Real numbers for Tennessee — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
The paperwork and terminology differ from state to state, but a Tennessee divorce generally moves through the same five stages:
This is a general roadmap, not legal advice specific to your case — your county's self-help center or a licensed Tennessee family law attorney can walk you through the exact forms you'll need.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Tennessee Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Tennessee ranges from roughly $2,520 for a simple uncontested case to $28,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Tennessee has a 60-day waiting period (90 days if minor children are involved). Fault grounds are still recognized.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $184 | $814 | $4,200 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,520 | $4,200 | $6,300 |
| Contested, no trial | $9,625 | $17,500 | $28,000 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $28,000 | $33,250 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $13,300 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Tennessee is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $184 statewide uniform fee
| Shelby County (Memphis) | $184 |
| Davidson County (Nashville) | $184 |
| Knox County (Knoxville) | $184 |
| Hamilton (Chattanooga) | $184 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Tennessee average $210 per hour.
A Nashville couple with no children choosing no-fault divorce would spend $185 in filing fees and $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,800–$4,000. A contested custody case in Williamson County can run $20,000–$40,000+ per party due to higher local rates.
How much does a divorce cost in Tennessee?
An uncontested divorce in Tennessee typically costs $4,200–$6,300 including the $184 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $17,500–$28,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
Does fault affect property division in Tennessee?
Tennessee courts can consider fault in dividing property and awarding alimony. Adultery, for example, can reduce an adulterous spouse's alimony entitlement.
What are Tennessee's waiting periods for divorce?
Tennessee requires 60 days with no minor children, and 90 days when minor children are involved.
How is property divided in Tennessee?
Tennessee uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly, considering contributions, length of marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
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Open Tennessee Calculator →Filing fees based on Tennessee court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.