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

state: "TN"

category: "Divorce"

date: "2026-03-20"

price: "$97"

lsc_grade: true

version: "GRADE_100_100"

Tennessee Divorce Packet

Templates for informational purposes only. Not legal advice.

ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST

• [ ] You or your spouse have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months
• [ ] You are filing in the county where you live, where your spouse lives, or where you last lived together
• [ ] Irreconcilable differences: both spouses agree and will sign a Marital Dissolution Agreement (60-day wait, no children; 90-day wait, with children)
• [ ] Inappropriate marital conduct: spouse was cruel or made cohabitation unsafe (no waiting period required)
• [ ] Two-year separation: you have lived apart without cohabitation for 2+ continuous years (no agreement required)
• [ ] If children: you will file a Permanent Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet
• [ ] If children: you will complete the required parenting education class (T.C.A. § 36-6-408)
• [ ] If property/debts exist: you will complete a Marital Dissolution Agreement
• [ ] No other divorce is pending for these same parties in another court

FORM 1: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE — BLANK TEMPLATE

> INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print neatly in black ink. Replace bracketed text [LIKE THIS] with your information.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE [CIRCUIT/CHANCERY] COURT

FOR [COUNTY] COUNTY, TENNESSEE

AT [CITY]

________________________________________________________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME],

Plaintiff,

v.

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME],

Defendant.

________________________________________________________________________________

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

________________________________________________________________________________

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 [CITY], [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. Section 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. Section 36-4-104.

1. Venue is proper in [COUNTY] County because Plaintiff resides in this county.

II. MARRIAGE INFORMATION

1. The parties were lawfully married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE] in [CITY, STATE/COUNTRY].

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

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

III. GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

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

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

— Both parties agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen, making continuation of the marriage impossible. A properly executed Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) is filed contemporaneously herewith.

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

— Defendant has been guilty of such cruel and inhuman treatment or conduct toward the Plaintiff as renders cohabitation unsafe or improper.

[ ] SEPARATION FOR TWO YEARS (Tenn. Code Ann. Section 36-4-101(a)(4))

— The parties have lived apart without cohabitation for a continuous period of more than two (2) years.

IV. CHILDREN

1. [ ] There are NO minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

[ ] The following minor children were born of or adopted during this marriage:

Child: [CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME] DOB: [DATE OF BIRTH] Age: [AGE] SSN last 4: [XXXX]

1. [ ] The Wife is not currently pregnant.

[ ] The Wife is currently pregnant, with an expected due date of [DUE DATE].

1. A Permanent Parenting Plan in compliance with Tenn. Code Ann. Section 36-6-404 is filed herewith.

V. PROPERTY AND DEBTS

1. The parties have acquired marital property and incurred marital debts during the marriage, the division of which is set forth in the Marital Dissolution Agreement filed herewith.

1. Plaintiff requests equitable division of all marital property and debts pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 36-4-121.

VI. SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

1. [ ] Plaintiff requests an award of alimony [in futuro / in solido / transitional / rehabilitative] pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 36-5-121, on the basis of the relative earning capacity, duration of marriage, need, and ability to pay.

[ ] Plaintiff does not seek alimony and requests that the Court declare each party self-sufficient.

VII. WIFE'S FORMER NAME

1. [ ] Wife requests restoration of her former name: [FORMER NAME], pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 36-4-108.

[ ] Not applicable.

VIII. ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS

1. Plaintiff requests that the Court award reasonable attorney fees and court costs to [Plaintiff / each party bear their own].

IX. RELIEF REQUESTED

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests: (a) an absolute divorce; (b) approval of the Marital Dissolution Agreement; (c) equitable property division per T.C.A. § 36-4-121; (d) custody and child support per Parenting Plan; (e) alimony as appropriate; (f) restoration of Wife's former name; (g) attorney fees and costs; and (h) such other relief as just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: ______________________ _________________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]

[YOUR CITY], TN [ZIP CODE]

[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

________________________________________________________________________________

VERIFICATION

STATE OF TENNESSEE

COUNTY OF [COUNTY]

I, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], being duly sworn, state that the facts set forth in the foregoing Complaint for Divorce are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

_________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this [DAY] day of [MONTH], [YEAR].

_________________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ___________

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 2: MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT — BLANK TEMPLATE

> INSTRUCTIONS: This agreement sets out how you will divide property, debts, and alimony. Both spouses must sign and have notarized. Fill in all bracketed information.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

MARITAL DISSOLUTION AGREEMENT

[TENN. CODE ANN. § 36-4-102]

THIS AGREEMENT is made on [DATE] by and between:

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], ("First Party"), residing at [YOUR ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP],

and

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], ("Second Party"), residing at [SPOUSE'S ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP],

(collectively referred to as the "Parties").

The Parties were married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE] in [CITY], [STATE], and agree to settle all rights arising from their marriage as follows:

ARTICLE I — GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

1. The Parties agree their marriage is irretrievably broken; divorce to be granted on grounds of irreconcilable differences (T.C.A. § 36-4-101(a)(14)).

ARTICLE II — CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION

1. [ ] NO CHILDREN. The Parties have no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

[ ] CHILDREN: [LIST CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME(S) AND DATE(S) OF BIRTH]

1. Child custody, parenting time, and child support are set forth in the Permanent Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet filed contemporaneously herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

ARTICLE III — CHILD SUPPORT

1. Child support is governed by the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines. See Child Support Worksheet (FORM 4) incorporated herein by reference.

ARTICLE IV — PROPERTY DIVISION

1. REAL PROPERTY:

Property address: [ADDRESS] FMV: $[AMOUNT] Mortgage: $[AMOUNT] Equity: $[AMOUNT]

[ ] Sell and divide proceeds equally [ ] [Party Name] keeps and pays $[AMOUNT] buyout

1. VEHICLES:

[YEAR MAKE MODEL]: [ ] Wife keeps, assumes loan [ ] Husband keeps, assumes loan

1. BANK ACCOUNTS:

[BANK NAME]: Balance $[AMOUNT] — divided [ ] equally [ ] other: ___________

1. RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS:

[ ] Each party retains their own [ ] Divided per QDRO: ___________

1. PERSONAL PROPERTY: Each party retains items currently in their possession.

Wife also keeps: [LIST] Husband also keeps: [LIST]

ARTICLE V — DEBT ALLOCATION

1. MARITAL DEBTS:

Mortgage: [Party] responsible, holds other harmless

Vehicle loan: [Party] responsible

Credit cards ($[AMOUNT]): [ ] Share equally [ ] [Party] responsible

Student loans: Each party responsible for their own

ARTICLE VI — ALIMONY

1. [ ] [Party Name] shall pay to [Other Party Name] the sum of $[AMOUNT] per month as alimony [in futuro / transitional / rehabilitative], for a period of [NUMBER] months/years.

[ ] The Parties agree that alimony is not necessary and that both parties are self-sufficient.

ARTICLE VII — TAX MATTERS

1. Tax returns: [ ] Joint for [YEAR] [ ] Separate for [YEAR] and thereafter
2. Dependency exemptions: [ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] Alternate (Mother: even / Father: odd)

ARTICLE VIII — FULL SETTLEMENT

1. Full and final settlement of all marital rights. Modification requires written agreement of both Parties.

_________________________________ ___________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], First Party [SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], Second Party

Date: _______________ Date: _______________

STATE OF TENNESSEE, COUNTY OF [COUNTY]

Sworn before me this _____ day of ___________, 20___ by both parties named above.

_________________________________ Notary Public Commission Expires: ___________

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 3: PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN — BLANK TEMPLATE

> INSTRUCTIONS: This plan is REQUIRED if you have minor children (T.C.A. § 36-6-404). Both parents must complete.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN

[TENN. CODE ANN. § 36-6-404]

CASE NO.: _________________

COURT: _________________ COUNTY, TENNESSEE

PARENTS:

Mother: [MOTHER'S FULL LEGAL NAME]

Father: [FATHER'S FULL LEGAL NAME]

CHILD(REN): [LIST ALL CHILDREN WITH DATES OF BIRTH]

________________________________________________________________________________

I. LEGAL CUSTODY AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

1. LEGAL CUSTODY:

[ ] Joint legal custody — both parents share major decisions (education, health, religion)

[ ] Sole legal custody to: [ ] Mother [ ] Father

1. DECISION-MAKING: Routine decisions by the parent with physical custody at the time; major decisions require mutual agreement; disputes resolved by mediation before court.

II. RESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE

1. PRIMARY PHYSICAL CUSTODY:

[ ] MOTHER shall have primary physical custody

[ ] FATHER shall have primary physical custody

[ ] The Parents shall share physical custody as follows: [DESCRIBE]

1. WEEKLY SCHEDULE (SCHOOL YEAR):

[ ] Alternating weeks: Week 1 with Mother, Week 2 with Father

[ ] 2-2-3: Mon-Tue Mother / Wed-Thu Father / Fri-Sun alternate

[ ] Weekdays Mother / Weekends Father

[ ] Other: [DESCRIBE SCHEDULE]

1. HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Holidays alternate by even/odd years (specify in attachment).

Mother's Day: Always with Mother. Father's Day: Always with Father.

1. EXCHANGES: At [LOCATION] on [DAY] at [TIME].

III. CHILD SUPPORT

1. Child support per Tennessee Child Support Guidelines; see Child Support Worksheet (FORM 4).
2. Health insurance: [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall maintain coverage for child(ren).
3. Additional expenses shared equally: unreimbursed medical/dental/vision, extracurricular fees, school expenses.

IV. PARENTING PROVISIONS

1. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL: Parent unable to exercise parenting time must first offer the other parent care of the child(ren).
2. RELOCATION: 60-day written notice required before moving child(ren) more than 50 miles (T.C.A. § 36-6-108).
3. DISPUTES: Mediation required before returning to court.

_________________________________ ___________________________________

[MOTHER'S SIGNATURE / PRINTED NAME] [FATHER'S SIGNATURE / PRINTED NAME]

Date: _______________ Date: _______________

APPROVED: _________________________________ Judge, [COURT NAME] COURT DATE: ___________

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 4: CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET — BLANK TEMPLATE

> INSTRUCTIONS: Use the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines calculator at tn.gov/humanservices/childsupport to complete this worksheet.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET

[TENNESSEE CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES]

CASE NO.: _________________

COUNTY: _________________ JUDGE: _________________

MOTHER: [MOTHER'S NAME]

FATHER: [FATHER'S NAME]

CHILD(REN): [LIST CHILDREN WITH DATES OF BIRTH]

________________________________________________________________________________

I. MONTHLY GROSS INCOME

MOTHER FATHER

Wages/Salary (GROSS): $__________ $__________

Self-Employment: $__________ $__________

Bonuses/Overtime (avg): $__________ $__________

Social Security Benefits: $__________ $__________

Other Income: $__________ $__________

TOTAL GROSS INCOME: $__________ $__________

COMBINED MONTHLY GROSS INCOME: $______________

II. ADJUSTMENTS TO INCOME

MOTHER FATHER

Pre-Existing Obligations: $__________ $__________

Health Insurance (children only): $__________ $__________

Work-Related Childcare: $__________ $__________

III. CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATION

1. NUMBER OF CHILDREN: __________

1. BASIC CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION: $______________ per month (from TN Guidelines table)

1. FINAL CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION: $______________ per month

1. ALLOCATION:

[ ] Mother shall pay: $______________ per month to Father

[ ] Father shall pay: $______________ per month to Mother

[ ] Income withholding: [ ] Yes [ ] No

________________________________________________________________________________

I certify that the income and expense information provided above is true and correct.

Date: _________________ _____________________________

Mother's Signature

Date: _________________ _____________________________

Father's Signature

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 5: NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER — BLANK TEMPLATE

> INSTRUCTIONS: Federal law requires both parents' Social Security Numbers for child support enforcement. File with the court.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

[42 U.S.C. § 666; 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)]

CASE NO.: _________________

COURT: _________________ COUNTY, TENNESSEE

________________________________________________________________________________

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g), for child support enforcement purposes:

Mother's SSN: ___-__-____ Father's SSN: ___-__-____ Child(ren)'s SSN(s): ___-__-____

Date: _________________ Signature: _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 6: FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE — BLANK TEMPLATE FOR JUDGE

> INSTRUCTIONS: This form is completed by the judge at the final hearing. Submit a blank copy with your other forms.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE [CIRCUIT/CHANCERY] COURT

FOR [COUNTY] COUNTY, TENNESSEE

AT [CITY]

________________________________________________________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME],

Plaintiff,

v.

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME],

Defendant.

________________________________________________________________________________

FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE

________________________________________________________________________________

This matter came before the Court on [HEARING DATE]. The Court, having considered all pleadings and evidence, and finding jurisdiction proper, the statutory waiting period expired, and the marriage irretrievably broken,

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that:

1. The marriage between [PLAINTIFF] and [DEFENDANT] is hereby DISSOLVED; both Parties restored to single status.
2. The Marital Dissolution Agreement is APPROVED and INCORPORATED into this Decree.
3. [IF CHILDREN] The Permanent Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet are APPROVED.
4. Marital property and debts divided as set forth in the MDA.
5. [IF APPLICABLE] Alimony paid as set forth in the MDA.
6. [IF APPLICABLE] Wife's former name [FORMER NAME] restored per T.C.A. § 36-4-108.
7. Each party bears their own attorney fees and court costs.

ENTERED this _____ day of _______________, 20___.

_________________________________

JUDGE OF [COURT TYPE] COURT

[COUNTY] COUNTY, TENNESSEE

________________________________________________________________________________

`

--- PAGE BREAK ---

FILING STEPS

1. Complete FORM 1 (Complaint for Divorce) — fill all brackets, check the correct grounds, list all minor children, sign, and have notarized.
2. Complete FORM 2 (Marital Dissolution Agreement) — both spouses must sign and have notarized; cover all property, debts, and alimony.
3. If you have children: complete FORM 3 (Permanent Parenting Plan) and FORM 4 (Child Support Worksheet); use the TN calculator at tn.gov/humanservices/childsupport.
4. Complete FORM 5 (Notice of Social Security Number) — required for child support enforcement.
5. Prepare FORM 6 (Final Decree) as a blank — leave signature lines empty; submit 3 copies; the judge will complete it at the hearing.
6. Complete the parenting education class (4 hours, $50–150; required by T.C.A. § 36-6-408 if children); file the certificate with the court.
7. Go to the Circuit or Chancery Court Clerk in your county; bring all signed and notarized forms, a copy of your marriage certificate, filing fee ($250–350), and valid photo ID.
8. Serve your spouse: sheriff service (~$50–100), acceptance of service (spouse signs before notary), or private process server (~$75–150).
9. Wait the mandatory period: 60 days (no children) or 90 days (with children) for irreconcilable differences.
10. Attend the final hearing; judge reviews MDA, asks if the settlement is fair and voluntary, and signs the Final Decree.

COURT INFORMATION

Fee waivers available at all courts — ask for the In Forma Pauperis form.

FILING CHECKLIST

Before Going to Court

• [ ] Complete FORM 1: Complaint for Divorce
• [ ] Complete FORM 2: Marital Dissolution Agreement
• [ ] Complete FORM 3: Permanent Parenting Plan (if children)
• [ ] Complete FORM 4: Child Support Worksheet (if children)
• [ ] Complete FORM 5: Notice of Social Security Number
• [ ] Have all forms signed and notarized (as required)
• [ ] Gather supporting documents (marriage certificate, tax returns)
• [ ] Bring filing fee or In Forma Pauperis form (if cannot afford fee)
• [ ] Bring valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)

At Court

• [ ] File Complaint; pay fee (or In Forma Pauperis); get docket number and judge's name
• [ ] Request sheriff's service or arrange alternative service

After Filing / After Divorce Granted

• [ ] Wait for service (1–3 weeks); spouse has 30 days to respond
• [ ] Complete parenting class if children (4-hour course); file certificate
• [ ] Attend final hearing; bring all documents
• [ ] Obtain certified copies of Final Decree
• [ ] Update beneficiary designations, estate planning documents, name on ID/SSA (if changed)

STATUTE REFERENCES

DISCLAIMER

IMPORTANT: This packet provides general information, form templates, and instructions for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.

• Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
• These forms may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
• Divorce laws change frequently. Verify current law before filing.
• If your case involves complex issues (high-net-worth property, business ownership, complex custody disputes, domestic violence), consult a licensed Tennessee family law attorney.
• Strict time limits apply to responses and appeals.

Need help? Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org or call 211.