Tennessee Divorce Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
Tennessee provides standardized divorce forms at tncourts.gov. The most important documents in a Tennessee divorce are the Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) and (if applicable) the Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP).
Where to Get Tennessee Forms
Primary source: tncourts.gov → "Forms" → "Family Law" → select the appropriate packet
Some counties maintain their own local forms or addenda. Call your county's Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk to confirm whether any local forms are required.
Core Forms: Divorce Without Children
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | Initiating document filed by Petitioner |
| Civil Cover Sheet | Required for court filing |
| Summons | Notifies Respondent of the case |
| Acceptance of Service / Waiver | Respondent's voluntary acceptance (eliminates sheriff service) |
| Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) | The signed settlement agreement — REQUIRED for irreconcilable differences |
| Final Decree of Divorce | The court order — signed by the judge |
Core Forms: Divorce With Children (Add These)
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) | Tennessee statutory parenting plan form — REQUIRED |
| Child Support Worksheet | Calculates child support per Tennessee Child Support Guidelines |
| Final Decree of Divorce with Children | Version incorporating PPP and support order |
| Notice of Parent Education Seminar | Information about required seminar |
The Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA)
The MDA is the central document in a Tennessee no-fault divorce. Without it, irreconcilable differences cannot be granted.
What the MDA Must Cover
Real property:
- Address and legal description of each property
- Who receives it; equity division; sale timeline if applicable
- Deed transfer instruction (to county Register of Deeds)
Personal property:
- Vehicles (year, make, model; who keeps each; refinancing)
- Bank and investment accounts (account numbers; split or assignment)
- Retirement accounts (plan name; QDRO or IRA transfer; division formula)
- Household goods and furnishings (general assignment or inventory)
- Business interests (if any)
Debts:
- Mortgage (assigned to keeping spouse or addressed in sale)
- Vehicle loans (assigned to keeping spouse; refinance required)
- Credit cards (assigned by account; indemnification)
- Student loans (treat as marital if proceeds benefited the family)
Alimony / Spousal Support: Choose the applicable type — or include mutual waiver:
- Alimony in futuro: Long-term periodic payments; terminates on death or remarriage; modifiable
- Alimony in solido: Fixed lump sum or fixed installments; not modifiable; not terminated by remarriage
- Rehabilitative alimony: Temporary support for education/training; capped duration
- Transitional alimony: Short-term adjustment support; not modifiable after set period
Both spouses must sign the MDA before a notary.
The Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP)
Tennessee requires the PPP to be on the official statutory form. The PPP must include:
- Primary residential parent designation
- Residential parenting schedule: Exact schedule for school year and summer
- Holiday and vacation schedule: Each named holiday and alternation pattern
- Decision-making: Major decisions (education, healthcare, extracurricular) — joint or primary parent
- Parenting time to non-primary parent: Weekly schedule, exchanges
- Dispute resolution process
- Child support: Amount, payment method, termination
Download the current PPP form from tncourts.gov.
Deed Recording in Tennessee
Tennessee counties use the county Register of Deeds for recording real estate transfers.
After the divorce:
- New deed prepared (Quitclaim Deed or Warranty Deed)
- Leaving spouse signs and notarizes
- Record at the county Register of Deeds where property is located
- Fee: approximately $5–$20 per document
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Tennessee forms: tncourts.gov | MDA required for irreconcilable differences | PPP required for minor children
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.