Can I Get a Bifurcated Divorce in Tennessee?

Divorce is often a highly stressful and emotional process, especially when issues like property division, child custody, or financial disputes complicate and delay the process. Some spouses may want to legally end their marriage, but are being held up by these matters. Technically, there is a way to dissolve a marriage before the settlement is finalized through what is known as a bifurcated divorce. If you have questions or concerns about bifurcation, continue reading here for more information. Work with a knowledgeable Shelby County, Tennessee divorce lawyer for skilled legal advice and representation.

What is a Bifurcated Divorce?

A bifurcated divorce is one where the process is split into two parts: the first part, where the court grants the legal termination of the marriage, and the second part that resolves issues like property division, alimony, and child custody. The legal dissolution of the marriage happens on one date, and the relevant issues are settled at a later time.

A bifurcated divorce grants the couple a legal divorce, meaning that they are no longer considered married, but some details remain pending for the time being.

Why Would Someone Want a Bifurcated Divorce?

A bifurcated divorce may seem odd if you have never heard of it or if your divorce process is relatively simple. However, there are many valid reasons an individual may want to legally terminate their marriage quickly without resolving the relevant issues. Consider the following.

• One spouse wants to remarry soon
• There are complex financial issues that will take a significant amount of time to resolve
• One spouse is being deployed on a military assignment
• Domestic violence
• One spouse wants to conduct a business or real estate deal as a single individual
• One spouse is deliberately delaying the divorce
• Emotional closure

In certain situations, it may be valid to want a bifurcated divorce as opposed to waiting for the relevant matters to be handled.

Can I Get a Bifurcated Divorce in TN?

While Tennessee law does not expressly prohibit bifurcated divorces, they are very rare. Courts prefer to handle both the dissolution of the marriage and the settlement of property division, child custody, child support, and alimony together in the same process. You may be able to file a motion for bifurcation depending on the circumstances of your case. It is important that you have a valid and compelling reason why you want to be legally divorced, separately from the settlement.

If you wish to speed up your divorce process or need certain issues addressed right away, you can seek a temporary order for issues like custody or support while the divorce is still pending. For more information on your legal rights and options, reach out to a knowledgeable family law attorney at Rice Law today.