Tennessee Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Tennessee using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Tennessee divorces typically cost 46% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Tennessee
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $175 - $250
- Waiting period
- 60 days
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $4,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $200/hr - $375/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Tennessee: What You Should Know
Tennessee's mandatory waiting period (60 days for divorces without children and 90 days for divorces with children) applies from the date the complaint is filed. Davidson County (Nashville) and Shelby County (Memphis) are the two largest family court jurisdictions in the state, with Nashville courts generally moving faster and having more consistent outcomes. Tennessee attorney rates run $200 to $375 per hour in major markets. Tennessee's four types of alimony make the alimony issue more complex than in states with a single alimony type. Determining which type applies requires legal analysis that adds cost in contested cases.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Tennessee on this page.
Divorce Cost in Tennessee - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Tennessee?
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee typically runs $1,500 - $4,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $10,000 - $33,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Tennessee?
The court filing fee for divorce in Tennessee is $175 - $250. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $20. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Tennessee?
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 11 months. Tennessee requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Tennessee attorneys typically charge $200/hr - $375/hr.
How is property divided in a Tennessee divorce?
Tennessee follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $500 to $1,500 in Tennessee.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.