Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Tennessee

Agreed Divorce (Uncontested / Simple Divorce) in Tennessee: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about ending your marriage is stressful enough. Figuring out how the Tennessee divorce system works on top of that can feel overwhelming. The good news is that if you and your spouse are fully on the same page, Tennessee has a streamlined no-fault path commonly called an Agreed Divorce-usually filed on the ground of Irreconcilable Differences.

This guide explains how an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee works in plain English: who qualifies, the basic steps, how long it usually takes (including the 60-day vs. 90-day statutory cooling-off period), what it costs, and how a do-it-yourself approach can fit into the process.

We’ll focus on people who want a simple divorce in Tennessee-couples who can cooperate, sign the paperwork, and agree on parenting (if applicable), support, and property so the case can move forward without a fight.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm. This guide is legal information, not legal advice. Divorce laws, court forms, and fees in Tennessee can change. Always double-check current rules on official Tennessee court websites or with a Tennessee lawyer if you’re unsure about your situation.

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Table of Contents

• 1. What Is an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee?
• 2. Who Qualifies for an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee?
• 3. Step-by-Step Overview of the Agreed Divorce Process
• 4. Special Issues When You Have Children
• 5. How Long Does an Agreed Divorce Take in Tennessee?
• 6. What Does an Agreed Divorce Cost?
• 7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You
• 8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process
• 9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

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1. What Is an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the high-intent “fast-track” term you’ll see on court resources and form packets is Agreed Divorce. Many people also say “uncontested” or “simple” divorce, but Agreed Divorce is the more Tennessee-specific label-most often filed on the no-fault ground of Irreconcilable Differences.

An Agreed Divorce generally means both spouses:

• Want the divorce,
• Agree on the legal ground (commonly Irreconcilable Differences), and
• Have a complete written agreement on the big issues-property and debts, and (if applicable) parenting and support.

Tennessee also offers court-approved, plain-language “Agreed Divorce” form packets. These packets are designed for truly cooperative cases and typically come in versions for:

• Agreed Divorce without Children, and
• Agreed Divorce with Children (which requires additional parenting and support paperwork).

In a contested divorce, one or both spouses are fighting about something important. In an Agreed Divorce, the court still must review and approve the paperwork-but there’s no ongoing dispute to decide.

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2. Who Qualifies for an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee?

To qualify for an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee, focus on three areas: residency, legal grounds, and whether your case is truly agreed.

2.1 Tennessee residency rules

You can generally file for divorce in Tennessee if either spouse has the required connection to the state. In simple terms:

• If the grounds happened in Tennessee, the filing spouse must be a bona fide Tennessee resident when those grounds occurred.
• If the grounds happened outside Tennessee, then usually at least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months in a row before filing.

There are special rules that can apply to military members, but the basic idea is that Tennessee must be more than a convenient place to file-it needs to be where you live or have a strong connection.

2.2 Grounds for divorce in Tennessee

Tennessee law includes both fault and no-fault grounds. For most Agreed Divorce cases, the key grounds to know are:

• Irreconcilable Differences (no-fault) – you both agree the marriage is over and cannot be repaired.
• Living separate and apart for at least two years with no minor children – another statutory ground used in some cases.

Fault-based grounds are still available, but they usually increase conflict, paperwork, and cost. Couples aiming for an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee typically use Irreconcilable Differences.

2.3 What makes a Tennessee case a good fit for an Agreed Divorce?

Your case is a strong candidate if:

• Both spouses want to end the marriage,
• Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign the paperwork,
• You can agree on:
  • Property and debt division,
  • Whether there will be alimony (spousal support), and
  • If you have children, a parenting schedule and child support that the court can approve.
• No one is being pressured, threatened, or coerced into signing.

If you meet the additional limits for the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Agreed Divorce form packets (often aimed at simpler cases), those packets may be a good fit. If you own a home, have a business, need to divide retirement accounts, or have complicated finances, your divorce can still be uncontested-but you may need more detailed documents and may want legal advice.

2.4 When an Agreed Divorce may not work

An Agreed Divorce may not be right if:

• There has been domestic violence, coercion, or stalking,
• One spouse is hiding money or property,
• You strongly disagree about parenting or support,
• You have very complex property (multiple homes, businesses, large retirement accounts),
• There are serious immigration, tax, or disability benefit issues, or
• One person will not cooperate or sign.

In these situations, it is especially important to talk to a Tennessee family law attorney or legal aid office, even if you still hope to settle things peacefully.

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3. Step-by-Step Overview of the Agreed Divorce Process

Every county has its own habits, but most Agreed Divorce cases in Tennessee follow the same general path. Here’s a plain-English overview so you know what to expect.

Step 1 – Make Sure You Actually Qualify

• Residency – at least one of you must meet Tennessee’s residency rules.
• Grounds – most agreed cases use Irreconcilable Differences.
• Agreement – you must agree on all key issues.
• Packet fit – if using the Supreme Court’s Agreed Divorce packets, confirm you meet the packet’s limits.

If any of this is unclear, a brief consultation with a Tennessee lawyer or local legal clinic can prevent wasted time and rejected filings.

Step 2 – Agree on Money, Property, and (If Applicable) Parenting

Even in an agreed case, the judge must see that your arrangements are complete and legally acceptable. That usually means reaching agreement on:

• Property and debts – who gets what and who owes what.
• Alimony (spousal support) – whether it will be paid, and the amount/duration if so.
• If you have children – parenting time, decision-making, and child support.

In Tennessee, the written settlement is typically the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA). If you have minor children, you will also need a Permanent Parenting Plan and a Child Support Worksheet (these are common “sticking points” for DIY filers).

Step 3 – Prepare the Divorce Forms

Exactly which documents you use depends on whether you qualify for the official Agreed Divorce packets. In general, agreed cases commonly involve documents like:

• Complaint for Divorce (the initiating document),
• Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA),
• Permanent Parenting Plan (if you have minor children),
• Child Support Worksheet (if you have minor children), and
• Final Decree of Divorce (the order the judge signs).

Take your time. Many delays happen due to missing signatures, blanks, incorrect attachments, or parenting/support documents that aren’t complete enough for the judge to approve.

Step 4 – File Your Papers with the Court

You typically file in the Circuit Court or Chancery Court in the Tennessee county where you or your spouse live. The clerk opens the case and assigns a case number.

You will usually pay a court filing fee at this time. Depending on the county and whether children are involved, it is often somewhere in the $200–$400 range, but you must check your county’s current fee schedule to be sure.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, Tennessee has forms to ask the court to postpone or waive court costs based on income. These request forms are often included in self-help packets and may also be available from court clerks.

Step 5 – Serve Your Spouse (If Required)

Even in an Agreed Divorce, the court must be satisfied that the other spouse received proper notice. If your spouse is signing the paperwork from the start, your county may allow a cooperative approach that avoids sheriff service in some situations. If not, you may need formal service of process, which can involve:

• Service by the sheriff or a process server (for an extra fee), or
• Other methods allowed under Tennessee rules.

Because local practices vary, ask the clerk which service options and forms are accepted in your county-especially if your spouse lives out of state.

Step 6 – Complete the Statutory Cooling-Off Period (60 vs. 90 Days)

Tennessee requires a minimum waiting time before a judge can grant your divorce-even if everything is agreed and all paperwork is perfect. This is commonly called the statutory cooling-off period:

• At least 60 days after filing if you have no minor children together (Agreed Divorce without Children), and
• At least 90 days after filing if you do have minor children together (Agreed Divorce with Children).

During this time, you may be finishing documents the court requires and (in many counties) scheduling a short final hearing. If children are involved, the judge will pay close attention to your Permanent Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet.

Step 7 – Receive the Final Decree of Divorce

If the judge is satisfied, they sign a Final Decree of Divorce. Once it is entered, your marriage is legally ended.

Get certified copies of your Final Decree of Divorce. You may need them to:

• Change your name (if applicable),
• Update benefits and beneficiaries, and
• Prove your divorce if you remarry.

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4. Special Issues When You Have Children

When there are minor children, Tennessee courts take extra care-even in an Agreed Divorce. The judge must be convinced your parenting and support arrangements are in the best interests of the child and are properly documented.

4.1 Permanent Parenting Plan (mandatory)

In most Tennessee divorces involving minor children, you must submit a Permanent Parenting Plan. It typically addresses:

• Where the children will live (weekday/weekend schedules, holidays, vacations),
• How major decisions will be made (education, health care, etc.),
• How parents will communicate and share information, and
• How disputes will be handled.

If the plan is vague or incomplete, the judge can send you back to revise it-even if you both agree.

4.2 Child Support Worksheet (mandatory)

Child support in Tennessee is based on statewide guidelines and is typically supported by a Child Support Worksheet. The worksheet usually considers each parent’s income, parenting time, and certain child-related expenses.

Even if both spouses agree to a different amount, the judge may reject it if it doesn’t follow the guidelines or doesn’t include a legally acceptable reason for a deviation. This is a common delay point for Agreed Divorce with Children cases.

4.3 Parent education classes or extra steps

Some counties require parents in divorce cases to attend a parent education class. Check your county’s local rules or ask the clerk early so you can plan for scheduling and cost.

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5. How Long Does an Agreed Divorce Take in Tennessee?

You can think of the timeline in three parts:

• Preparation time – how long it takes to reach agreement and complete the forms.
• Statutory cooling-off period – at least 60 days (no children) or 90 days (with children) from filing.
• Court scheduling and review – how quickly your court can set a hearing or process the agreed paperwork.

Many couples complete an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee in roughly 2–6 months, depending on the county, court backlog, and how accurate and complete the paperwork is the first time.

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6. What Does an Agreed Divorce Cost?

Costs vary by county and by how much outside help you use, but here are the common categories.

6.1 Court filing fees

County clerks charge filing fees to start a divorce case. In many counties, the filing fee often falls somewhere in the $200–$400 range, with potential differences when minor children are involved or when the sheriff must serve the other spouse.

These numbers are estimates. Always confirm current fees with your local Circuit Court or Chancery Court clerk.

6.2 Other common costs

• Service of process – fees if sheriff/process server service is required.
• Parent education class – required in some counties for cases involving children.
• Notary fees – for documents requiring notarization.
• Copy/certification fees – for certified copies of your Final Decree of Divorce.

6.3 Attorney or document preparation fees

If you handle a DIY Agreed Divorce in Tennessee, your main costs may be court fees plus optional costs for document preparation help or a self-help kit. Some Tennessee lawyers also offer limited-scope services for agreed cases.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask about Tennessee’s fee waiver / indigency forms, which may allow costs to be postponed or handled differently depending on your financial situation.

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7. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

A cheap divorce is not always a good divorce. DIY can be risky if your situation is complicated or unsafe. Get legal help right away if:

• Your spouse has been abusive, threatening, or controlling,
• You are afraid to disagree about money or children,
• You believe assets or income are being hidden,
• You own a business, multiple properties, or have complex retirement assets,
• You do not fully understand the paperwork due to language or other barriers, or
• There are serious immigration, tax, disability, or pension issues connected to your divorce.

In these situations, talk with a Tennessee family law attorney or legal aid office-even if you still hope the divorce can remain agreed.

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8. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

A well-structured self-help divorce kit can help people complete an Agreed Divorce in Tennessee without hiring a lawyer for everything-especially by keeping the case organized and avoiding common rejection reasons.

• Understanding the paperwork – plain-English guidance for documents like the MDA, Permanent Parenting Plan, and Child Support Worksheet.
• Staying organized – clear steps, checklists, and reminders to reduce delays.
• Avoiding common mistakes – missing signatures, incomplete parenting plans, or unsupported child support numbers.
• Saving money – a kit is often far cheaper than full representation for a simple agreed case.

At PlainDivorce.com, our Tennessee kit is designed for self-represented spouses who want to move through the Agreed Divorce process step-by-step, with guidance that matches Tennessee terminology and court expectations.

Download Our Tennessee Agreed Divorce Self-Help Kit

Remember: even with a kit, you are still representing yourself. A good kit gives you structure and confidence, but it is not a substitute for independent legal advice when you need it.

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9. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Starting a divorce-even an agreed one-can feel emotional and confusing. The practical key is to break it into manageable steps:

• Confirm Tennessee is the right place to file and you meet residency rules.
• Reach a complete agreement and put it in writing (usually an MDA).
• If you have children, complete a workable Permanent Parenting Plan and a correct Child Support Worksheet.
• File carefully in Circuit Court or Chancery Court, then complete the 60/90-day cooling-off period and any local steps.

An Agreed Divorce in Tennessee is usually faster, less stressful, and more affordable than a contested case-especially when your paperwork is complete and consistent from the start.

Important reminder: This guide is legal information only. PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm, and nothing here is legal advice for your specific situation. Tennessee laws, court rules, forms, and fees change over time. Before you file, always check the latest information from Tennessee courts or speak with a Tennessee family law attorney or legal aid office if you have questions.