Divorce - Contested or Uncontested?

Divorce is difficult. It is helpful to know what to expect and that depends on which type of divorce the parties choose to proceed with. Our office is able to help you throughout either process.

Contested divorce is one wherein the parties are unable to agree on major issues such as custody and the division of property. This type of divorce will typically be a lengthier process as it will involve discovery (which is a set of requests for the parties to answer questions and supply documentation in order to uncover all assets, liabilities and potential faults and other issues that may be raised). There may also be a potential need for mediation should the parties still not be able to reach an agreement during or shortly after the discovery process.

An uncontested divorce is one wherein the parties are able to agree on major issues. With this type of divorce, the process is quicker. In Tennessee, the parties may be able to finalize their divorce within 60 days after the filing of the Complaint if there are no minor children involved. When minor children are involved, the minimum timeframe from the filing of the Complaint is 90 days.

Of the two, an uncontested divorce will not be as costly as a contested one.