Filing for divorce in Tennessee without an attorney costs $250-$350 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Tennessee. Tennessee is a equitable distribution state with a 60 days (no children) / 90 days (with children) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-4 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Tennessee-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $250-$350 (Filing fees vary by county: Davidson (Nashville) ~$300, Shelby (Memphis) ~$310, Knox (Knoxville) ~$280. Check your county clerk's office for exact fees.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Tennessee |
| Waiting Period | 60 days (no children) / 90 days (with children) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), Adultery, Desertion for 1 year, Conviction of felony, Attempt on spouse's life, Refusal to move to TN, Pregnancy by another at marriage, Habitual drunkenness, Cruel treatment, Indignities, Abandonment, Impotency, Bigamy, Living apart 2 years (no minor children) |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-4 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Tennessee, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Tennessee.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Tennessee for at least 6 months before filing. If grounds arose in Tennessee, either spouse may file if they're a TN resident when filing.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Tennessee's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Tennessee without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Tennessee for at least 6 months before filing. If grounds arose in Tennessee, either spouse may file if they're a TN resident when filing.
Download the official Tennessee divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Civil Summons, Marital Dissolution Agreement. All forms are available from the Tennessee courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (County-specific) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Tennessee court and pay the filing fee of $250-$350. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Tennessee rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Tennessee law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Tennessee requires a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children. If you have minor children, the waiting period is 90 days. The court may reduce but not eliminate the waiting period.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Tennessee, this typically takes 2-4 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Tennessee. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the case
Notifies your spouse
Settlement terms
Required custody arrangement
Final order
The filing fee to start a divorce in Tennessee is $250-$350. Filing fees vary by county: Davidson (Nashville) ~$300, Shelby (Memphis) ~$310, Knox (Knoxville) ~$280. Check your county clerk's office for exact fees.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $250-$350 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $400-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Tennessee offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Tennessee, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Tennessee courts are strict about service requirements.
Tennessee is a equitable distribution state.
Tennessee is an equitable distribution state. Only marital property is divided. The court considers numerous factors including contribution, duration, age, health, and fault in the divorce.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Tennessee law applies to your specific property.
Tennessee uses the Income shares model.
Tennessee uses the income shares model with detailed Child Support Guidelines. Both parents' gross incomes are considered along with parenting time, childcare, and health insurance costs.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Tennessee divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $250-$350 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days (no children) / 90 days (with children) - Tennessee requires a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children. If you have minor children, the waiting period is 90 days. The court may reduce but not eliminate the waiting period.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
15 fault-based grounds available
90-day wait if children, 60 days if not
Parenting plan required for all child cases
Fault can affect alimony and property
Marital Dissolution Agreement for agreed divorces
Income shares for child support
Common questions about filing for divorce in Tennessee without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Tennessee's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Tennessee-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Tennessee's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Tennessee divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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