Did Jay Cutler Cheat? Kristin Cavallari's 'Inappropriate Marital Misconduct' Claims Explained

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler shocked fans with news of their divorce. Now, they are wondering why.

Both "Very Cavallari" stars have filed their own papers to dissolve their marriage citing "irreconcilable differences," however Kristen tacked on an additional reason -- "inappropriate marital misconduct" -- which fueled rumors that the former NFL quarterback was unfaithful, but that's not necessarily the case. ET spoke with Rachel Stockman, president of Law & Crime Network, who explained what that three-word phrase could mean.

"At its face, you might assume that means affair or some kind of adultery, but under Tennessee law that is not necessarily the case," she explained. "It basically means that she believes the husband has been treating her in some way unfairly and she can’t cohabitate with him anymore."

READ: How Kristin Cavallari And Jay Cutler's Divorce Took A Nasty Turn Before Announcement

Stockman clarified that infidelity could fall under "inappropriate marital conduct" but if that were the case, it would likely be mentioned in the legal documents, which Kristin did not do.

"She would most likely put [infidelity] in the documentation, but it’s unclear," she said. "Is that because she doesn’t want to say that’s the reason, or is there another reason why she is filing for divorce?"

The legal expert added that "inappropriate marital conduct" can refer to many things, ranging from something "very serious" like abuse or "it could be something she just feels she can't live with this person anymore."

"We might get a better clue as to what that is if more paperwork is filed. But certainly, we can guess infidelity could be one reason why, an unsafe environment could be another reason why, mental anguish, some kind of emotional anguish," Stockman elaborated. "There are many reasons why she might be filing for this divorce."

Kristin, who shares three children with Jay -- sons Camden, 7, and Jaxon, 5, and daughter Saylor, 4 -- announced their decision to split on April 26.

"With great sadness, after 10 years together we have come to a loving conclusion to get a divorce," Kristin captioned an Instagram post of the couple walking down the street.

"We have nothing but love and respect for one another and are deeply grateful for the years shared, memories made, and the children we are so proud of," she continued. "This is just the situation of two people growing apart. We ask everyone to respect our privacy as we navigate this difficult time within our family."