Tennessee Divorce Lawyers
If you are seeking to understand the Tennessee divorce process, The Family Law Firm, PLLC offers their legal expertise to you. Our Tennessee-based law firm has helped numerous families transition during a divorce.
Divorce in Tennessee: How does it work and when is it necessary?
Divorce is the legal of process of dissolving a marriage. There are two types of divorce, contested and uncontested. Uncontested divorces are available for parties who are able to come to an amicable agreement, whereas a contested divorce is available for parties who can not agree on the terms of the divorce or who are not speaking terms. Consequently, uncontested divorces require litigation.
Divorce litigation is a method of divorce dispute resolution. This process involves the court system; where the couple divorcing must submit their disputes to the family court, as guided by their Tennessee divorce lawyers.
Contested divorce litigation is usually necessary when one of the following conditions are met:
- Parties Are Struggling to Cooperate
- Complex or High Value Assets involved
- When The Law Has Been Broken By One Of The Parties
Divorce Litigation can be a long and expensive process, but is often necessary to help the two divorcing parties find a reasonable division of assets, child custody, spousal support, and other important family law matters.
When should you contact a lawyer?
- If your spouse has filed for divorce
- If you've been the victim of physical or verbal abuse
- If your spouse has already retained a lawyer
- If you want to be proactive about your divorce
Consider calling The Family Law Firm
The Two Types of Divorce Processes
Uncontested Divorce Process
- Petition for Divorce with a Tennessee Court
- Draft a Marital Dissolution Agreement
- Parties Sign the MDA
- MDA Filed with the Court
- Hearing is Scheduled 60-90 days out
- Court Hearing Held
- Divorce
Contested Divorce
- Petition for Divorce with a Tennessee Court
- Discovery of Assets, Circumstance, Allegations
- Mediation - Required if there are children
- Trial (if no agreement is made)
- Court Hearing Held
- Divorce
The Family Law Firm's Divorce Litigation Process
Divorce Attorney's in Tennessee
The Family Law Firm relies on Divorce litigation when any of the following criteria are met:
- One Party is subject to abuse
- Financial Mishandling
- Cheating or Affairs
- Uncooperative Spouse
Steps of a contested divorce
Petition in Court
The first step in filing for divorce, one party must petition or file for divorce in court. The other spouse must then be served, or files an Appearance in court. During this time, various issues such as temporary support, custody or criminal activities may come up. This is why an experienced attorney is neccessary in handling your family matters.
Discovery
Discovery is the legal process by which each party acquires the information necessary to support their case. This usually includes:
- Interrogatories
- Document Production Requests
- Depositions
- Subpoenas
Discovery typically focuses on financial information, however can include information about children or other family matters.
Mediation
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution facilitated by a neutral third party who attempts, with the help of the attorneys, to get the parties to a resolution on all or parts of their divorce.
Trial or Hearing
Trial is the process during which both Parties appear in court, ideally with their Attorneys, and proceed through the division of assets and family matters according to the Court’s Judge.
What you need to know
If you’re considering a divorce, you need to speak with an experienced attorney who can best represent your needs. The Family Law Firm has a proven track record of helping Tennessee families through transitional events.