Tennessee Divorce Waiting Period
How quickly can a person obtain a divorce in Tennessee? The answer depends on several issues. These should be discussed with a divorce lawyer. There is a mandatory divorce waiting period in Tennessee. The earliest a divorce can be finalized is sixty days, if there are no minor children born of the marriage. This is referred to as a mandatory divorce waiting period. If there are minor children born of the marriage then the required divorce waiting period is ninety days. The divorce waiting period begins after the filing of the divorce petition. This waiting period applies in an uncontested or irreconcilable differences divorce as well as contested divorce.
Divorce “Cooling Off Period” in Tennessee
The legislature working with the courts enacted this provision to provide a “cooling off period” to help prevent divorces from being obtained in the heat of the moment. Divorce is a very drastic measure and ought to be take. Although, it is possible to obtain a final divorce decree shortly after the expiration of the waiting period, it often does not happen that quickly. Especially in a contested divorce.
It may take longer than the Divorce Waiting Period
An agreed divorce should be able to be finished shortly after the waiting period expires. A contested divorce may take much longer. If a divorce is contested there are usually several issues that need to be resolved and these take time. Mediation will be required. Discovery and depositions may need to be done. Also, scheduling a divorce trial may take several months due to the overload of cases in court.
Speak to a divorce attorney about the process of divorce and the divorce waiting period. Seek legal advice regarding the requirements of mediation and parent education classes. These are important steps to obtaining a divorce in Tennessee.
Purple Law Firm has been serving the family law needs of Chattanooga since 1982.
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