Asked in Wrongful Death for Tennessee

Q: My brother committed suicide in August 2017 after his wife demanded a divorce. She knew of his past suicide attempts.

They were married 32 years and had 4 children. She never worked and appears to have a personality disorder.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Marjorie A Bristol
Marjorie A Bristol
Answered
  • Goodlettsville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: What is your question? If your question is do you have a cause of action against her, then the answer is no. She has the right to choose to divorce someone. I am so sorry about your brother. A love one's suicide is so hard. Mental illness was the cause of your brother's suicide, not your sister-in-law's request for a divorce.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered

A: If you are asking if a case can be brought first consider that there is no one to collect from except the wife, and insurance won't cover it so unless you think she is worth money for starters there is no point unless you want to pay an attorney up front to start it. Demanding a divorce that precipitates a suicide attempt isn't actionable.

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