What are the Tennessee residency requirements for filing for divorce?
A divorce may be granted in Tennessee if the cause for the divorce (ex. irreconcilable differences) occurred while the Plaintiff was a resident of Tennessee. Additionally, a divorce may be granted in Tennessee even if the cause for the divorce occurred outside of Tennessee and even if the Plaintiff resided outside of Tennessee at the time, as long as either the Plaintiff or the Defendant is a resident of Tennesee for a period of six (6) months before the divorce is filed. Tennessee Code Annotated 36-4-104(a). A divorce may be filed in the Circuit Court in the county where the parties resided together at the time of their separation, or in the county where the Defendant resides if the Defendant is a resident of Tennessee. However, if the Defendant is not a resident of Tennessee or is incarcerated, then the divorce can be filed in the county where the Plaintiff resides. Tennessee Code Annotated 36-4-105(a).
