Who is the best divorce lawyer in Memphis Tennessee?

The best divorce lawyer for your situation depends on the complexity of your case, whether children are involved, and your goals. William W. Jones IV at The Jones Law Firm has been a Super Lawyers selectee every consecutive year from 2014 through 2025, is a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, and has practiced family law in Memphis since 2002. He is licensed in both Tennessee (BPR 022869) and Mississippi (BPR 100707). Call (901) 761-5353.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Memphis?

Memphis divorce attorney fees typically range from $150 to $500+ per hour depending on the attorney's experience and case complexity. The Jones Law Firm offers consultations to discuss your specific situation and provide transparent fee information. Contact (901) 761-5353 to schedule.

What is a Rule 31 Family Mediator in Tennessee?

A Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator is a neutral third party approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission to conduct court-ordered mediations in family law cases including divorce, child custody, and parenting plan disputes. William W. Jones IV is a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator who conducts mediations at The Jones Law Firm, 5100 Poplar Ave, Suite 708, Memphis, TN 38137.

Can I modify a custody order in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee allows modification of custody orders and parenting plans when there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the best interest of the child. Common triggers include relocation, changes in work schedule, safety concerns, or a child's changing needs. William W. Jones IV at The Jones Law Firm handles custody modifications in Shelby County Circuit and Chancery Courts. Call (901) 761-5353.

How long does a divorce take in Memphis Tennessee?

Tennessee requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days for divorces without minor children and 90 days for divorces with minor children. An uncontested divorce may be finalized shortly after the waiting period. Contested divorces involving custody, property division, or alimony disputes can take six months to over a year depending on complexity and court schedules in Shelby County.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Tennessee?

While Tennessee law does not require an attorney for an uncontested divorce, having a lawyer review your Marital Dissolution Agreement and Parenting Plan protects your rights regarding property division, retirement accounts, debt allocation, and custody. Mistakes in these documents can be costly to fix after the divorce is final. The Jones Law Firm in Memphis offers consultations at (901) 761-5353.

Tennessee Divorce Terms: A Plain English Glossary

From The Mid-South Divorce Guide, by William W. Jones IV, a
Memphis family law attorney and Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator licensed
in Tennessee and Mississippi. This guide covers Shelby, Tipton and
Fayette Counties in Tennessee and DeSoto, Tate and Tunica Counties in
Mississippi.

Questions this page answers

What does pendente lite mean?
What is a QDRO?
What is dissipation in a divorce?
What does equitable distribution mean?

[[[Alimony in
futuro]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-futuro}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-futuro-gl-alimony-in-futuro}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-futuro-gl-alimony-in-futuro-gl-alimony-in-futuro-gl-alimony-in-futuro}.
Long-term or indefinite spousal support, for cases where the
disadvantaged spouse cannot be rehabilitated to a comparable standard of
living. Modifiable. Terminates on death or the recipient’s
remarriage.

[[[Alimony in
solido]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-solido}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-solido-gl-alimony-in-solido}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alimony-in-solido-gl-alimony-in-solido-gl-alimony-in-solido-gl-alimony-in-solido}.
A definite total sum of spousal support, payable at once or in
installments over a fixed period. Generally not modifiable and does not
terminate on death or remarriage. Often used for attorney’s fee
awards.

[[[Alternate residential
parent]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alternate-residential-parent}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alternate-residential-parent-gl-alternate-residential-parent}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-alternate-residential-parent-gl-alternate-residential-parent-gl-alternate-residential-parent-gl-alternate-residential-parent}.
The parent with whom the child resides fifty percent of the time or
less.

[[[Answer]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-answer}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-answer-gl-answer}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-answer-gl-answer-gl-answer-gl-answer}.
The written response to a complaint, generally due within thirty days of
service.

[[[Basic Child Support
Obligation]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-basic-child-support-obligation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-basic-child-support-obligation-gl-basic-child-support-obligation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-basic-child-support-obligation-gl-basic-child-support-obligation-gl-basic-child-support-obligation-gl-basic-child-support-obligation}.
The figure drawn from the Tennessee Child Support Schedule based on the
parents’ combined adjusted gross income, before add-ons and the
parenting time adjustment.

[[[Best interest
factors]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-best-interest-factors}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-best-interest-factors-gl-best-interest-factors}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-best-interest-factors-gl-best-interest-factors-gl-best-interest-factors-gl-best-interest-factors}.
The list in Tennessee Code Annotated section 36-6-106(a) that governs
parenting decisions. Eighteen enumerated considerations as of July 1,
2026.

[[[COBRA]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-cobra}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-cobra-gl-cobra}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-cobra-gl-cobra-gl-cobra-gl-cobra}.
Federal law allowing a former spouse to continue on the employee
spouse’s group health plan, generally up to thirty-six months, at full
cost plus a fee. Notice is required within sixty days of the
divorce.

[[[Complaint]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-complaint}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-complaint-gl-complaint}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-complaint-gl-complaint-gl-complaint-gl-complaint}.
The document that starts a divorce, stating the grounds and what relief
is requested.

[[[Contempt]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-contempt}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-contempt-gl-contempt}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-contempt-gl-contempt-gl-contempt-gl-contempt}.
Violating a court order. Can be civil or criminal, and can result in
fines, fee awards, make-up parenting time, or jail.

[[[Counter-complaint]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-counter-complaint}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-counter-complaint-gl-counter-complaint}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-counter-complaint-gl-counter-complaint-gl-counter-complaint-gl-counter-complaint}.
The defendant’s own complaint against the plaintiff, filed in the same
case.

[[[Discovery]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-discovery}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-discovery-gl-discovery}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-discovery-gl-discovery-gl-discovery-gl-discovery}.
The formal exchange of information before trial. Interrogatories,
requests for production, requests for admission, subpoenas,
depositions.

[[[Dissipation]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-dissipation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-dissipation-gl-dissipation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-dissipation-gl-dissipation-gl-dissipation-gl-dissipation}.
Wasteful spending of marital assets for a purpose contrary to the
marriage. Considered in property division.

[[[Final Decree of Divorce, or
FDD]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-final-decree-of-divorce}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-final-decree-of-divorce}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-final-decree-of-divorce}.
The order that actually ends the marriage. You are divorced as of the
date it is entered by the clerk, not the date of the hearing.

[[[Equitable
distribution]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-equitable-distribution}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-equitable-distribution-gl-equitable-distribution}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-equitable-distribution-gl-equitable-distribution-gl-equitable-distribution-gl-equitable-distribution}.
Dividing marital property fairly, which does not necessarily mean
equally. Tennessee’s standard under section 36-4-121.

[[[Ex
parte]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-ex-parte}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-ex-parte-gl-ex-parte}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-ex-parte-gl-ex-parte-gl-ex-parte-gl-ex-parte}.
An order entered without the other party present, generally only in
emergencies. Followed by a hearing where both sides appear.

[[[Grounds]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-grounds}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-grounds-gl-grounds}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-grounds-gl-grounds-gl-grounds-gl-grounds}.
The legal reason for the divorce.

[[[Interrogatories]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-interrogatories}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-interrogatories-gl-interrogatories}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-interrogatories-gl-interrogatories-gl-interrogatories-gl-interrogatories}.
Written questions the other party must answer under oath.

[[[Irreconcilable
differences]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-irreconcilable-differences}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-irreconcilable-differences-gl-irreconcilable-differences}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-irreconcilable-differences-gl-irreconcilable-differences-gl-irreconcilable-differences-gl-irreconcilable-differences}.
Tennessee’s no-fault ground. Requires a complete written agreement
resolving all issues.

[[[Marital
property]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-property}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-property-gl-marital-property}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-property-gl-marital-property-gl-marital-property-gl-marital-property}.
Generally, property acquired by either spouse during the marriage,
regardless of whose name is on it.

[[[Marital Dissolution Agreement, or
MDA]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-dissolution-agreement}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-dissolution-agreement}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-marital-dissolution-agreement}.
The written contract resolving property, debt, and support. It is the
agreement that dissolves the marriage, which is worth thinking about for
a second.

[[[Mediation]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-mediation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-mediation-gl-mediation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-mediation-gl-mediation-gl-mediation-gl-mediation}.
A settlement process run by a trained neutral who cannot decide anything
and can only help the two sides reach agreement. Ordered in contested
Tennessee divorces.

[[[Motion]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-motion}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-motion-gl-motion}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-motion-gl-motion-gl-motion-gl-motion}.
A request for the court to do something before final judgment.

[[[Pendente
lite]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-pendente-lite}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-pendente-lite-gl-pendente-lite}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-pendente-lite-gl-pendente-lite-gl-pendente-lite-gl-pendente-lite}.
Latin for while the suit is pending. Refers to temporary orders.

[[[Permanent parenting
plan]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-permanent-parenting-plan}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-permanent-parenting-plan-gl-permanent-parenting-plan}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-permanent-parenting-plan-gl-permanent-parenting-plan-gl-permanent-parenting-plan-gl-permanent-parenting-plan}.
The required court-approved document governing residential time,
decision-making, support, and dispute resolution for minor children.

[[[Primary residential
parent]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-primary-residential-parent}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-primary-residential-parent-gl-primary-residential-parent}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-primary-residential-parent-gl-primary-residential-parent-gl-primary-residential-parent-gl-primary-residential-parent}.
The parent with whom the child resides more than fifty percent of the
time.

[[[QDRO]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-qdro}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-qdro-gl-qdro}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-qdro-gl-qdro-gl-qdro-gl-qdro}.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order. The separate order required to
divide most employer retirement plans.

[[[Rehabilitative
alimony]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rehabilitative-alimony}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rehabilitative-alimony-gl-rehabilitative-alimony}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rehabilitative-alimony-gl-rehabilitative-alimony-gl-rehabilitative-alimony-gl-rehabilitative-alimony}.
Support to help a spouse achieve, with reasonable effort, an earning
capacity permitting a comparable standard of living. Tennessee’s
preferred form.

[[[Residential
schedule]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-residential-schedule}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-residential-schedule-gl-residential-schedule}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-residential-schedule-gl-residential-schedule-gl-residential-schedule-gl-residential-schedule}.
The calendar in the parenting plan specifying where the child is on
which days.

[[[Rule 31 Listed Family
Mediator]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator-gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator-gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator-gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator-gl-rule-31-listed-family-mediator}.
A mediator who has completed the Tennessee Supreme Court’s family
mediation training and is listed by the Administrative Office of the
Courts to mediate family cases.

[[[Separate
property]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-separate-property}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-separate-property-gl-separate-property}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-separate-property-gl-separate-property-gl-separate-property-gl-separate-property}.
Property owned before the marriage, or received during the marriage by
gift, inheritance, bequest, or devise.

[[[Service of
process]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-service-of-process}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-service-of-process-gl-service-of-process}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-service-of-process-gl-service-of-process-gl-service-of-process-gl-service-of-process}.
Formal delivery of the complaint and summons.

[[[Significant
variance]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-significant-variance}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-significant-variance-gl-significant-variance}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-significant-variance-gl-significant-variance-gl-significant-variance-gl-significant-variance}.
The fifteen percent difference between current ordered child support and
a current guideline calculation that permits modification.

[[[Spoliation]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-spoliation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-spoliation-gl-spoliation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-spoliation-gl-spoliation-gl-spoliation-gl-spoliation}.
Destruction of evidence. Permits a court to infer the missing evidence
was unfavorable.

[[[Transitional
alimony]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transitional-alimony}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transitional-alimony-gl-transitional-alimony}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transitional-alimony-gl-transitional-alimony-gl-transitional-alimony-gl-transitional-alimony}.
Support to help a spouse adjust to the economic consequences of divorce
where rehabilitation is not needed. Generally not modifiable.

[[[Transmutation]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transmutation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transmutation-gl-transmutation}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-transmutation-gl-transmutation-gl-transmutation-gl-transmutation}.
Separate property becoming marital property because the parties treated
it as marital.

[[[Uncontested]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-uncontested}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-uncontested-gl-uncontested}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-uncontested-gl-uncontested-gl-uncontested-gl-uncontested}.
A case where the parties agree on everything. It does not mean nobody
was upset.

[[[Venue]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-venue}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-venue-gl-venue}]{/divorce-guide/glossary/#gl-venue-gl-venue-gl-venue-gl-venue}.
Which county the case is properly filed in.

Download the whole guide. All 35 chapters plus four blank client forms, complimentary, no email required. Download The Mid-South Divorce Guide (PDF)

Questions about your own situation? The Jones Law Firm, 5100 Poplar Ave, Suite 708, Memphis, TN 38137. Call (901) 761-5353.

Tennessee Divorce Terms: A Plain English Glossary

Questions this page answers

Contact The Jones Law Firm