The Burdette
Law Firm
Lawyers: Germantown - Memphis, TN.
(901) 756-7878
in Germantown
(901) 756-6433
in Memphis

The Burdette Law Firm
Memphis Germantown Divorce Lawyers

If you are reading this, chances are you are contemplating or have been challenged with one of the most stressful situations you will ever face. Please review the following information to gain a basic understanding of what might lie ahead.
Under Tennessee divorce law, a divorce must be “awarded” or “granted” by a divorce court. Generally speaking, there are two types of divorces in Tennessee: 1) uncontested divorce and 2) contested divorce. Spouses that agree can file an uncontested divorce, i.e. uncontested. If the spouses cannot agree on all terms, then a contested divorce is filed. A contested divorce requires the divorce court to determine all of the legal rights and responsibilities of the parties throughout the divorce process. The court will enter a final divorce decree, which is a court order that must be followed by both spouses. Divorce laws are complex, and competent divorce attorneys will give clients information on divorce to adequately educate them on Tennessee divorces.

Uncontested Divorce Procedures


Filing for divorce starts divorce proceedings in Tennessee. Once a spouse files for divorce, the divorce petition is served on the other spouse who has thirty (30) days to file an answer to the divorce complaint with the court. If the spouses agree on all terms, they will enter into a Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) and Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) (if there are minor children). After sixty (60) days if no minor children or ninety (90) days if there are minor children from the date of filing of the Petition for Divorce, there will be a court hearing where the MDA and PPP are reviewed and approved by the court. Once the Court approves the MDA and PPP, a Final Decree of Divorce is entered by the Court.

Contested Divorce Proceedings


If there is not an agreement by the spouses on all terms and conditions of the divorce, then the divorce case follows a very lengthy and expensive contested divorce process. Generally speaking, Tennessee divorce law focuses on the following areas:
Jurisdiction and Venue of Tennessee courts to grant a divorce
Grounds for Divorce
Division of Property and Debts
Award of Alimony and Attorney Fees
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Child Support


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More information on divorce, custody, support, and asset division.

Alimony Basics

Grounds for Divorce

Divorce Financials

Funding Family Law Actions.

Planning for Divorce.

After Divorce Name Change.

Divorce Protective Order.

Annulment instead of Divorce.

Divorce Parenting Plan.

Child abuse claims during Divorce.

Post Divorce Parenting Plan Change.

Social Media & Divorce.

Paternity claims.

Divorce Flow Chart

Divorce: leave or stay in your home?

Divorce Contempt Tennessee.

Amicable Divorce.

Asset Division during Divorce.

Mortgages during Divorce.

Divorce Statistics in the USA.

Child custody do's & don'ts.

Divorce polls.

15 Divorce tips

Tennessee DIY Divorce Information

Tennessee Divorce Mediation Process

Tennessee Child Custody Law

Tennessee Child Support Law

Tennessee Child Adoption Law

Hire an Experienced Divorce Lawyer



At The Burdette Law Firm we are competent, and caring lawyers when dealing with divorce, and will provide excellent legal divorce advice. We give our clients a great deal of information on divorce so they can have the proper divorce law understanding to make important legal decisions. Getting divorced is an emotional process, and we always strive to ease the stress during this difficult situation.

Contact one of our divorce lawyers for more information


After reviewing the above if you have questions and need our assistance in a divorce matter, please call us at (901).




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Christina Burdette


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