Uncontested Divorce in Tennessee, Handled Right the First Time
We help couples in Lebanon and across Middle Tennessee finish an uncontested divorce with clear, carefully drafted agreements, explained in plain language, so the terms you settled on today don't turn into a dispute down the road.
What Makes a Divorce Uncontested in Tennessee
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee is one where both spouses agree on every term of the divorce. That means agreeing on:
- How your property is divided, including the house, vehicles and retirement accounts.
- Who takes responsibility for each debt.
- Whether alimony is paid, and if so, how much and for how long.
- Custody and the parenting schedule, if you have minor children.
- Child support, if you have minor children.
If you have already reached that point together, you have done the hardest part. Our job is to put your agreement into the documents the court requires, make sure the details hold up, and see the case through to a final decree.
How We Handle Your Agreed Divorce From Start to Finish
Chris Reynolds works with you directly through each stage, and we explain every document before anyone signs it.
Talk Through Your Agreement
We sit down with you, review what you and your spouse have agreed to, and identify any terms that need more detail before they go on paper.
Draft the Marital Dissolution Agreement
We prepare the agreement that divides your property and debts and settles any alimony, written clearly enough that both of you know exactly what it means.
Prepare the Parenting Plan
If you have minor children, we draft a permanent parenting plan covering custody, the parenting schedule and child support.
File the Divorce
Once the documents are signed, we file the complaint for divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences.
Finalize the Divorce
After the required waiting period, the court reviews your agreement and enters the final decree of divorce.
Weapons Charges We Handle in Tennessee
The Tennessee Requirements Every Uncontested Divorce Has to Meet
A few state rules apply to every agreed divorce filed in Tennessee.
Residency
At least one spouse must meet Tennessee's residency requirement, which generally means living in the state for six months before filing.
Irreconcilable Differences
An uncontested divorce is filed on the ground of irreconcilable differences. Neither spouse has to prove the other did anything wrong.
The Marital Dissolution Agreement
Both spouses sign a marital dissolution agreement. This is the written contract that divides marital property and debts and states whether either spouse will pay alimony.
The Waiting Period
The court cannot grant the divorce until it has been on file for at least 60 days when there are no minor children, or 90 days when there are.
Going to Court
An uncontested divorce does not involve a trial. The case is finalized at a short hearing where the judge reviews and approves your agreement, and we prepare you for what to expect.
Uncontested Divorce in TN With a Child
Having children does not take an agreed divorce off the table. Parents in Tennessee can still finish an uncontested divorce, with a few added steps that keep your children's needs at the center.
- Both parents sign a permanent parenting plan that sets custody, the day-to-day schedule, holidays and how decisions about the children are made.
- Child support is calculated under the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, based on each parent's income and the parenting schedule.
- Both parents complete a parent education class before the divorce is final.
- The court cannot grant the divorce until it has been on file for at least 90 days.
We walk both parents through each term of the parenting plan so it still works as your children grow, from school-year routines to summers and holidays. For more on custody arrangements and support calculations, see our
child custody and support services.
Why a Lawyer Still Matters When You Both Agree
Agreeing on the big picture is a strong start. The details are where an agreed divorce either holds up or comes back later as a disagreement.
A well-drafted agreement spells out what happens with:
- Retirement accounts, including how and when they are divided.
- The house, including who keeps it, who refinances and by when.
- Each debt, including whose name it stays in and who pays it.
- The parenting schedule, including holidays, school breaks and transportation.
We make sure your agreement is clear and complete before it is signed, so it reflects what you both meant and the court can approve it without delays.
An Agreed Divorce Lawyer in Lebanon TN, Serving Wilson and Macon Counties
In Wilson County, divorce cases are filed at the Wilson County Judicial Center, 134 South College Street in Lebanon. Divorces there can be heard in:
- Wilson County Chancery Court
- Wilson County Circuit Court
- Wilson County General Sessions Court, Division III (family court)
Our Lebanon office at 500 North Cumberland Street is a short drive from the Judicial Center. For Macon County clients, our Lafayette office at 619 State Rte 52 offers the same one-on-one attention closer to home. Both offices share one phone number, (615) 873-0251, and are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Se habla español. Our in-house Spanish interpreter helps Spanish-speaking couples understand every term of their agreement before they sign.
Common Questions About Uncontested Divorce in Tennessee
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Tennessee?
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee can be granted once it has been on file for at least 60 days, or 90 days if you have minor children. The total time also depends on how quickly the agreement and parenting plan are finalized and signed, and on the court's schedule for the final hearing.
Can you get an uncontested divorce in Tennessee with children?
Yes. Parents can get an uncontested divorce as long as they agree on a permanent parenting plan and child support set under Tennessee's guidelines. Both parents must also complete a parent education class, and the divorce must be on file at least 90 days before it can be finalized.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not require one, but a lawyer helps make sure your marital dissolution agreement and parenting plan are complete, clear and enforceable. Vague terms about the house, retirement accounts, debts or the parenting schedule are the most common reason agreed divorces end up back in court later.
What is a marital dissolution agreement in Tennessee?
A marital dissolution agreement is the written contract divorcing spouses sign to divide their marital property and debts and to settle whether either spouse will pay alimony. Once the court approves it, the agreement becomes part of the final divorce decree and can be enforced by the court.
Do both spouses have to go to court for an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce does not go to trial. It is finalized at a short hearing where the judge reviews the agreement, and in many cases only one spouse needs to attend. We let you know exactly what to expect for your hearing.
Can one lawyer represent both spouses in an uncontested divorce?
No. A lawyer can represent only one spouse in a divorce, even when both spouses agree on everything. The other spouse is welcome to have a lawyer of their own review the agreement before signing.
What if we agree on most things but not everything?
Many couples resolve the last few issues through negotiation or mediation and still finish with an agreed divorce. If an issue cannot be settled, the case moves forward as a contested divorce, and the court decides what the spouses could not.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Lebanon, TN?
The cost depends on how much property and debt there is to divide, whether children are involved and how detailed your agreement needs to be. An uncontested divorce generally costs far less than a contested one. We explain what to expect at the start and offer flexible payment options and payment plans.
Trusted by Clients Across Middle Tennessee
Finish Your Agreed Divorce With Confidence
You and your spouse have already agreed on the hard decisions. We will put those decisions into clear, complete documents and see your uncontested divorce through to the final decree. Call us at (615) 873-0251 or schedule a consultation at our Lebanon or Lafayette office.