If the cause for divorce arose outside of Tennessee, then either spouse must have been a resident of Tennessee for six months. Each spouse shall keep separate property, defined as property owned prior to the marriage, gifts and inheritances, property acquired in exchange for separate property, income and appreciation of separate property. All property held or acquired jointly during the marriage shall be divided between the spouses in a just and equitable manner, pursuant to 12 enumerated factors. Marital fault is not a factor. Spousal support may be lump sum, periodic, or rehabilitative, based on sixteen factors.
Rehabilitative support is favored.
Joint or sole custody is awarded according to the best interests of the child, considering the child's preference. There is a presumption that joint custody is in the best interests of the child when the parents have an agreement to that effect or agree in open court. Joint custody is presumed not to be in the best interests of the child in cases of domestic violence. If the child is of tender years, the sex of the custodial parent may be considered. When a child is not in a parent's custody, that noncustodial parent shall have the right to unimpeded telephone access at least twice per week, the right to send mail to the child, the right to receive health information about the child, the right to receive school reports, the right to be free of unwarranted derogatory remarks by the other parent.