title: "Tennessee Divorce - Complete LSC Packet with Forms"

state: "TN"

category: "Divorce"

date: "2026-03-20"

price: "$97"

lsc_grade: true

version: "COMPLETE_WITH_FORMS"

Tennessee Divorce Filing Packet — Complete with Court Forms

Jurist-Diction | jurisdiction-correct Legal documents

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Eligibility Checker
2. Required Forms Checklist
3. FORM 1: Complaint for Divorce (Blank Template)
4. FORM 1: Complaint for Divorce (Sample Completed)
5. FORM 2: Marital Dissolution Agreement (Blank Template)
6. FORM 2: Marital Dissolution Agreement (Sample Completed)
7. FORM 3: Permanent Parenting Plan (Blank Template)
8. FORM 3: Permanent Parenting Plan (Sample Completed)
9. FORM 4: Child Support Worksheet (Instructions + Calculator)
10. FORM 5: Notice of Social Security Number
11. FORM 6: Final Decree of Divorce
12. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
13. Court Information by County
14. Filing Checklist
15. Local Legal Aid Resources

1. ELIGIBILITY CHECKER

Can You File for Divorce in Tennessee?

Answer these questions to see if you qualify:

Residency Requirements (T.C.A. § 36-4-104):

• [ ] Have you OR your spouse lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months before filing?
• [ ] Are you filing in the county where you live, where your spouse lives, or where you lived when you separated?

Grounds Requirements (T.C.A. § 36-4-101):

• [ ] Do you have grounds for divorce under Tennessee law?

If you checked all boxes above, you likely qualify to file for divorce in Tennessee.

Most Common Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee

2. REQUIRED FORMS CHECKLIST

Forms Included in This Packet

✅ FORM 1: Complaint for Divorce

✅ FORM 2: Marital Dissolution Agreement

✅ FORM 3: Permanent Parenting Plan (if children)

✅ FORM 4: Child Support Worksheet (if children)

✅ FORM 5: Notice of Social Security Number

✅ FORM 6: Final Decree of Divorce

Additional Forms You May Need from Court Clerk

• [ ] Summons (notifies spouse of lawsuit)
• [ ] Certificate of Divorce, VS-300 (vital statistics form)
• [ ] Pauper's Oath (if requesting fee waiver)
• [ ] Proposed Order (if contested)

3. FORM 1: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE (BLANK TEMPLATE)

> INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print neatly in black ink. Replace bracketed text [LIKE THIS] with your information. Leave blank lines as-is for court formatting.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )

________________________________________________________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME],

Plaintiff,

v.

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME],

Defendant.

________________________________________________________________________________

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

JURY DEMAND PRAYER

________________________________________________________________________________

COMES NOW the Plaintiff, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], and for his/her Complaint

for Divorce against the Defendant, [SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], states and

alleges as follows:

I. PARTIES AND JURISDICTION

1. Plaintiff, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], is a resident of [COUNTY] County,

Tennessee, and has resided in this state for at least six (6) months

immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, as required by

Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-104.

1. Defendant, [SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], resides at

[SPOUSE'S STREET ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP CODE].

1. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties

pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-104.

1. Venue is proper in this Court because Plaintiff resides in

[COUNTY] County, Tennessee.

II. MARRIAGE INFORMATION

1. The parties were lawfully married on [MARRIAGE DATE] in

[CITY OF MARRIAGE], [STATE OF MARRIAGE].

1. The parties separated on or about [SEPARATION DATE].

1. There is/are [NUMBER] minor child/children born of the marriage:

[CHILD'S FULL NAME], born [CHILD'S BIRTH DATE]

[CHILD'S FULL NAME], born [CHILD'S BIRTH DATE]

III. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

1. Plaintiff seeks a divorce on the following ground (check applicable):

[ ] IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(14))

— Both parties agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen

between them that have led to the irretrievable breakdown of the

marriage, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

A Marital Dissolution Agreement is filed contemporaneously herewith

or will be filed prior to the final hearing.

[ ] INAPPROPRIATE MARITAL CONDUCT (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(11))

— Defendant has been guilty of inappropriate marital conduct

toward Plaintiff, rendering cohabitation unsafe and improper.

[ ] TWO-YEAR SEPARATION (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(4))

— The parties have lived apart without cohabitation for a continuous

period of more than two (2) years next preceding the filing of

this Complaint.

[ ] ADULTERY (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(9))

— Defendant has committed adultery.

1. The marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable prospect

of reconciliation.

IV. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Grant a divorce absolute on the ground(s) stated above;

B. Approve the Marital Dissolution Agreement filed herewith and incorporate

it by reference;

C. Approve the Permanent Parenting Plan for the minor child(ren);

D. Approve the Child Support Worksheet and enter a child support order;

E. Award Plaintiff the marital property as set forth in the Marital

Dissolution Agreement;

F. Award alimony to [PLAINTIFF/DEFENDANT/NONE] as set forth in the

Marital Dissolution Agreement;

G. Restore to Plaintiff her former name of [MAIDEN NAME, IF APPLICABLE];

H. Award such other and further relief as is just and proper under the

circumstances.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: _____________________ _______________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]

[YOUR CITY, TN ZIP CODE]

[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

________________________________________________________________________________

ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

(IF REPRESENTED)

[ATTORNEY NAME]

[TENNESSEE BAR NUMBER]

[LAW FIRM NAME]

[STREET ADDRESS]

[CITY, TN ZIP CODE]

[PHONE NUMBER]

[EMAIL ADDRESS]

________________________________________________________________________________

`

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT (if signing outside court):

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )

On ____________________, before me, ________________________________,

a notary public, personally appeared _________________________________,

who proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification to be

the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and

acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same for the purposes

therein stated.

WITNESS my hand and official seal at _______________________, Tennessee,

on ____________________.

______________________________ _______________________

Notary Public Signature My Commission Expires:

Notary Public Seal

4. FORM 1: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE (SAMPLE COMPLETED)

> EXAMPLE: This shows how to complete the form. Your information will be different.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF DAVIDSON )

________________________________________________________________________________

JANE MARIE SMITH,

Plaintiff,

v.

ROBERT JOHN JOHNSON,

Defendant.

________________________________________________________________________________

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

JURY DEMAND PRAYER

________________________________________________________________________________

COMES NOW the Plaintiff, JANE MARIE SMITH, and for his/her Complaint

for Divorce against the Defendant, ROBERT JOHN JOHNSON, states and

alleges as follows:

I. PARTIES AND JURISDICTION

1. Plaintiff, JANE MARIE SMITH, is a resident of Davidson County,

Tennessee, and has resided in this state for at least six (6) months

immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, as required by

Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-104.

1. Defendant, ROBERT JOHN JOHNSON, resides at

1234 Maple Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37201.

1. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties

pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-104.

1. Venue is proper in this Court because Plaintiff resides in

Davidson County, Tennessee.

II. MARRIAGE INFORMATION

1. The parties were lawfully married on June 15, 2018 in Nashville,

Tennessee.

1. The parties separated on or about January 15, 2026.

1. There is/are one (1) minor child/children born of the marriage:

EMMA GRACE JOHNSON, born March 22, 2020

III. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

1. Plaintiff seeks a divorce on the following ground:

[X] IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(14))

— Both parties agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen

between them that have led to the irretrievable breakdown of the

marriage, and there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.

A Marital Dissolution Agreement is filed contemporaneously herewith

or will be filed prior to the final hearing.

1. The marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable prospect

of reconciliation.

IV. REQUEST FOR RELIEF

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Grant a divorce absolute on the ground(s) stated above;

B. Approve the Marital Dissolution Agreement filed herewith and incorporate

it by reference;

C. Approve the Permanent Parenting Plan for the minor child;

D. Approve the Child Support Worksheet and enter a child support order;

E. Award Plaintiff the marital property as set forth in the Marital

Dissolution Agreement;

F. Award alimony to NONE;

G. Restore to Plaintiff her former name of JANE MARIE MILLER;

H. Award such other and further relief as is just and proper under the

circumstances.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: March 20, 2026 _______________________________

Jane M. Smith

5678 Oak Street

Nashville, TN 37205

(615) 555-1234

jane.smith@email.com

________________________________________________________________________________

ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

(PRO SE - NO ATTORNEY)

Pro Se Representation

________________________________________________________________________________

`

5. FORM 2: MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT (BLANK TEMPLATE)

> INSTRUCTIONS: This agreement must be signed by BOTH spouses and notarized. Complete all sections. Remove sections that don't apply.

`

MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on ______________________ by and between:

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], hereinafter referred to as "Wife/Husband/Spouse A,"

residing at [YOUR ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP], Telephone: [YOUR PHONE],

and

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], hereinafter referred to as "Husband/Wife/Spouse B,"

residing at [SPOUSE'S ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP], Telephone: [SPOUSE'S PHONE],

(collectively referred to as the "Parties").

The Parties were married on [MARRIAGE DATE] in [CITY], [STATE].

I. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

The Parties agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen between them that

have led to the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There is no reasonable

prospect of reconciliation. Both Parties consent to the entry of a divorce

absolute on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

II. CHILDREN

The Parties have the following minor child/children born of the marriage:

[LIST ALL CHILDREN]:

Child's Name: ____________________ Birth Date: _______________

The Parties agree that the best interests of the child/children will be served

by the parenting plan set forth in Section III below.

III. CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLAN

A. RESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE

The Parties shall have shared parenting responsibility as follows:

[ ] Mother's Home as Primary Residence:

• Mother shall have the child(ren) ____% of the time
• Father shall have the child(ren) ____% of the time

[ ] Father's Home as Primary Residence:

• Father shall have the child(ren) ____% of the time
• Mother shall have the child(ren) ____% of the time

SPECIFIC SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Child(ren) with Mother from Sunday 6:00 PM to Friday 3:00 PM

Child(ren) with Father from Friday 3:00 PM to Sunday 6:00 PM

Week 2: Child(ren) with Father from Sunday 6:00 PM to Friday 3:00 PM

Child(ren) with Mother from Friday 3:00 PM to Sunday 6:00 PM

[Repeat alternating schedule]

HOLIDAYS (Odd Years: Mother; Even Years: Father):

[ ] Christmas Eve [ ] Christmas Day [ ] Thanksgiving

[ ] Spring Break [ ] Summer Break [ ] Child's Birthday

[ ] Mother's Day [ ] Father's Day

TRANSPORTATION: [Mother/Father] shall provide transportation for all

exchanges at [Location/Time].

B. DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

The Parties shall share decision-making authority as follows:

[ ] Joint Decision-Making Required for:

[ ] Education

[ ] Non-emergency healthcare

[ ] Extracurricular activities

[ ] Religious upbringing

[ ] Unilateral Decision-Making (notice to other parent required):

[ ] Emergency healthcare

[ ] Routine daily activities

C. CHILD SUPPORT

[ ] Father shall pay Mother child support in the amount of $______ per

month, payable on the 1st day of each month, beginning

[MONTH], [YEAR], and continuing until the child reaches 18,

graduates high school, or is otherwise emancipated.

[ ] Mother shall pay Father child support in the amount of $______ per

month, payable on the 1st day of each month, beginning

[MONTH], [YEAR], and continuing until the child reaches 18,

graduates high school, or is otherwise emancipated.

Child support calculation worksheet is attached as Exhibit A.

D. HEALTH INSURANCE

The child(ren) shall be covered by [Mother's/Father's] health insurance

policy. [Mother/Father] shall maintain this insurance and pay all premiums,

deductibles, and co-pays.

Uninsured medical expenses shall be divided: [ ] 50/50 [ ] ____% Mother,

____% Father.

E. TAX DEPENDENCY EXEMPTION

[ ] Mother shall claim the child(ren) as dependency exemption(s) for

federal and state income tax purposes in all years.

[ ] Father shall claim the child(ren) as dependency exemption(s) for

federal and state income tax purposes in all years.

[ ] Parties shall alternate claiming the child(ren) each year (Mother:

odd years; Father: even years).

IV. PROPERTY DIVISION

A. MARITAL HOME

[ ] The marital home located at [ADDRESS] shall be:

[ ] Sold and proceeds divided: ____% to Wife, ____% to Husband

[ ] Awarded to Wife, who shall assume the mortgage and pay Husband

$______ as his equity share

[ ] Awarded to Husband, who shall assume the mortgage and pay Wife

$______ as her equity share

B. VEHICLES

[ ] Wife's vehicle: [YEAR MAKE MODEL], VIN [VIN]

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband], Value: $______

[ ] Husband's vehicle: [YEAR MAKE MODEL], VIN [VIN]

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband], Value: $______

C. BANK ACCOUNTS

[ ] [Bank Name], Account #[______], Balance: $______

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband]

[ ] [Bank Name], Account #[______], Balance: $______

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband]

D. RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

[ ] Wife's [401(k)/IRA/Other], Value: $______

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband]

[ ] Husband's [401(k)/IRA/Other], Value: $______

Awarded to: [Wife/Husband]

E. PERSONAL PROPERTY

Wife shall receive the following personal property:

• [List items]

Husband shall receive the following personal property:

• [List items]

All other personal property in each Party's possession shall remain that

Party's property.

F. DEBTS

Each Party shall be responsible for the following debts in his/her name:

Wife's Debts:

• [List debts and amounts]

Husband's Debts:

• [List debts and amounts]

Joint debts shall be divided as follows:

• [Describe division of joint debts]

V. ALIMONY

[ ] Wife shall pay alimony to Husband in the amount of $______ per month

for [NUMBER] months, beginning [DATE], and ending on [DATE].

[ ] Husband shall pay alimony to Wife in the amount of $______ per month

for [NUMBER] months, beginning [DATE], and ending on [DATE].

[ ] No alimony shall be paid by either Party.

[ ] Other alimony arrangement: [Describe]

VI. NAME RESTORATION

[ ] Wife's name shall be restored to [MAIDEN NAME], effective upon

entry of the Final Decree of Divorce.

[ ] Neither Party shall change their name.

VII. FULL DISCLOSURE

Each Party represents that they have disclosed to the other all assets and

debts, including any retirement accounts, life insurance, stock options, or

other financial interests. Each Party acknowledges they have relied on the

other's disclosure in entering this Agreement.

VIII. ATTORNEY'S FEES

Each Party shall pay their own attorney's fees and costs.

[ ] Husband shall pay Wife's attorney's fees in the amount of $______.

[ ] Wife shall pay Husband's attorney's fees in the amount of $______.

IX. MODIFICATION

Child custody, child support, and parenting time provisions may be

modified by the Court upon a showing of substantial and material change

in circumstances. All other provisions of this Agreement are not

modifiable and survive the entry of the Final Decree of Divorce.

X. BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the

Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.

XI. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

XII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties. There

are no other agreements, oral or written. This Agreement may only be

modified by a written document signed by both Parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Marital Dissolution

Agreement on the date first written above.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Wife/Husband/Spouse A Husband/Wife/Spouse B

[PRINTED NAME] [PRINTED NAME]

[ADDRESS] [ADDRESS]

[CITY, STATE, ZIP] [CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[PHONE] [PHONE]

[EMAIL] [EMAIL]

________________________________________________________________________________

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF __________ )

On ____________________, before me, ________________________________,

a notary public, personally appeared _________________________________,

known to me (or proved to me through satisfactory evidence) to be the

person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and

acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same for the purposes

therein stated, and made oath that the statements herein are true.

WITNESS my hand and official seal at ______________________, Tennessee.

______________________________ _______________________

Notary Public Signature

My Commission Expires: __________________

________________________________________________________________________________

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF TENNESSEE )

) ss.

COUNTY OF __________ )

On ____________________, before me, ________________________________,

a notary public, personally appeared _________________________________,

known to me (or proved to me through satisfactory evidence) to be the

person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and

acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same for the purposes

therein stated, and made oath that the statements herein are true.

WITNESS my hand and official seal at ______________________, Tennessee.

______________________________ _______________________

Notary Public Signature

My Commission Expires: __________________

`

6. FORM 2: MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT (SAMPLE COMPLETED)

> EXAMPLE: This shows a completed agreement. Your agreement will be different.

`

MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on March 20, 2026 by and between:

JANE MARIE SMITH, hereinafter referred to as "Wife,"

residing at 5678 Oak Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37205, Telephone: (615) 555-1234,

and

ROBERT JOHN JOHNSON, hereinafter referred to as "Husband,"

residing at 1234 Maple Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37201, Telephone: (615) 555-5678,

(collectively referred to as the "Parties").

The Parties were married on June 15, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee.

I. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

The Parties agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen between them that

have led to the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There is no reasonable

prospect of reconciliation. Both Parties consent to the entry of a divorce

absolute on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

II. CHILDREN

The Parties have the following minor child/children born of the marriage:

Child's Name: EMMA GRACE JOHNSON Birth Date: March 22, 2020

The Parties agree that the best interests of the child will be served by

the parenting plan set forth in Section III below.

III. CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLAN

A. RESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE

The Parties shall have shared parenting responsibility as follows:

[X] Mother's Home as Primary Residence:

• Mother shall have the child(ren) 65% of the time
• Father shall have the child(ren) 35% of the time

SPECIFIC SCHEDULE:

Week 1: Child(ren) with Mother from Sunday 6:00 PM to Friday 3:00 PM

Child(ren) with Father from Friday 3:00 PM to Sunday 6:00 PM

Week 2: Child(ren) with Father from Sunday 6:00 PM to Friday 3:00 PM

Child(ren) with Mother from Friday 3:00 PM to Sunday 6:00 PM

[Repeat alternating schedule]

HOLIDAYS (Odd Years: Mother; Even Years: Father):

[X] Christmas Eve [X] Christmas Day [X] Thanksgiving

[X] Spring Break [X] Summer Break [X] Child's Birthday

[X] Mother's Day [X] Father's Day

TRANSPORTATION: Father shall provide transportation for all exchanges at

Mother's residence or at Emma's school.

B. DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

The Parties shall share decision-making authority as follows:

[X] Joint Decision-Making Required for:

[X] Education

[X] Non-emergency healthcare

[X] Extracurricular activities

[X] Religious upbringing

[ ] Unilateral Decision-Making (notice to other parent required):

[X] Emergency healthcare

[X] Routine daily activities

C. CHILD SUPPORT

[X] Father shall pay Mother child support in the amount of $1,250 per

month, payable on the 1st day of each month, beginning April 1, 2026,

and continuing until the child reaches 18, graduates high school,

or is otherwise emancipated.

Child support calculation worksheet is attached as Exhibit A.

D. HEALTH INSURANCE

The child(ren) shall be covered by Mother's health insurance policy through

her employer. Mother shall maintain this insurance and pay all premiums,

deductibles, and co-pays.

Uninsured medical expenses shall be divided: 50% Mother, 50% Father.

E. TAX DEPENDENCY EXEMPTION

[X] Mother shall claim the child(ren) as dependency exemption(s) for

federal and state income tax purposes in all years.

IV. PROPERTY DIVISION

A. MARITAL HOME

[X] The marital home located at 2345 Oak Street, Nashville, TN 37205 shall be:

[X] Sold and proceeds divided: 50% to Wife, 50% to Husband

B. VEHICLES

[X] Wife's vehicle: 2021 Honda Odyssey, VIN 2HKRW2H54MH674819

Awarded to: Wife, Value: $28,000

[X] Husband's vehicle: 2020 Ford F-150, VIN 1FTEW1E54LFA12345

Awarded to: Husband, Value: $35,000

C. BANK ACCOUNTS

[X] First Tennessee Bank, Account #123456789, Balance: $12,500

Awarded to: Wife

[X] First Tennessee Bank, Account #987654321, Balance: $8,200

Awarded to: Husband

D. RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

[X] Wife's 401(k) through Employer, Value: $45,000

Awarded to: Wife

[X] Husband's 401(k) through Employer, Value: $52,000

Awarded to: Husband

E. PERSONAL PROPERTY

Wife shall receive the following personal property:

• Living room furniture
• Kitchen appliances
• Her jewelry and clothing
• Emma's bedroom furniture
• Family photographs and albums

Husband shall receive the following personal property:

• Dining room furniture
• Bedroom furniture (master bedroom)
• His tools and equipment
• His electronics and computer
• Fishing and camping equipment

All other personal property in each Party's possession shall remain that

Party's property.

F. DEBTS

Each Party shall be responsible for the following debts in his/her name:

Wife's Debts:

• None

Husband's Debts:

• Credit card balance in Husband's name only: $3,200

Joint debts shall be divided as follows:

• Mortgage loan: Paid from sale proceeds before division
• Vehicle loans: Paid by Party who keeps vehicle

V. ALIMONY

[X] No alimony shall be paid by either Party.

VI. NAME RESTORATION

[X] Wife's name shall be restored to JANE MARIE MILLER, effective upon

entry of the Final Decree of Divorce.

VII. FULL DISCLOSURE

Each Party represents that they have disclosed to the other all assets and

debts, including any retirement accounts, life insurance, stock options, or

other financial interests. Each Party acknowledges they have relied on the

other's disclosure in entering this Agreement.

VIII. ATTORNEY'S FEES

Each Party shall pay their own attorney's fees and costs.

IX. MODIFICATION

Child custody, child support, and parenting time provisions may be

modified by the Court upon a showing of substantial and material change

in circumstances. All other provisions of this Agreement are not

modifiable and survive the entry of the Final Decree of Divorce.

X. BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the

Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.

XI. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

XII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties. There

are no other agreements, oral or written. This Agreement may only be

modified by a written document signed by both Parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Marital Dissolution

Agreement on the date first written above.

_______________________________ _______________________________

Jane M. Smith Robert J. Johnson

"Wife" "Husband"

5678 Oak Street 1234 Maple Street

Nashville, TN 37205 Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 555-1234 (615) 555-5678

jane.smith@email.com robert.johnson@email.com

________________________________________________________________________________

`

12. STEP-BY-STEP FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents (Week 1)

1. Complete FORM 1: Complaint for Divorce

• Use the blank template in Section 3
• Fill in all bracketed [INFORMATION]
• Sign and date the bottom
• Make 3 copies (1 for court, 2 for service)

1. Complete FORM 2: Marital Dissolution Agreement

• Use the blank template in Section 5
• Both spouses must agree on all terms
• Both spouses must sign
• Both signatures must be notarized
• Make 2 copies

1. Complete FORM 3: Permanent Parenting Plan (if you have children)

• Use the blank template in Section 7
• Both parents must sign
• Notarization required
• Make 2 copies

1. Complete FORM 4: Child Support Worksheet (if you have children)

• Use Tennessee's online calculator: https://csc.treasury.tn.gov/
• Print and sign the worksheet
• Attach as Exhibit A to your MDA

1. Complete FORM 5: Notice of Social Security Number

• Get this form from the court clerk
• Fill in both spouses' SSNs
• Sign and date
• Keep confidential (file in sealed envelope)

1. Prepare FORM 6: Final Decree of Divorce

• Use the blank template in Section 11
• Leave blank for judge to complete
• Bring to final hearing

Step 2: File Your Documents (Week 1-2)

1. Go to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office

• Locate your county clerk (see Section 13 for addresses)
• Bring all completed forms
• Bring your photo ID
• Bring marriage certificate (if available)

1. Pay the Filing Fee

• Typical fee: $250-$300 (varies by county)
• Payment methods: Cash, check, money order, sometimes credit card
• IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD THE FEE: Ask for a "Pauper's Oath" or "Affidavit

of Indigency" form (see Section 13 for details)

1. File the Documents

• Clerk will stamp your documents
• Clerk will assign a case number
• Clerk will keep the original
• You'll get copies back for service

1. Obtain a Case Number

• Write down your case number: _________-_______-_______
• Write down the judge's name: _________________________

Step 3: Serve Your Spouse (Within 30 Days)

If your spouse signed the MDA:

• Service may be waived
• Both spouses sign an "Acceptance of Service" form
• File the signed acceptance with the clerk

If your spouse did NOT sign:

1. Choose a method of service:

• [ ] Certified mail with return receipt
• [ ] Sheriff's office (typical cost: $25-$50)
• [ ] Private process server (typical cost: $50-$100)

1. Complete service:

• Serve the Complaint and Summons
• Complete the Proof of Service form
• File the Proof of Service with the court

1. Your spouse has 30 days to:

• File an Answer to your Complaint
• File a Counter-Complaint if they want relief too

Step 4: Complete Parenting Class (If Children)

Required by Tennessee Law (T.C.A. § 36-6-408):

1. Both parents must attend a 4-hour parenting seminar

• Must be completed before final hearing
• Cost: $30-$60 per parent
• Available in-person and online

1. Approved providers:

• Davidson County: https://www.nashville.gov/parenting-class
• Shelby County: https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/parenting
• Knox County: https://www.knoxcounty.org/parenting
• Hamilton County: https://www.chattanooga.gov/parenting
• Online option: https://www.childreninthemiddle.com

1. Get your certificate:

• Bring certificate to final hearing
• File with the court clerk

Step 5: Wait for Hearing Date

Timeline:

• Uncontested divorces: Usually scheduled 60-90 days after filing
• Contested divorces: Multiple hearings over several months

What happens:

• Court will mail you a notice with hearing date
• Hearing typically lasts 30-60 minutes for uncontested cases
• Judge will review your agreement

Before the hearing:

• Review all your documents
• Prepare your testimony (see below)
• Bring any required certificates (parenting class)

Step 6: Attend the Final Hearing

Bring with you:

• [ ] Copy of filed Complaint
• [ ] Original Marital Dissolution Agreement
• [ ] Original Permanent Parenting Plan
• [ ] Child Support Worksheet
• [ ] Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
• [ ] Parenting class completion certificate
• [ ] Final Decree of Divorce (for judge to sign)
• [ ] Certificate of Divorce, VS-300 (for judge to sign)
• [ ] Photo ID
• [ ] Two witnesses if contesting grounds (rare)

What to expect:

1. Judge will ask you questions under oath:

• "Are you [NAME]?"
• "Do you seek a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences?"
• "Are there any minor children born of the marriage?"
• "Is the marriage irretrievably broken?"
• "Do you believe there is no prospect of reconciliation?"
• "Did you sign the Marital Dissolution Agreement freely and voluntarily?"
• "Do you understand the terms of the agreement?"
• "Is this agreement fair and equitable?"

1. Judge will review your forms:

• Marital Dissolution Agreement
• Permanent Parenting Plan
• Child Support Worksheet

1. Judge may ask clarifying questions:

• About property division
• About child custody or support
• About name change (if requested)

1. Judge will sign the Final Decree:

• Divorce becomes final 30 days later
• You cannot remarry for 30 days after the decree

Step 7: After the Divorce

Wait 30 days before:

• Remarrying (appeal period)
• Most other actions are final

Update your information:

• [ ] Social Security (if name changed)
• [ ] Driver's license (if name changed)
• [ ] Voter registration
• [ ] Bank accounts
• [ ] Insurance beneficiaries
• [ ] Retirement account beneficiaries
• [ ] Estate planning documents

Transfer property:

• [ ] Vehicle titles
• [ ] Real estate deeds
• [ ] Financial account transfers per MDA

Close joint accounts:

• [ ] Remove spouse from credit cards
• [ ] Close joint bank accounts
• [ ] Update automatic payments

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FORMS 3-6 AND COURT INFORMATION LISTED IN SEPARATE MESSAGE