The better way to get divorced.
File for Divorce Online — Without the High Costs or Conflict
Answer a few questions to see your personalized divorce options in under 3 minutes.
Written By:
Divorce.com Staff
Tennessee Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Fastest possible: 60-75 days (no children, uncontested) | With children minimum: 90 days | Typical uncontested without children: 2-5 months | Typical uncontested with children: 3-7 months | Contested: 8-24+ months | The KEY factor: Whether you have MINOR CHILDREN. Tennessee has 60-day wait without children, 90-day WITH children.
Residency: 6 months for one spouse before filing. | 60-Day Wait (NO children): From filing if no children. | 90-Day Wait (WITH children): From filing if have minor children. | No Separation: Can file while living together.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 2-5 months (NO children) or 3-7 months (WITH children) | File complaint in Chancery or Circuit Court. Pay filing fee ($184-$259). Waiting period begins (60 days if no children, 90 days with children). Serve spouse. Spouse has 30 days to answer. Exchange financial affidavits. Prepare marital dissolution agreement. After waiting period, file for final hearing. Attend hearing. Decree signed. | County Variations: Shelby County (Memphis): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Largest. Davidson County (Nashville): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Knox County (Knoxville): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Hamilton County (Chattanooga): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Williamson County: No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Affluent Nashville suburb. Smaller counties: No children: 2-4 months. With children: 3-5 months.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Timeline: 3-7 months | Mandatory 90-day wait. Parenting plan required. Child support per Tennessee guidelines. Parent education required statewide (4 hours each). | Tennessee Parenting: Parent education MANDATORY statewide for ALL divorces with minor children. Tennessee uses "parenting plan" and "residential parent" terminology.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-24+ months | Tennessee: Equitable distribution. Property divided based on factors. Alimony available (multiple types). Fault grounds still exist and can affect property/alimony.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Costs: Attorneys: $10,000-$50,000+ per side (Nashville/Williamson County highest). Experts: $5,000-$18,000. Total: $25,000-$100,000+.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies | Protection: Order of Protection. Emergency available. Full hearing within 15 days. No mediation in DV.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: 2-7 months (uncontested) to 12-24 months (contested). | Installations: Arnold Air Force Base (Coffee County), Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Millington/Shelby County). Tennessee National Guard. | SCRA applies.,Timeline: 10-24+ months | Williamson County (Brentwood
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Franklin) very affluent. Nashville area wealth. Music industry. Healthcare industry. High property values."
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
1. Understand 60 vs 90-Day Rule: No children: 60 days. With children: 90 days. | 2. Complete Parent Education: Mandatory statewide for all with children (4 hours). | 3. File to Start Clock: Waiting periods start filing date.
Tennessee County-Specific Timelines
Shelby County (Memphis): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Contested: 12-24 months. | Davidson County (Nashville): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Contested: 12-28 months. | Knox County (Knoxville): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Hamilton County (Chattanooga): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Williamson County (Brentwood/Franklin): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Very affluent. Contested: 12-28 months. | Rutherford County (Murfreesboro): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months.
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
Uncontested (no children): DIY: $184-$350. Online: $500-$2,000. Attorney: $2,500-$5,000. Timeline: 2-5 months. | Uncontested (with children): DIY: $184-$400. Online: $500-$2,000. Attorney: $3,000-$6,000. Timeline: 3-7 months. | Contested: Mediation: $3,000-$8,000. Attorneys: $10,000-$25,000 per side. Trial: Attorneys: $10,000-$50,000+ per side. Total: $25,000-$100,000+.
Common Delays in Tennessee Divorces
1. Not Meeting 90-Day Wait with Children (Case delayed): Must wait full 90 days. | 2. Parent Education Delay (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Mandatory statewide for all with children (4 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long uncontested in Tennessee? A: Depends on children. Without children: 2-5 months (60-day wait). With children: 3-7 months (90-day wait). | Q: Why longer with children? A: Tennessee has 90-day mandatory wait with children vs 60 days without. | Q: Do I need parent education? A: YES, mandatory statewide for ALL divorces with minor children (4 hours). Both parents must complete.
The Bottom Line
Tennessee's waiting periods depend on children. No children: 2-5 months (60-day wait). With children: 3-7 months (90-day wait). Contested: 8-24+ months. Parent education mandatory statewide.
Other Articles:
State Divorce Guides
City Divorce Guides
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Chattanooga, TN? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
Clarksville Divorce Cost in Tennessee: 2026 Price Breakdown
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Memphis, TN (2026)?
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Murfreesboro, TN? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Nashville, TN (2026)?
Divorce Lawyer Chattanooga, TN: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Clarksville, TN - Free Consultations
Divorce Lawyers in Memphis, TN | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Nashville, TN | Compare Attorneys
County Divorce Guides
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
The better way to get divorced.
Answer a few questions to see your personalized divorce options in under 3 minutes.
Tennessee Divorce Timelines by Scenario
Fastest possible: 60-75 days (no children, uncontested) | With children minimum: 90 days | Typical uncontested without children: 2-5 months | Typical uncontested with children: 3-7 months | Contested: 8-24+ months | The KEY factor: Whether you have MINOR CHILDREN. Tennessee has 60-day wait without children, 90-day WITH children.
Residency: 6 months for one spouse before filing. | 60-Day Wait (NO children): From filing if no children. | 90-Day Wait (WITH children): From filing if have minor children. | No Separation: Can file while living together.
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
RETAINER FEE
PETITION
COURT FILING FEE
SUMMONS
AFFIDAVIT
MOTIONS
ARGUMENTS
TEMPORARY ORDERS
HEARINGS
SUBPOENAS
DEPOSITIONS
SETTLEMENT
CONFERENCES
JUDGEMENT
TRIAL
APPEALS
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce Without Children
Timeline: 2-5 months (NO children) or 3-7 months (WITH children) | File complaint in Chancery or Circuit Court. Pay filing fee ($184-$259). Waiting period begins (60 days if no children, 90 days with children). Serve spouse. Spouse has 30 days to answer. Exchange financial affidavits. Prepare marital dissolution agreement. After waiting period, file for final hearing. Attend hearing. Decree signed. | County Variations: Shelby County (Memphis): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Largest. Davidson County (Nashville): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Knox County (Knoxville): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Hamilton County (Chattanooga): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Williamson County: No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Affluent Nashville suburb. Smaller counties: No children: 2-4 months. With children: 3-5 months.
Scenario 2: Uncontested Divorce With Children
Timeline: 3-7 months | Mandatory 90-day wait. Parenting plan required. Child support per Tennessee guidelines. Parent education required statewide (4 hours each). | Tennessee Parenting: Parent education MANDATORY statewide for ALL divorces with minor children. Tennessee uses "parenting plan" and "residential parent" terminology.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Scenario 3: Contested Divorce (Settled Before Trial)
Timeline: 8-24+ months | Tennessee: Equitable distribution. Property divided based on factors. Alimony available (multiple types). Fault grounds still exist and can affect property/alimony.
Scenario 4: Fully Contested Divorce With Trial
Timeline: 12-30+ months | Costs: Attorneys: $10,000-$50,000+ per side (Nashville/Williamson County highest). Experts: $5,000-$18,000. Total: $25,000-$100,000+.
Scenario 5: Divorce With Domestic Violence
Timeline: Varies | Protection: Order of Protection. Emergency available. Full hearing within 15 days. No mediation in DV.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
Scenario 6: Military Divorce in Ohio
Timeline: 2-7 months (uncontested) to 12-24 months (contested). | Installations: Arnold Air Force Base (Coffee County), Naval Support Activity Mid-South (Millington/Shelby County). Tennessee National Guard. | SCRA applies.,Timeline: 10-24+ months | Williamson County (Brentwood
Scenario 7: High-Asset Divorce
Franklin) very affluent. Nashville area wealth. Music industry. Healthcare industry. High property values."
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
How to Speed Up Your Ohio Divorce
1. Understand 60 vs 90-Day Rule: No children: 60 days. With children: 90 days. | 2. Complete Parent Education: Mandatory statewide for all with children (4 hours). | 3. File to Start Clock: Waiting periods start filing date.
Tennessee County-Specific Timelines
Shelby County (Memphis): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Contested: 12-24 months. | Davidson County (Nashville): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Contested: 12-28 months. | Knox County (Knoxville): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Hamilton County (Chattanooga): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months. | Williamson County (Brentwood/Franklin): No children: 3-5 months. With children: 4-7 months. Very affluent. Contested: 12-28 months. | Rutherford County (Murfreesboro): No children: 2-5 months. With children: 3-6 months. Contested: 10-20 months.
Cost Impact of Divorce Timeline
Uncontested (no children): DIY: $184-$350. Online: $500-$2,000. Attorney: $2,500-$5,000. Timeline: 2-5 months. | Uncontested (with children): DIY: $184-$400. Online: $500-$2,000. Attorney: $3,000-$6,000. Timeline: 3-7 months. | Contested: Mediation: $3,000-$8,000. Attorneys: $10,000-$25,000 per side. Trial: Attorneys: $10,000-$50,000+ per side. Total: $25,000-$100,000+.
Common Delays in Tennessee Divorces
1. Not Meeting 90-Day Wait with Children (Case delayed): Must wait full 90 days. | 2. Parent Education Delay (Adds: 2-6 weeks): Mandatory statewide for all with children (4 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long uncontested in Tennessee? A: Depends on children. Without children: 2-5 months (60-day wait). With children: 3-7 months (90-day wait). | Q: Why longer with children? A: Tennessee has 90-day mandatory wait with children vs 60 days without. | Q: Do I need parent education? A: YES, mandatory statewide for ALL divorces with minor children (4 hours). Both parents must complete.
The Bottom Line
Tennessee's waiting periods depend on children. No children: 2-5 months (60-day wait). With children: 3-7 months (90-day wait). Contested: 8-24+ months. Parent education mandatory statewide.
Other Articles:
State Divorce Guides
City Divorce Guides
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Chattanooga, TN? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
Clarksville Divorce Cost in Tennessee: 2026 Price Breakdown
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Memphis, TN (2026)?
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Murfreesboro, TN? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Nashville, TN (2026)?
Divorce Lawyer Chattanooga, TN: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Clarksville, TN - Free Consultations
Divorce Lawyers in Memphis, TN | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyer Murfreesboro, TN: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Nashville, TN | Compare Attorneys
County Divorce Guides
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.