In Tennessee, the legal justifications permitting a court to grant the dissolution of a marriage are central to divorce proceedings. These justifications, established by state law, delineate the specific circumstances under which a marriage can be terminated. For example, one party may allege adultery as a reason for seeking a divorce, providing evidence to the court to support the claim.
Understanding these justifications is crucial because they dictate the initial steps and subsequent legal strategy within a divorce case. Historically, proving fault was a primary element in divorce proceedings. While Tennessee recognizes both fault-based and no-fault divorce options, selecting the appropriate justification impacts the speed and complexity of the legal process, potentially affecting property division, alimony, and child custody arrangements.