Tennessee FAQ
Tennessee Family Law Questions
These answers cover Tennessee divorce, permanent parenting plans, child support, and orders of protection, handled by Wise Law, the Nashville office of Wise & Associates, in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Sumner counties. Tennessee family law is governed mainly by Tenn. Code Ann. Title 36.
Tennessee Divorce
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Nashville?
At Wise Law, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the case type and how much litigation is required. The firm does not bill hourly, and the first consultation is free.
How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?
An agreed divorce on irreconcilable differences cannot be finalized until the complaint has been on file for 60 days without minor children, or 90 days with minor children. Contested cases usually take longer, depending on the issues and the court's schedule.
What are the grounds for divorce in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows divorce on the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences, which requires a signed marital dissolution agreement, or on fault grounds set out in state law.
How long do I have to live in Tennessee before filing?
If the grounds arose outside Tennessee, one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for six months before filing.
What is a marital dissolution agreement?
A marital dissolution agreement is the written agreement spouses sign in an agreed Tennessee divorce. It covers property, debt, and alimony. If there are minor children, the spouses also sign a permanent parenting plan.
Which court handles divorce in Davidson County?
Divorces in Davidson County are filed in Circuit Court or Chancery Court, depending on the case type.
What types of alimony are there in Tennessee?
Tennessee alimony may be rehabilitative, transitional, in futuro, or in solido.
Parenting Plans and Child Support in Tennessee
What is a permanent parenting plan?
A permanent parenting plan is the court order that sets each parent's residential time and decision-making for the children, and names the primary residential parent.
How is child support calculated in Tennessee?
Tennessee calculates child support under the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines, based on both parents' incomes and the parenting schedule.
Can a parenting plan be changed after a divorce in Tennessee?
Yes. A parenting plan can be modified when there is a material change in circumstances, and child support can be modified when the guidelines show a significant variance from the current order.
Tennessee Orders of Protection
How long does an order of protection last in Tennessee?
After a hearing, a Tennessee order of protection can last up to one year and can be extended. Protective orders.
Who can file for an order of protection in Tennessee?
Victims of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault can file for an order of protection.
The Nashville Office
Where is the Wise Law Nashville office?
The office is at 4235 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37215. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the phone number is (615) 208-9190.
Which counties does the Nashville office serve?
Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Sumner counties in Tennessee.
Still Have Questions?
Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.