How to File for Divorce in Tennessee Without a Lawyer (2026)
Tennessee divorce has two hallmark requirements that differ from most states:
The Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) — If you're filing on no-fault grounds ("irreconcilable differences"), Tennessee REQUIRES a signed MDA from both spouses. You cannot file a no-fault divorce in Tennessee as a contested case without a signed agreement. The MDA is the uncontested divorce in Tennessee.
The Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) — If minor children are involved, a specific Tennessee statutory PPP form is required. "Custody agreement" is not sufficient — it must be on the official PPP form.
Disclaimer: General legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Tennessee attorney for your specific situation.
Tennessee Divorce at a Glance
| Factor | Tennessee Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | 6 months in Tennessee before filing |
| No-fault ground | Irreconcilable differences (requires signed MDA) |
| Fault grounds | 15 grounds including inappropriate marital conduct, adultery, abandonment, drug addiction |
| Waiting period | 60 days (no minor children) or 90 days (with minor children) from filing |
| Property system | Equitable distribution (not community property) |
| Filing fee | $184–$300 (varies by county) |
| Court options | Circuit Court OR Chancery Court — varies by county |
| Forms | tncourts.gov |
Step-by-Step: Tennessee Divorce
Step 1 — Confirm Residency
Tennessee's 6-month residency rule: One spouse must have been a Tennessee resident for at least 6 months before filing. At least one spouse must live in Tennessee when the complaint is filed.
Where to file: File in the county where either spouse has lived for the past 6 months, OR in the county where the parties last lived together as a married couple.
Step 2 — Identify Your Court
Tennessee counties use EITHER Circuit Court OR Chancery Court for divorce — not both. This varies by county. Before filing:
- Check your county's court website, OR
- Call the county Circuit Court Clerk and Chancery Court Clerk to ask which one handles divorce
Getting this wrong means filing in the wrong court, which can delay your case.
Step 3 — Choose No-Fault or Fault Ground
No-fault (irreconcilable differences):
- Fastest and most common path
- Requires a signed MDA before the divorce is granted
- Both spouses must agree on all terms before filing OR reach agreement during the process
Fault grounds (15 options under TCA §36-4-101):
- Inappropriate marital conduct (catch-all — cruel or inhuman treatment)
- Adultery
- Willful desertion for at least 1 year
- Felony conviction and imprisonment
- Pregnancy by another man at time of marriage
- Habitual drunkenness or drug use
- Impotence at time of marriage
- Abandonment, refusal to maintain, bigamy, attempted murder
- Two years of separation (no children)
Most uncontested divorces proceed on irreconcilable differences.
Step 4 — Complete the Complaint for Divorce
The Complaint for Divorce is the initiating document. It includes:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Ground for divorce
- Statement of residency compliance
- Names, ages, and Social Security numbers of minor children
- A general request for relief
Download the current form from tncourts.gov. Confirm whether your county uses Circuit or Chancery Court forms.
Step 5 — Draft the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA)
The MDA is the heart of a Tennessee no-fault divorce. It is a detailed, signed contract covering:
Property division:
- Real estate (who keeps the home, or sale terms)
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Vehicles
- Personal property
- Business interests
Debt allocation:
- Mortgage
- Vehicle loans
- Credit cards
- Student loans
- Other debts; indemnification provisions
Spousal support (alimony):
- Type, amount, and duration — OR explicit waiver
- Tennessee has 4 alimony types (see below)
Both spouses must sign the MDA before a notary.
Step 6 — File the Complaint and MDA
File the Complaint for Divorce with your completed MDA at the appropriate court (Circuit or Chancery). Pay the filing fee ($184–$300 depending on county). Get your case number.
Step 7 — Serve Your Spouse (if not filing jointly)
Your spouse must be formally served. Options:
- Acceptance of Service: Spouse signs a Waiver of Service — fastest
- Sheriff: $25–$50
- Certified mail: Available in Tennessee for divorce service
Step 8 — Wait the Mandatory Period
- No minor children: 60 days from filing date
- With minor children: 90 days from filing date
This is a mandatory waiting period that cannot be waived.
Step 9 — Submit Final Papers After Waiting Period
After the waiting period expires, submit to the court:
- MDA (if not already filed)
- Permanent Parenting Plan (if children)
- Child Support Worksheet (if children)
- Final Decree of Divorce
A judge reviews and signs. A hearing may or may not be required — varies by county and judge.
Step 10 — After the Decree
- Name restoration: Apply for updated Social Security card → Tennessee Driver's License → bank accounts
- Real estate: New deed recorded at county Register of Deeds
- Vehicles: Tennessee DMV title transfer
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
- Beneficiary designations: Update all
Tennessee's 4 Types of Alimony (Spousal Support)
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Alimony in futuro | Long-term or permanent support; for long marriages where recipient can't become self-sufficient |
| Alimony in solido | Lump sum (or fixed amount paid in installments); not modifiable; often used instead of in futuro |
| Rehabilitative alimony | Temporary support while recipient gains education or training to be self-supporting |
| Transitional alimony | Short-term adjustment support; helps recipient transition to single life |
In the MDA, specify which type (or combination) applies, or include a mutual waiver.
Free Tennessee Divorce Resources
- Tennessee Courts forms: tncourts.gov
- Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services: tals.org
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: las.org
- Memphis Area Legal Services: malsi.org
- Tennessee Bar referral: tba.org
Last reviewed: March 2026 | MDA required for no-fault divorce in Tennessee | PPP required when minor children are involved
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.