Tennessee Divorce Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)
Tennessee's MDA requirement means most work happens before or simultaneously with filing. Use this checklist to stay on track.
Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation
- Confirm 6-month residency requirement is met by at least one spouse
- Identify whether to file in Circuit Court or Chancery Court for your county (check tncourts.gov or call county clerk)
- Decide: no-fault (irreconcilable differences) or fault ground
- Gather financial documents:
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Mortgage statement
- Vehicle loan statements
- Credit card statements
- Pay stubs and income documentation
- Last 2 years of tax returns
- Property valuations (home appraisal or estimate)
- List all marital property (acquired during marriage)
- List all separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances)
- List all marital debts
Phase 2 — Negotiate and Draft the MDA
- Discuss and agree on:
- Real estate (sell, one keeps, or defer)
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement accounts (QDRO plan vs. IRA)
- Vehicles
- Personal property
- All marital debts and allocation
- Spousal support (type, amount, duration) — or explicit mutual waiver
- Draft the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA)
- Both spouses review MDA thoroughly
- Both spouses sign the MDA before a notary
- If children: draft the Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) on the official TN form
Phase 3 — Complete Court Forms
- Download forms from tncourts.gov
- Complete the Complaint for Divorce
- Complete the Civil Cover Sheet
- Complete all required attachments
- If children: complete Child Support Worksheet
Phase 4 — File at Court
- File the Complaint (and MDA) at the appropriate court (Circuit or Chancery)
- Pay filing fee ($184–$300)
- Get case number and file-stamped copies
- Note the filing date — waiting period clock starts here
Phase 5 — Serve Your Spouse
- Serve the Respondent with the Complaint and Summons
- Options: Acceptance of Service (spouse signs), sheriff service, certified mail
- File proof of service with the court
Phase 6 — Waiting Period
- No minor children: Wait 60 days from filing date
- With minor children: Wait 90 days from filing date
- If children: register for and complete the Parent Education Seminar (required before Decree)
- Finalize any remaining MDA or PPP details during the waiting period
Phase 7 — Submit Final Papers
- Confirm waiting period has passed
- Submit Final Decree of Divorce for judge's signature
- Include MDA (if not previously filed), PPP (if children), Child Support Order (if children)
- Attend brief hearing if required by your county's judge
Phase 8 — Post-Divorce
- Request 3–5 certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce
- Name restoration: SSA → Tennessee DL → bank accounts
- Real estate deed: New deed prepared → recorded at county Register of Deeds
- Vehicle titles: Tennessee DMV
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
- Beneficiary designations: Update all accounts immediately
- Health insurance: Arrange new coverage within 60 days of divorce
Quick Reference
| Item | Tennessee Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | 6 months |
| Waiting period | 60 days (no children) / 90 days (with children) |
| MDA required? | Yes — for irreconcilable differences |
| PPP required? | Yes — official TN form required when children |
| Parent education | Required when minor children |
| Court | Circuit Court OR Chancery Court (varies by county) |
| Deed recording | County Register of Deeds |
| Forms | tncourts.gov |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | MDA required for Tennessee no-fault divorce | tncourts.gov
N
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.