Wondering, “How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?” The answer depends on your unique situation. An uncontested divorce can take as little as 60 to 90 days after you file. You cannot get a faster divorce due to the state’s mandatory waiting period.
Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on important issues, can take several months or even years to resolve. The exact timeline varies based on the couple and their location, how quickly you can settle any differences, and how busy your local court system is. It also depends on how much work you, your spouse, and your lawyers do before you file.
At The Law Firm, PC, we understand how emotionally and financially overwhelming divorce can feel. Our experienced family law attorneys serve clients across southeastern Tennessee.
We offer a family-oriented, trial-ready approach grounded in compassion, experience, and a deep commitment to justice. Whether you need help with a high-conflict divorce or want to ensure a smooth and respectful uncontested process, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.
What Divorce Involves
Divorce is not just the end of a relationship. It is a formal legal process that untangles nearly every aspect of a couple’s shared life. To untangle that shared life, Tennessee law requires couples to address specific legal issues before courts can officially grant a divorce.
The issues couples must address include:
- Division of marital property and debts,
- Child custody and visitation,
- Child support payments, and
- Spousal support or alimony.
Couples who reach an agreement on these issues outside the courtroom generally complete the process faster than those who do not.
Uncontested Divorce
Couples who agree on all major issues and create a written agreement documenting those resolutions can get an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorce, when the couple negotiates or mediates before filing with the court:
- Requires agreement on custody, child support, property division, and alimony;
- Allows the court to issue a final divorce decree shortly after the Tennessee divorce waiting period ends; and
- Avoids the lengthy litigation process.
Even in uncontested divorces, spouses may need to spend some time before filing to resolve issues, which can take time.
Contested Divorce
Couples who cannot agree on one or more key issues may need to pursue a contested divorce. Contested divorce:
- Involves asking the court to resolve one or more significant issues, such as child custody, property division, and support obligations;
- May involve formal discovery, interviews under oath, court-ordered mediation, and court hearings; and
- Can take anywhere from several months to more than a year to resolve, especially if the case goes to trial.
Many contested divorces eventually settle before trial, but not before going through much of the pretrial process, which can still be time-consuming.
The Tennessee Divorce Process and Timeline
Every divorce must follow the legal steps outlined by Tennessee law. While the precise timeline varies by case, the Tennessee divorce process can last anywhere from about three months for straightforward uncontested cases to more than 18 months for complex contested divorces that go to trial.
Starting the Process
Here is how the typical Tennessee divorce process starts:
- Resolving to divorce. Couples proactively address each important legal issue before considering filing, file without reaching consensus, or something in between.
- Satisfying residence requirements. At least one spouse must generally live in Tennessee for at least six months before filing.
- Filing for divorce. One spouse files a legal document called a Complaint for Divorce, outlining the legal reason for the divorce and officially starting the divorce process.
- Service of process. The filing spouse (the “plaintiff”) formally notifies the other that they have filed for divorce.
After this point, the spouses are subject to the Tennessee divorce waiting period. By law, Tennessee courts cannot finalize a divorce until the waiting period—60 days for couples without minor children and 90 days for those with children—passes. The period begins when the first spouse files the complaint.
Finishing the Uncontested Process
If the spouses file a separation agreement following Tennessee law outlining how they want to resolve important issues, the court may issue a divorce decree as soon as the waiting period passes. Even if the spouses did not have an agreement when they first filed, they may work out an agreement during the waiting period and propose it to the court at any time.
Finishing the Contested Processes
However, in a contested divorce, spouses may need to complete additional steps:
- Discovery, exchange of evidence, and investigation—each spouse must provide the other with specific information, and, with their attorneys, the spouses investigate facts related to the divorce;
- Trial preparation—if they do not reach an agreement and settle, spouses work with their lawyers to prepare for trial, gathering documents, framing context, and practicing testimony;
- Trial—if spouses still do not settle, they offer evidence and testimony to a judge, who makes decisions on the remaining issues through a trial; and
- Final divorce decree—after the judge resolves outstanding issues, they issue a final divorce decree, officially divorcing the couple.
Each stage can take more or less time depending on the specific issues the couples need to resolve, how forthcoming they are, how organized they are, and other unique characteristics they have. The court system coordinates with the couple’s timeline, but scheduling a trial may take six months or longer, depending on the court’s calendar and how complex the case is.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Tennessee?
Several factors influence how long it takes to get a divorce in Tennessee, including:
- How long you or your spouse has lived in Tennessee;
- Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested;
- The complexity of your financial and parenting positions, such as business ownership, real estate disputes, or disagreements over custody;
- How well you and your spouse can cooperate, including whether there are issues of domestic violence or protective orders;
- How quickly each side completes and files the required legal paperwork; and
- The court’s schedule and backlog of pending cases..
Your choice of attorney can also make a significant difference. Skilled legal guidance can help you avoid delays by preparing documents with you, guiding you through deadlines, and keeping negotiations and mediation focused and productive.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
If you are considering divorce in Tennessee, do not go through the process alone. At The Law Firm, PC, we help our clients face tough family decisions with clarity, strength, and dignity. Our attorneys bring years of courtroom experience, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the Tennessee divorce process.
We bring a blend of legal skill and personal empathy to every case. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help.
Additional Reading
- 8 Ways to Choose the Right Family Law Attorney in Tennessee
- How Is Child Support Calculated in Tennessee?
Alan has spent his career standing up for those the system tries to push aside. With over a decade of experience in criminal and corporate law, he pairs sharp trial skills with a deep sense of empathy—earned through his own personal walk through the justice system.
At The Law Firm, PC, Alan personally handles each case, giving clients direct access, honest advice, and fierce representation every step of the way. He knows their stories matter—and he fights to make sure they’re heard.
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