Tennessee divorce forms are official court documents required to initiate and complete divorce proceedings in the state, with standardized forms approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court and made available through the administrative office of the courts for both contested and uncontested divorces.
Court-Approved Tennessee Divorce Forms
The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved standardized forms, making the divorce process more accessible for individuals representing themselves.
The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved plain-language forms for uncontested divorces without significant legal issues, known as "agreed" divorces in the new documents. These forms were created by the Access to Justice Commission and are approved as universally acceptable as legally sufficient, meaning that as long as they are filled out completely and not changed, court clerks will accept them.
You can access official Tennessee divorce forms through the Tennessee Courts websit,e where downloadable PDF versions are available at no cost. Be sure to read the forms completely before filling them out, as the divorce forms have instructions that you must read before using them to ensure proper completion.
Important Limitations of Standard Forms
Not all divorces qualify for the simplified court-approved forms available online.
These forms are only for divorces where both spouses agree on all parts of the divorce, there are no minor or dependent children involved, and the spouses do not own any real property. Real property includes houses, land, buildings, mobile homes that are permanently attached to the ground, and condominiums, meaning couples who own homes together cannot use the simplified agreed divorce forms.
If your situation involves children, real estate ownership, businesses, retirement benefits, or disagreements on any divorce issues, you will need different forms and likely should consult with an attorney. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides additional forms for more complex situations beyond the basic agreed divorce.
Divorce Forms Without Minor Children
Couples without children follow a streamlined process using specific forms designed for their situation.
For divorces without minor children, you will need the Complaint for Divorce, which declares your intent to end the marriage and lays out the basics, including your name, your spouse's name, and the grounds for divorce. Tennessee offers fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty alongside no-fault options like irreconcilable differences.
Additional required forms include the Summons, which formally notifies your spouse about the divorce filing and provides instructions on how to respond, and the Civil Case Cover Sheet, which provides the court with basic information about your case. The Marital Dissolution Agreement outlines how property, debts, and spousal support will be divided in uncontested cases where spouses must agree on every term before submitting this document to the court.
Divorce Forms With Minor Children
When children are involved, additional documentation is required to address custody and support.
If you have minor children, a Permanent Parenting Plan is required. This document addresses custody arrangements, decision-making responsibilities such as education and healthcare, and child support obligations. Creating a parenting plan that prioritizes your children's best interests is one of the most important steps in the divorce process.
The administrative office of the courts has the parenting plan forms in various languages, and there are also answers to frequently asked questions, links to other resources, and other forms available on the AOC website. The Parenting Plan form is required when parents are getting divorced and have minor children, and some courts require or encourage parents who were never married to use the form.
Essential Tennessee Divorce Forms Explained
Every divorce kicks off with the Complaint for Divorce. This document declares your intent to end the marriage and lays out the basics: your name, your spouse's name, any children, and the grounds for divorce. This is the primary document that initiates the divorce process in Tennessee courts and must be filed with the appropriate county clerk.
Summons
Once the Complaint for Divorce is filed, the other spouse must be formally notified. This is where the Summons comes in, informing your spouse about the divorce filing and providing instructions on how to respond. Proper service of the summons is critical to ensure the court has jurisdiction over both parties.
Civil Case Cover Sheet
The Civil Case Cover Sheet is a straightforward form that provides the court with basic information about your case. It includes details like the type of case, the names of the parties involved, and a brief description of the issues at hand. While it may seem simple, this Tennessee divorce form ensures the court properly categorizes and processes your case.
Marital Dissolution Agreement
In uncontested divorces, the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) outlines how property, debts, and spousal support will be divided. Spouses must agree on every term before submitting this document to the court, and a well-drafted MDA can help prevent future disputes. This agreement becomes part of the final divorce decree once approved by the judge.
Final Decree of Divorce
The Final Decree of Divorce seals the deal. Once all issues are resolved, whether through agreement or a judge's ruling, this document ends your marriage officially. The decree incorporates all agreements and court orders regarding property division, support, and, if applicable, child custody and support.
Where to Find Tennessee Divorce Forms
Multiple sources provide access to official divorce forms for Tennessee residents.
Tennessee provides standardized divorce forms through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website. Additionally, some local county court websites offer county-specific versions of these forms tailored to local filing requirements and procedures.
TheJustice for All Tennessee website also provides links to court forms that may help you, with some forms created as part of the Access to Justice initiative and others created by legal aid organizations. Keep in mind that the forms you need may vary depending on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and whether children are involved.
County-Specific Filing Requirements
While Tennessee provides standardized forms, some counties have additional local requirements.
Individual counties may have specific filing procedures, local forms, or fee schedules that differ from statewide standards. Contact the circuit court clerk in the county where you plan to file to confirm all required forms, proper filing procedures, and current fee amounts before submitting your divorce paperwork.
Some Tennessee counties provide divorce forms and instructions directly on their court clerk websites, while others require you to obtain forms in person or use the statewide forms from the Tennessee Courts website. Verifying local requirements prevents rejections and ensures your forms are accepted on first submission.
When Professional Help Is Needed
Certain divorce situations require guidance from an experienced family law attorney.
Consider hiring an attorney if your case involves shared property, debts, or children, if you and your spouse disagree on major issues like custody or alimony, if you want to ensure compliance with Tennessee law and avoid costly mistakes, or if there's a power imbalance or concern about hidden assets. While it's possible to file for divorce on your own, professional guidance helps navigate complex situations.
Having an experienced attorney can make all the difference by properly completing and filing all necessary forms to prevent delays, negotiating fair agreements for property division, custody, and support, representing you in court if disputes arise, and identifying legal issues that could impact your future. Divorce involves more than just filling out forms—it's about protecting your future.
Filing Your Tennessee Divorce Forms
Once forms are completed, proper filing with the court initiates your divorce case.
File your completed divorce forms with the circuit court clerk in the county where you or your spouse resides. You will need to pay filing fees, which vary by county, typically ranging from $200 to $400, depending on whether you have children and the specific county's fee schedule.
After filing, you must serve copies of the divorce papers on your spouse, following Tennessee's legal service requirements. This typically involves having a process server, sheriff, or other authorized person deliver the documents, or in uncontested cases, having your spouse sign a waiver of service acknowledging receipt of the divorce paperwork.
Resources for Tennessee Divorce Forms
Multiple organizations provide assistance and resources for individuals filing for divorce.
TheAdministrative Office of the Courts serves as a trusted resource to assist in improving the administration of justice and promoting confidence in the judiciary, providing standardized forms and helpful information. Local legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost assistance to qualifying individuals, helping with form completion and basic legal guidance.
Many county court clerk offices provide informational packets explaining the divorce process and listing required forms for different situations. Court clerks cannot provide legal advice but can clarify filing procedures and confirm which forms are needed for your specific county.