Divorce Rates in Tennessee: How Does It Compare to Other States?

Many people walk down the aisle with dreams and hopes for their new life going forward. Still, even though most of the country has seen a decline in divorces, most people are realistic about the possibility of their marriage not lasting.

This is likely because divorce is no longer a forbidden topic or conversation. Instead, many couples are becoming comfortable enough to discuss whether they are unhappy in their marriages and simply agree to walk away if they cannot resolve their disagreements or repair the relationship.

What is the divorce rate in Tennessee?

According to a news article recently released by U.S. News & World Report, Tennessee ranked ninth for the highest divorce rates across America. The article explained a small increase of 3.6 percent in all divorces around the country, which was determined by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also ranked Tennessee very high for divorce rates in 2022. In that analysis, only nine states had higher ratings, and three were tied with Tennessee. Although high, the numbers suggest a slight decrease in divorce rates compared to the CDC’s previous rating of Tennessee in 2021.

Why might Tennessee rank high for divorces?

It is difficult to know why couples in Tennessee and other states may divorce, as every case is unique. However, there are a few leading causes of divorce that affect couples throughout the entire country, such as:

• Infidelity: The number one cause of divorce is usually infidelity or cheating. When a spouse is unfaithful in the marriage, the other spouse may lose the trust and security that they once had. It is a type of betrayal that many couples find they cannot repair, which causes intense emotional distress and pain. As a result, the marriage might fall apart.
• Money spending habits: Another common reason for divorce is money spending habits. When one partner spends erratically or irresponsibly, it can cause stress, frustration, and resentment in the marriage. Finances play a big role in relationships and marriages, especially if one spouse is being secretive or failing to communicate before making purchases.
• Drinking and drug abuse: Drinking and drug abuse is a huge factor in divorces. If one spouse frequently or excessively drinks or uses drugs, it can lead to tension in the marriage. When individuals have an addiction or substance use disorder, their behaviors, moods, feelings, and actions can change, which can result in their spouses feeling unstable, neglected, and unsafe.
• Severe moodiness: Severe mood swings and moodiness can cause unhappy marriages. Whether these mood swings are due to a mental health illness or stress from work or outside family members, they can result in arguments, distancing, and communication issues.
• Personal habits: Personal habits are a top reason for divorces. While in the beginning, these habits may seem simple or excusable, they can cause aggravation over time. For example, if one spouse constantly throws their dirty laundry on the floor, can never make it to scheduled dinners on time, or fails to remember special holidays and anniversaries, it can lead to anger, resentment, aggravation, and annoyance, which can turn into distancing and eventually, a breakdown of a marriage.

Which counties in Tennessee have the most divorces?

The Tennessee Department of Health breaks down the number of divorces per 1,000 residents per year in each county in Tennessee. Here are the counties that have the most divorces throughout the state:

• Knox: 1,642 with a divorce rate of 3.5 per 1000 residents annually
• Shelby: 1,497 with a divorce rate of 1.6 per 1000 residents annually
• Cumberland: 1,494 with a divorce rate of 2.2 per 1000 residents annually
• Montgomery: 1,471 with a divorce rate of 6.9 per 1000 residents annually
• Hamilton: 1,249 with a divorce rate of 3.4 per 1000 residents annually
• Rutherford: 1,111 with a divorce rate of 3.3 per 1000 residents annually
• Madison: 971 with a divorce rate of 9.9 per 1000 residents annually

While Knox, the county in which Knoxville is located, has the highest number of total divorces, it does not have the highest divorce rate. Madison has the highest divorce rate of all the counties across Tennessee.

Steps to take if you are ready to file for a divorce

If you and your spouse are in agreement to a divorce, this is called an uncontested divorce, which is much easier than a contested divorce. To successfully obtain an uncontested divorce, there are certain steps you should take, including:

• Ensure that the residency requirements are met: Before starting the divorce process, you must ensure that you or your spouse have lived in Tennessee for at least six months.
• Hire a Knoxville divorce lawyer: If you meet the residency requirements, hire a divorce lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the divorce process, review your and your spouse’s wishes, and ensure that everything is gathered and submitted on time.
• Gather all necessary information and documents: There are several documents that must be completed when seeking a divorce. This includes the Complaint for Divorce, a parenting plan (if you have children), and a marital settlement agreement. If you hire an attorney, they can help you complete this paperwork and turn it in.
• File the divorce papers: After you have completed all necessary paperwork, you will need to file everything with the court in your or your spouse’s county. This means if you live in Knoxville, you will file your papers in Knox County.
• Give your spouse a copy of the filed information and documents: You must give your spouse a copy of the filed information and documents. You cannot skip this step as it is very important. There will also need to be some form of acknowledgment upon receiving the documents, or you will need to have the papers legally served.
• Attend your court hearing: You typically wait around 60 days after filing everything. This is called the “waiting period,” which gives you and your spouse time to think about the divorce and ensure it is truly what you want. Once your waiting period is over, you and your spouse will attend your court hearing to finalize the divorce.

If you are contemplating a divorce, the Knoxville divorce attorneys at LaFevor & Slaughter are here to answer any of your questions and concerns about the process. Whether you and your spouse are in agreement with the divorce, you have not spoken about it yet, or you are simply weighing out your options, our team can give you a detailed guideline about what to expect, inform you of your rights, and help you determine whether this is the best option for you. If you decide to move forward with the divorce, we can protect your interests and help you navigate this challenging time. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a consultation today. We look forward to meeting and speaking with you soon!