Tennessee Divorce Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
Tennessee divorce fees vary by county. The filing fee is one of the more affordable in the South.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Circuit or Chancery Court filing fee | $184–$300 (varies by county) |
| Certified copies of Final Decree | $5–$15 per copy |
| Sheriff service of process | $25–$50 |
| Private process server | $50–$100 |
Always confirm the current fee with your county's Circuit Court or Chancery Court Clerk before filing.
County Fee Examples
| County | Approx. Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Shelby (Memphis) | ~$200–$225 |
| Davidson (Nashville) | ~$200–$225 |
| Knox (Knoxville) | ~$185–$210 |
| Hamilton (Chattanooga) | ~$185–$210 |
| Sullivan (Kingsport/Bristol) | ~$184–$200 |
| Rutherford | ~$185–$200 |
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO (employer retirement plan division) | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Deed preparation | $300–$600 |
| Deed recording at county Register of Deeds | $5–$20 per document |
| Property appraisal (if needed) | $400–$800 |
| Mediator (if unresolved MDA issues) | $150–$350/hour |
| Parent Education Seminar (if children) | $25–$75 |
| Limited attorney assistance (MDA review) | $300–$800 |
Fee Waiver (Indigent Petitioner)
Tennessee courts waive filing fees for qualifying low-income petitioners.
How to apply:
- Complete the In Forma Pauperis affidavit (IFP affidavit)
- File with the Complaint
- Court reviews and approves or denies
- If approved: filing fee is waived; clerk fee also waived
Eligibility: Income at or below federal poverty guidelines, or receipt of state or federal assistance.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate or retirement | $200–$400 |
| Agreed, with children (agreed PPP and support) | $300–$500 |
| With real estate transfer and QDRO | $800–$2,500 |
| Partially contested (mediation, attorney review) | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Fully contested through trial | $12,000–$40,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Fee varies by county and whether Circuit or Chancery Court | tncourts.gov
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.