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In Tennessee, married couples have the option to separate instead of filing for divorce. Separation is very similar to divorce in that spouses divide their assets and debts, establish child custody agreements and visitation for their children. The difference remains that the couple continues to be technically married.

The cost of legal separation is about $50,000 with average prices ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 in the US for 2023. Uncontested legal separation cases can settle for as low as $1,000, while highly contested separations involving matters like legal decision making and alimony can get up into the $100,000 range.

After filing for separation, spouses have 60 days if they don't share minor children - or 90 if they do - to negotiate the terms of their separation agreement. This can include determining how to handle property division, spousal support, and child support or custody while the parties are separated.

The legal separation process begins when either spouse files a petition with the court. At least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement (being a Tennessee resident for at least 6 months before filing). The filing spouse must provide the court with the grounds (legal reason) for the request.

Tennessee's Do-It-Yourself Divorce In limited circumstances, it is possible to get an ?agreed divorce? in Tennessee without hiring an attorney. The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved divorce forms that, if properly completed, must be accepted by all Tennessee courts that hear divorce cases.

Tennessee allows both "no-fault" and "fault-based" divorces. Typically, a no-fault divorce is quicker and easier than a fault-based one, because you don't have to prove that your spouse engaged in some type of misconduct.