How to File for Divorce in Tennessee (2025 Guide)

How to File for Divorce in Tennessee (2025 Guide)

Filing for divorce in Tennessee? Here’s a step-by-step overview of the legal process, whether it’s contested or uncontested.

✅ 1. Residency Requirement

To file for divorce in Tennessee:

• Either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 6 months,

• Or the grounds for divorce must have occurred in Tennessee.

✅ 2. Grounds for Divorce

Tennessee allows both:

• No-Fault Divorce (most common):

“Irreconcilable differences”

Living apart without cohabitation for 2 years (if no minor children)

• Fault-Based Grounds:

Adultery, cruelty, abandonment, conviction of a felony, etc.

✅ 3. File for Divorce

File a Complaint for Divorce in the Chancery Court or Circuit Court in your (or your spouse’s) county.

You will also need:

• Summons

• Spouse’s Personal Information Form

• Parenting Plan (if applicable)

• Child Support Worksheet

• Filing fee: Around $300 (varies slightly by county)

✅ 4. Serve the Other Spouse

Serve your spouse with the divorce papers via:

• Sheriff

• Process server

• Or certified mail with return receipt

Your spouse must respond within 30 days (if in-state).

✅ 5. Waiting Period

60 days for couples without children

90 days for couples with minor children

This period starts after service or filing, whichever is later.

✅ 6. Settlement and Hearings

If both parties agree on:

• Division of property

• Alimony

• Child custody and support (if applicable)

…you can submit a Marital Dissolution Agreement and Parenting Plan to avoid trial.

If not, the case proceeds to mediation or trial.

✅ 7. Final Decree of Divorce

Once all documents are accepted and the waiting period has passed, a judge will issue the Final Decree of Divorce.

You may or may not need to attend a court hearing, depending on your county and whether the case is contested.

✅ 8. After Divorce

Change your name (if requested)

Update bank accounts, insurance, and beneficiaries

Comply with custody, support, and property division orders

Note: Tennessee follows the “equitable distribution” model for dividing marital property — not necessarily 50/50, but what the court deems fair.