DIVORCE

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 Procedures

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
• Division of Property and Debts
• Award of Alimony and Attorney Fees
• Child Custody and Parenting Time
• Child Support

More Divorce Information.

Divorce and related family law is a complex topic. So we made a number of informational pages designed to help you and answer your questions as you move through the divorce process: