Tennessee divorce at a glance
Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.
Divorce in Tennessee: the marital dissolution agreement
Tennessee builds its uncontested path around a single document: the Marital Dissolution Agreement. Both spouses must agree in writing that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the MDA settles property, debts, and spousal support in one place for the court to approve. The no-fault ground is irreconcilable differences under T.C.A. § 36-4-103, and it cannot be used without that signed agreement — which is why Tennessee’s fast route is really a paperwork route.
Filing requires six months as a bona fide Tennessee resident under § 36-4-104, unless the grounds arose while a spouse lived in the state, which allows immediate filing. The Verified Complaint for Divorce goes to the Circuit or Chancery Court in your county. When minor children are involved, the state adds a second required document — a Permanent Parenting Plan under T.C.A. § 36-6-404 — plus a child support worksheet, and both parents must complete a four-hour parent education seminar before the final hearing.
The waiting period is 60 days without children and 90 days with them, non-waivable and counted from filing. Property is divided equitably, alimony follows T.C.A. § 36-5-121, and child support follows the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. Filing fees run $184 to $301 depending on the county.