How Much Does Divorce Cost in Memphis, Tennessee?

This is the question everyone wants answered before they call. The honest answer is: it depends. But I can give you a realistic range based on over two decades of practice in Shelby County courts.

Court Filing Fees

The filing fee for a divorce with minor children in Shelby County is currently $381.50. Without minor children, it is $306.50. These are paid to the court at the time of filing and are separate from attorney fees. Verify current amounts with the Shelby County Clerk’s office before filing, as fees are periodically updated.

Uncontested Divorce: Flat Fee

We handle uncontested divorces, where both parties are in full agreement on all issues, at a flat fee. The flat fee covers drafting the MDA and Parenting Plan, filing all documents with the court, and representing you through the final hearing. You know the total cost upfront. There are no billing surprises. Call (901) 761-5353 for current flat fee rates.

Contested Divorce: Hourly

Contested matters are billed hourly. Our current rate is $400.00 per hour for attorney time, $150.00 per hour for paralegal time, and $100.00 per hour for law clerk time. An initial consultation is $150.00 for one hour.

The total cost of a contested divorce is driven primarily by how much the parties disagree and how willing each is to resolve issues without court intervention. A contested divorce that settles at mediation after two months of discovery will cost significantly less than one that goes to trial after eighteen months of litigation.

The False Economy of Representing Yourself

Clients who attempt to negotiate their own divorce settlement frequently come back to us later to litigate problems created by vague or incomplete agreements. The cost of cleaning up a poorly drafted MDA is almost always higher than the cost of having it drafted correctly the first time.

What Drives Cost Up

Hidden or disputed assets require forensic accounting. Contested custody requires guardian ad litem appointments and sometimes psychological evaluations. Business valuations require expert witnesses. Uncooperative spouses who miss deadlines and refuse discovery drive up everyone’s fees. The best way to keep your costs down is to make decisions based on facts and reasonable expectations, not emotion. For timing, see How Long Does Divorce Take in Tennessee.

William W. Jones IV is a Memphis family law attorney, Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, and Super Lawyers selectee every consecutive year from 2014 through 2025. Licensed in Tennessee (BPR 022869) and Mississippi (BPR 100707), he practices at The Jones Law Firm, 5100 Poplar Ave, Suite 708, Memphis, TN 38137. Call (901) 761-5353 or visit midsouthdivorce.com.