How long does divorce take in Tennessee?<\/h2>\n
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The process of ending your marriage will take some time. \u00a0 The actual time depends on your specific circumstances like\u00a0 whether you have minor children or not. \u00a0Whether or not you and your spouse (soon to be ex spouse) are in agreement about the terms of the divorce. In Tennessee<\/strong> there is a mandatory waiting period<\/strong> of sixty (60) days<\/strong> if there are no minor children<\/strong> and ninety (90) days<\/strong> if there is at least one (1) minor child<\/strong>. Simply put if you file for divorce today you have to wait the applicable waiting period before it can be set for a final hearing. This waiting period applies whether it is contested<\/a> or uncontested<\/a> (agreed). For a more definitive answer contact an attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once you have decided that the marriage is over, or even if you are just considering your options in that regard,\u00a0 the first step you ought to take is to speak to a divorce lawyer<\/strong>.\u00a0 Obtain the legal advice an counsel<\/strong> that you need to make the necessary decisions – this involves a lot of legal and other issues.<\/p>\n If the divorce is going to be agreed or non-contested<\/strong>\u00a0 then typically your attorney will draft all of the necessary documents to complete the legal process\u00a0based upon the information you provide.\u00a0 Then you will review the documents to be sure that they meet with your approval, if so you sign them.\u00a0 Then your spouse will\u00a0 sign the documents.\u00a0 After both husband and wife have signed\u00a0 all of the documents\u00a0your lawyer will file the petition with the court and the waiting period begins.<\/p>\n The typical documents to complete an agreed divorce<\/strong> (dissolution of marriage by reason of irreconcilable differences<\/a>) include a Petition, \u00a0Certificate of Divorce, Marital Dissolution Agreement, and an agreed Final Decree of Divorce.<\/em>\u00a0 If you have children: your attorney will also prepare a\u00a0 Temporary Parenting Plan and a Permanent Parenting Plan. Both parents are required to attend a Parenting Seminar which focuses on parenting after the end of the marriage.<\/p>\n Once the waiting period passes your family law attorney will contact the court and set a date for the final hearing. \u00a0At that time the judge will sign and enter the Final Decree as an order of the court.<\/p>\n If the divorce<\/strong> is going to be contested<\/strong> (not agreed<\/a> to) then your\u00a0lawyer will prepare<\/em> a Complaint for Divorce<\/strong>, you will sign an oath and the complaint will be filed with the court and the mandatory waiting period begins to run. \u00a0It may take considerably longer than the waiting period (60 or 90 days) Your spouse will be\u00a0 served with a summons<\/strong> and a copy of the Complaint. \u00a0Your spouse will then have thirty (30) days to answer the complaint for divorce<\/strong>\u00a0 in writing.\u00a0 Often times you and your spouse will be required (ordered) by the court to attend mediation<\/a> in order to attempt to work out an agreement. Mediation is done by a certified mediator (who is often times but not always a lawyer)\u00a0 You can attend mediation with or without your attorney. \u00a0 There are many other procedural issues that may develop when the divorce is contested.\u00a0 Ultimately if a settlement agreement is not reached either through mediation or through the attorneys then your divorce case<\/strong> would be set for trial<\/strong>.\u00a0 Be prepared, if your case goes all the way to trial it may take 1-2 years to be divorced.<\/p>\n Please contact an experienced domestic relations attorney for more information and for legal advice. <\/a><\/p>\nAnother question on you mind might be: What are the steps to get divorced?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Uncontested Divorce Process<\/h3>\n
Steps to Obtaining a Contested Divorce<\/h3>\n