Uncontested Divorce in Memphis, Tennessee

An uncontested divorce, filed on grounds of Irreconcilable Differences, is the most efficient way to end a marriage in Tennessee when both parties are in agreement. It is less expensive than contested litigation, less stressful for everyone involved, and faster. But “uncontested” does not mean you should try to do it without a lawyer.

What Makes a Divorce Uncontested?

A divorce is uncontested when you and your spouse have reached a complete agreement on every issue: property division, debt allocation, who stays in the marital home, retirement accounts, and, if you have children, custody, parenting time, and child support. That agreement is memorialized in two documents: a Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) and, if children are involved, a Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP).

Both documents must be signed by both parties and filed with the court. Tennessee requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing if you have minor children. Without children, the waiting period is 60 days in most circumstances.

Why You Still Need an Attorney

Agreements that seem complete often are not. What happens to the house if neither party can refinance within 90 days? What is the tax consequence of the retirement account division? What happens to the insurance policies? What if one party dies before the divorce is final?

The MDA and Parenting Plan are contracts. Courts enforce them as written. An agreement that does not anticipate future contingencies will create expensive litigation down the road. Having an attorney draft or review your documents before you sign them is the least costly legal service you will ever buy.

Flat Fee Uncontested Divorces

We handle uncontested divorces, where both parties are in full agreement on all issues, at a flat fee, which means you know the total cost before we start. The flat fee covers drafting the MDA and Parenting Plan, filing all required documents with the Shelby County Chancery or Circuit Court, and representing you through the final hearing. Call (901) 761-5353 for current flat fee pricing.

What If We Agree on Most Things But Not Everything?

Mediation. If you are close but not quite there, a single mediation session can often bridge the remaining gaps at a fraction of the cost of litigation. We can facilitate that process or refer you to another mediator depending on your situation. For more information on the divorce process generally, visit our Memphis Divorce Lawyer page.

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.