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
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.