How To File for an Uncontested Shelby County Divorce

Filing for a Shelby County Divorce Simplified

Are you and your partner thinking of parting ways? To file for divorce in the largest county in Tennessee, you have to be familiar with the state laws, especially if you want to represent yourself in the proceeding. Fortunately, we have all the information you need to get a cheap, do-it-yourself Shelby County divorce.

Besides providing you the necessary details, we can draw up a divorce settlement agreement! All you need to do is and fast-track your uncontested divorce with zero hassle!

Requirements for a Divorce in Shelby County, TN

To start up the divorce process in Shelby County, you have to meet state-specific criteria. Under state law, a person qualifies to petition for divorce if they are a Tennessee resident and have grounds for divorce that are recognized by the state. Take a look at the following table to check if you meet the requirements:

Residency RequirementsTo file for divorce in Tennessee:
  • Either you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months before submitting the petition
  • You (the petitioner) must have been a Tennessee resident at the time the grounds for divorce took place
Legal Reasons for DivorceTennessee is a fault-based state for a divorce, which means either you or your spouse is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. When filing for divorce, you need to specify the legal reason and have proof of the spouse’s wrongdoings. State-recognized grounds for divorce include:
  • Irreconcilable differences
  • Inappropriate marital conduct
  • Cruel treatment
  • Impotence and infertility
  • Adultery
  • Bigamy
  • Abandonment
  • Conviction of an infamous crime
  • Desertion for at least one year
  • Conviction of a felony
  • Refusal to move
  • Pregnancy by another man
  • Two years’ separation (with no children)
  • Infliction of physical pain (or attempt to)
  • Substance or alcohol abuse
  • Deliberate attempt to kill a spouse

All About an Uncontested Shelby County Divorce

Tennessee offers two types of friendly divorces:

  1. Simplified or agreed divorce
  2. Regular uncontested divorce

Agreed Uncontested Divorce

An agreed uncontested divorce is a quicker and less expensive option than the traditional divorce.

Not everyone can have this type of marriage dissolution. You are eligible for an agreed divorce if you and your spouse:

  • Meet residency requirements
  • Both want to terminate the marriage
  • Agree on the irreconcilable differences grounds for divorce
  • Have no children who are:
    • Younger than 18
    • Disabled
    • In high school
  • Neither of you is pregnant
  • Have no business or real estate together
  • Have no retirement benefits
  • Agree on alimony
  • Agree on how to divide the property

Regular Uncontested Divorce

If you have children together or share business or real property, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an uncontested divorce. To get an uncontested divorce with children and property, you and your spouse have to:

Which Shelby County Divorce Papers Do I Need?

If you and your spouse agree on everything, you don’t need a lawyer to get a divorce. In that case, you need to complete the process by yourself, starting with preparing the paperwork. Don’t fret—we’ll guide you through the process.

To start the Shelby County divorce filing process, you need to gather and fill out the following divorce papers:

  • Complaint for Divorce
  • Confidential Information of the Parties
  • Summons

You can find all of the forms in PDF at the official government website of Shelby County. Keep in mind that there are two packets of uncontested divorce papers—for marriage dissolution with and without children.

Regardless of the type of uncontested divorce—regular or agreed—you’ll need a written divorce settlement agreement. This legal document has to outline all of the terms of divorce you and your spouse have agreed on. The judge will use the agreement to determine whether to issue the final judgment or not.

How To File for Uncontested Divorce in Shelby County, TN

Preparing the required documentation takes a lot of time. The rest of the divorce-filing process is less demanding. Here’s what is left to do:

  1. Make at least two copies of each document
  2. File the original divorce forms with the court
  3. Serve the papers to your spouse
  4. Pay a filing fee ranging from $135 to $300
  5. Attend the hearing at court after the mandatory waiting period (from 60 to 90 days, depending on whether you have children or not)

Drafting a Divorce Settlement Agreement Is a Piece of Cake With DoNotPay

To complete your DIY divorce, all you need is a divorce settlement agreement, and the world’s first robot lawyer can write it for you!

Our service is quick and easy to use—you can get a tailored divorce settlement agreement in four simple steps:

  1. Open the Divorce Settlement Agreement tool
  2. Answer some questions about your spouse, assets, and children (if any)
  3. Inform us if you need a notary

We’ll make sure your agreement complies with Tennessee laws and standards and also meets your needs! All you have to do is sign the document, have your spouse sign it, and get it notarized!

That’s not all we can do for you! DoNotPay can help you find out:

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