Divorces have been on the decline across the United States. However, there are still areas of the country where separation rates remain relatively high. As people are living longer and the taboo surrounding divorce is fading away, many are finding reasons to get out of marriages that make them unhappy.
According to a recent study from 24/7 Wall Street, the volunteer state has the tenth highest rates of divorce in the nation as approximately 19.1 out of every 1000 people married in Tennessee end up parting ways.
High ranking may be due to financial circumstances
While pinpointing a single cause can be challenging, a couple’s relationship with money can play a significant role in their marital satisfaction. If spouses don’t have an adequate income for their lifestyle, it can limit their ability to do activities together that create intimacy. Unfortunately, this may be the case for many couples across the state, as Tennessee’s poverty level sits at 15.8%, nearly two percentage points higher than the national average.
Other states on the list include a few of Tennessee’s southern counterparts, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and West Virginia.
Other reasons couples may split in Tennessee
Typically couples can file for either a contested or uncontested separation. When filing for a contested divorce, Tennessee couples may need to display the following evidence:
- One spouse committed adultery.
- One spouse willfully or maliciously deserted the other without reasonable cause.
- One spouse is found to be sterile.
- One spouse is convicted of a felony.
- One spouse is found to abuse drugs or alcohol consistently.
Divorce can create challenges
No matter how they’ve been together, deciding to separate can create adversity for many couples. Spouses looking to go their separate ways may want to contact a family law attorney. They can help their clients navigate through the legal complexities of the divorce process and help them reach an agreement that works for both parties.
