory of reputable family-law attorneys across the state.

Understanding Divorce in Tennessee

Residency Requirement

You can file for divorce in Tennessee if:

• You or your spouse has lived in the state for 6 months, or

• The cause of divorce occurred in Tennessee

Grounds for Divorce

Tennessee recognizes:

• No-fault divorce:

  • Irreconcilable differences

  • Separation for 2 years with no minor children

• Fault grounds:
  Adultery, cruelty, desertion, conviction of a felony, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and more.

Property Division

Tennessee follows equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital assets and debts are divided fairly

• Equitable does NOT always mean 50/50

• Courts consider income, earning potential, contributions, financial needs, and more

Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) typically remains separate.

Child Custody

Tennessee uses a Permanent Parenting Plan and emphasizes the best interests of the child, considering:

• Each parent’s involvement

• Stability of each home

• Ability to co-parent

• Child’s emotional and physical needs

• History of abuse, neglect, or substance issues

Child Support & Alimony

Support obligations are determined using state income guidelines.
Alimony in Tennessee may include:

• Transitional

• Rehabilitative

• Periodic/long-term

• Lump-sum alimony

The court considers income, earning capacity, health, age, contributions, and lifestyle.

When You May Need a Tennessee Divorce Lawyer

You may benefit from hiring an attorney if:

• You and your spouse disagree about custody or support

• You own a home, business, land, or significant assets

• Your spouse controls the finances

• You suspect hidden assets or income

• Domestic violence or substance issues are present

• You want strong negotiation or courtroom representation

• Your spouse already hired an attorney

Even in cooperative divorces, professional guidance can help prevent costly long-term mistakes.

Tennessee Uncontested Divorce Options

A Tennessee uncontested divorce requires both spouses to agree on:

• Property division

• Debts

• Alimony

• Parenting plans (if applicable)

Divorce.com helps Tennessee couples:

• Prepare accurate, state-specific divorce documents

• Avoid filing mistakes

• File more affordably than traditional attorney representation

• Stay supported throughout the process

This option works well for low-conflict couples seeking a smooth and predictable outcome.

⭐ Tennessee Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A vetted directory of trusted divorce and family law firms across the state.

Nashville

• Turner Law Offices, P.C.

• Raybin & Weissman, P.C.

Memphis

• Shea Moskovitz & McGhee

• Miles Mason Family Law Group

Knoxville

• Held Law Firm

• Banks & Jones

Chattanooga

• Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law

• Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC

Clarksville

• Goble & Yow Attorneys

• Patton & Pittman