Divorce wasn’t what you envisioned when you walked down the aisle. Unfortunately, it might become necessary.
The best part is that not every divorce process must be complicated, and you don’t always need a lawyer to represent you.
However, you must understand the divorce laws since they vary greatly from state to state within the US. Here is an overview of how divorce law works in various states.
Residency requirement
Every state has unique residency requirements you must meet to file for divorce. Typically, the requirements involve living in the state for a specific duration before you start the process.
Fault and no-fault-based divorce
Many states offer both fault-based and no-fault-based divorce options.
No-fault divorce allows couples to separate without proving that one party is accountable for the premature termination of the marriage. In this situation, one primary reason for divorcing in Tennessee is an irretrievable breakdown or irreconcilable differences.
That means the partners have agreed that their relationship is no longer working and that trying to reconcile wouldn’t be productive.
Benefits of this option include:
- Streamlines the process since it does not require proving fault
- Minimizes conflict between partners, making it a lesser adversarial alternative
- Focuses on the practical aspect of sharing assets, determining child custody, and arranging child support
On the other hand, fault-based divorce is where one partner has to prove that the other spouse is accountable for the relationship’s down break because of specific misconduct and actions. The grounds for this option vary by state but might include cruelty, adultery, addiction, and abandonment.
Benefits of this option include:
- The wronged spouse has a chance to seek legal recognition of the other partner’s misconduct
- It may be used as the basis for claims related to alimony, property division, and child custody
Note that the availability of these divorce options and the specific legal grounds for fault-based divorce vary widely based on the state’s laws.
Waiting period
The waiting period is the mandatory duration between when filing for divorce and when the process is finalized.
These periods vary by state and can serve various purposes, like offering a cooling-off period for partners to reconsider, allowing time for possible reconciliation, or ensuring that the divorce isn’t rushed but deliberate.
It’s vital to consult a reputable law firm in your state to know the waiting period requirements that apply to your specific situation. Note that laws are subject to change, so you must seek advice from a divorce lawyer.
Property division
The principles governing the sharing of marital assets and debts vary by state. Some jurisdictions follow community property laws, where the parties share marital assets equally.
Other states follow the equitable sharing principle, where assets are divided fairly but not equally depending on factors like length of marriage and financial contributions.
Child support and custody
Guidelines to determine child support payments and child custody laws differ among states. Many states prioritize the well-being of the children when determining custody arrangements.
On the other hand, child support payment calculations consider factors like each parent’s revenue, the children’s needs, and the custody arrangement.
Alimony
Also called spousal maintenance or support, alimony is the financial support one party might be required to pay the other after a legal separation. It ensures that both partners can maintain a moderate standard of living, particularly if one spouse has a low income.
Laws concerning alimony tend to differ between states. Some states follow specific formulas to calculate spouse support payments.
In contrast, others depend on the court’s discretion to determine the duration and amount of alimony depending on the financial needs of each party, length of marriage, and ability to pay.
Legal forms and process
The forms and process for filing a divorce will also vary by state. The procedure may differ depending on if you are filing a fault-based or non-fault divorce and if you have kids or complex financial properties.
Some states might offer online forms and resources to streamline the procedure, while others may require complex documentation.
Mediation and counseling
Some states encourage or require mediation and counseling before finalizing the divorce, particularly when child support and custody matters are involved.
Mediation helps couples to reach agreements and avoid complicated court proceedings. It also empowers the couple to have a say in the outcome instead of leaving the decision to the judges.
For instance, Tennessee divorce recommends counseling for partners before they initiate the divorce process. This helps if there are issues related to trust, communication, and unresolved conflicts.
Some states require counseling for couples with kids to ensure all the channels for reconciliation and conflict resolution are exhausted before filing for divorce.
Since laws can change and details vary, it’s vital to consult a legal expert or local resources for accurate and current info about divorce laws in your state.
If you are considering a divorce, seeking legal help from a professional divorce lawyer is important.