Ready to start your uncontested divorce in Tennessee? Download the necessary divorce papers today and take the first step toward a new beginning.
Get your divorce papersWhat Divorce Papers needs to be valid in Tennessee
- Residency: You or your spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months before filing.
- Grounds for divorce: Tennessee allows no-fault divorce (irreconcilable differences) or fault-based grounds (e.g., adultery, abandonment).
- Completed divorce complaint and summons forms.
- Verified financial statement (if seeking child support or alimony).
- Parenting plan (if you have minor children).
- Proof of service (if your spouse does not sign a waiver of service).
How to set up a Divorce Papers in Tennessee
- Download or obtain the official Tennessee divorce forms from the state court website or your local county clerk's office.
- Fill out the complaint for divorce, naming your spouse and stating the grounds, and complete any other required forms like the summons and financial statement.
- File the completed forms with the circuit court clerk in the county where you or your spouse resides. Pay the filing fee (see costs below).
- Serve the divorce papers to your spouse. In Tennessee, you can have the sheriff or a private process server deliver the papers, or your spouse can sign an acceptance of service.
- If your spouse agrees to an uncontested divorce, they can sign a waiver of service and an agreed parenting plan (if children are involved). Then file the signed documents with the court.
- Attend the final hearing if required. In an uncontested divorce, a judge may approve your case without a hearing, but in some counties, you'll need to appear briefly.
How much it costs
The filing fee for divorce in Tennessee varies by county, typically ranging from $150 to $400. Additional costs may include fees for service of process, notarization, and copies. If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a waiver using an affidavit of indigency.
Tennessee Divorce Papers Checklist
Before you begin preparing your Tennessee divorce papers, use this checklist to ensure you have everything needed and understand the key requirements.
- Meet Tennessee's residency requirement: you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 6 months before filing.
- Gather essential documents: marriage certificate, financial records (bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs), and any existing separation or prenuptial agreements.
- Decide on grounds for divorce: Tennessee allows both fault and no-fault grounds (e.g., irreconcilable differences).
- Fill out the correct forms: the Complaint for Divorce, Summons, and other required forms from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website.
- Remember notarization: have your signature on the Complaint notarized (a notary public must witness your signature).
- File the forms with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you or your spouse resides; be prepared to pay a filing fee (waivers may be available if you qualify).
Questions people ask
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Tennessee?
No, you can file for divorce on your own, especially for an uncontested divorce. However, if your case involves complex issues like property division or child custody, consulting a lawyer is advisable.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Tennessee?
To file for divorce in Tennessee, you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months before filing. Additionally, you must file in the county where the resident spouse lives.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Tennessee?
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee can be finalized in as little as 60 days after filing, depending on how quickly your spouse responds and the court's schedule. If your spouse signs a waiver of service, the process can be faster.
Do I need to have my divorce papers notarized?
Many divorce forms in Tennessee, such as the financial statement and parenting plan, require notarization. Check your county's requirements to ensure your forms are properly signed and notarized.