How long do I have to live in Tennessee before I can get a divorce?
If you are the victim of abuse or there is some other emergency, you may be able to file immediately. Generally speaking, you have to be a resident of Tennessee at least six months before you can file for divorce.
How long does a divorce take?
Every case is different depending on the complexity of the case. A divorce could take as few as a couple of months or as long as a couple of years.
Can I get an annulment?
Contrary to popular belief, an annulment cannot be granted simply because the marriage lasted only a short while. Annulments may be available if the marriage was illegal (for example, incestuous) or based on fraud or duress.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a way of resolving disputes between parties by having a neutral third party hear both sides of the case and attempt to help those parties reach a final agreement. There are several benefits to mediation. By mediating a case, the client still has control over the final disposition of the matter, whereas at trial, you case is at the mercy of a judge. Successful mediation also tends to cost less than lengthy litigation. Most judges' calendars are very full and if you choose to set a matter for trial, you'll likely end up waiting for months to have your case heard. Mediations can often be set within a few weeks of notice.
Can I change my last name at the time of divorce?
Yes. It's common for divorcing spouses to change from their married last name to their maiden name. The only limitation is that a person cannot change names to perpetrate a fraud.