Franklin Divorce Lawyers

Mediation & Litigation Under One Roof: Diane Crosier’s Rule 31 Certification

Diane Crosier is certified as a Rule 31 Family Mediator by the Tennessee Supreme Court, a credential reflecting training in mediation techniques and qualifying her to conduct court-referred mediations in Tennessee. Because Tennessee law generally requires mediation in most divorce cases before a matter proceeds to trial, having a certified mediator within the same firm that can also litigate is a genuine strategic advantage. Our clients aren’t handed off to a separate neutral party and then left to navigate litigation alone. Both options are available under one roof.

That combination delivers practical benefits at every stage of a Franklin divorce case:

• Helps spouses reach agreements without going to court
• Encourages cooperation
• Guides spouses toward personalized solutions that suit their individual needs
• Better protects children’s best interests
• Saves time, money, and stress
• Allows couples to remain in control of their divorce matters

How Divorce Works in Tennessee

Understanding the basic legal framework before your first consultation helps you ask better questions and make more informed decisions. Here’s what Williamson County residents need to know.

Residency and waiting period
To file for divorce in Tennessee, at least one spouse must meet the state’s residency requirements under T.C.A. § 36-4-104. Once a divorce complaint is filed, Tennessee imposes a mandatory waiting period: 60 days for couples without minor children and 90 days for couples with minor children (T.C.A. § 36-4-101). The case can’t be finalized before that period ends, regardless of how quickly the parties reach agreement.

Fault-Based vs. No-Fault Grounds
Tennessee recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. A no-fault divorce may be filed on the basis of irreconcilable differences, which is a common path when both spouses are ready to move forward without contested blame.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all material terms, and the case may be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends. In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more issues: custody, property division, or support. The case may require hearings or trial. Williamson County Family Court handles these matters, and having an attorney who knows that court environment matters.

Equitable Distribution in Tennessee
Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally (T.C.A. § 36-4-121). Courts may weigh each spouse’s contributions, earning capacity, and the length of the marriage, among other factors. Separate property, such as assets acquired before marriage or received through inheritance, generally remains with the original owner, though identifying and protecting separate property often requires careful legal analysis.

Divorce-Related Matters We Handle

Our Franklin divorce attorneys handle a wide range of matters, from first filings through post-decree modifications:

Divorce is hard, and the legal process can feel overwhelming. When you work with our team, Diane and Jill personally guide you through each stage, address your concerns along the way, and stay focused on protecting your interests. That may mean resolving a custody dispute, pursuing a fair child support agreement, or taking a contested matter to court.

Talk to a Franklin Divorce Attorney Today

Diane Crosier and Jill Hudson are ready to hear your situation, explain your options under Tennessee law, and help you move forward with a clear strategy. Families across Williamson County have trusted our team through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Call us at (615) 645-1388 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Franklin divorce lawyers.