Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Tennessee

Residency Requirements

• 6 months in Tennessee before filing


• 2 years if both parties not in TN when filing

No Mandatory Separation

No separation period required unless using separation as grounds.

Grounds for Divorce

• No-fault: Irreconcilable differences or 2-year separation


• Fault-based: 15 different grounds available

Parenting Requirements

• All parents with minor children must submit a Parenting Plan


• Both parents must complete the Parent Education Seminar (minimum 4 hours)

Where to File

Circuit Court or Chancery Court in your county.

Family Courts in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have a separate Family Court. Cases are heard in Circuit Court or Chancery Court.

Circuit Court

• General jurisdiction court


• Handles civil, criminal, and domestic matters


• Can hear divorce cases

Chancery Court

• Court of equity


• Handles divorces, workers compensation, adoption


• Paternity, legitimation, protective orders


• Child support, conservatorships, guardianships, probate

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Divorce can be filed in either court. File in your county's Circuit or Chancery Court.

Court Records

Public except sealed orders and Juvenile Court records.

Filing Fees in Tennessee

Fee Ranges by County

• General range: $184-$381


• Shelby County: $306.50 (no children), $381.50 (with children)


• Davidson (Nashville): $184.50-$301.50 depending on children and service method

Additional Costs

Fees may apply for motions and other filings.

Fee Waivers

Submit a form demonstrating financial hardship for court review.

Typical Total Costs

• Uncontested: $500-$1,500


• Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

Free Legal Resources in Tennessee

HELP4TN

• Website: help4tn.org


• Helpline: 1-844-HELP4TN (1-844-435-7486)


• HELP4TN Bot: Automated form completion assistance

Regional Legal Aid

• Legal Aid of East Tennessee: laet.org - 26 counties


• Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & Cumberlands: las.org - 48 counties, 8 offices

Online Resources

• Tennessee Free Legal Answers: tn.freelegalanswers.org


• Justice For All TN: justiceforalltn.org

Eligibility

Based on federal poverty guidelines.

Critical Deadlines in Tennessee

No Mandatory Waiting Period

Tennessee has no waiting period between filing and finalizing (unless using 2-year separation as grounds).

Parent Education Seminar

• Must be completed as soon as possible after filing


• Minimum 4 hours covering child development, legal process, ADR, domestic violence


• Failure to attend can result in contempt of court (potential jail)


• Non-attendance negatively impacts custody decisions

Parenting Plans

Must be filed with the divorce petition and approved by the court.

Modification Requirements

Requires proving substantial and material change in circumstances since the original order.

Tennessee's Unique Family Law Features

Mandatory Parent Education Seminar

TN Code section 36-6-408 requires minimum 4 hours covering:

• Child development


• Legal process


• Alternative dispute resolution


• Domestic violence education

Non-attendance is a custody factor and can result in contempt charges.

50/50 Custody Presumption

Tennessee is among states presuming equal parenting time serves children's best interests.

Parenting Plan Requirements

Must detail decision-making authority for education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religion.

Primary Residential Parent

Even in 50/50 arrangements, one parent is designated for school enrollment and mail purposes.