Divorce can impact your children, property division, child support, alimony, and your future as a parent or spouse.
While the legal process can feel overwhelming, a Nashville divorce lawyer can help you understand your options and take the next step forward with confidence.
Contact our family law office today to get clear guidance at (615) 604-6263 or fill out the form on the page.
Divorce in Tennessee: What You Should Know
In Tennessee, divorce is the legal process for determining property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support.
One spouse starts the case by filing for divorce with the court and serving the other spouse.
To file for divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for six months, unless the case involves legal protection from domestic violence.
Tennessee also requires a waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, which is longer when minor children are involved.
Tennessee allows both no-fault divorce, most commonly based on irreconcilable differences, and fault-based divorce, which may involve allegations like adultery or abandonment.
Choosing fault or no-fault does not automatically determine the outcome, but it can affect timing, negotiations, and financial issues.
What matters most in a Tennessee divorce is how decisions impact your children, your finances, and your future, not legal labels.
Our top rated Nashville divorce lawyer can explain your options clearly and help you move forward with confidence.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
The biggest difference in a Tennessee divorce is whether both spouses agree. Agreement leads to a faster, lower-stress process.
Disagreement usually means more time, higher costs, and court involvement.
What an Uncontested Divorce Looks Like
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on child custody, parenting plans, child support, property division, and spousal support.
These typical cases are resolved through paperwork and limited court involvement.
Uncontested divorces usually involve:
- Shorter timelines
- Lower legal costs
- Fewer court appearances
- Less emotional strain for families
In Tennessee, uncontested divorces must still meet a waiting period, which depends on whether minor children are involved.
What a Contested Divorce Means
A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on one or more key issues, such as custody arrangements, spousal support, or the division of marital property.
These cases require negotiation, mediation, or court hearings to resolve.
Contested divorces often involve:
- Longer timelines
- Higher legal expenses
- Multiple court dates
- Strong legal advocacy to protect your interests
Why Disagreements Slow Things Down
When spouses cannot agree, decisions must be reviewed and approved by a judge.
This adds steps, delays, and uncertainty to the divorce process, especially when children or complex finances are involved.
When Court Is Unavoidable
Court involvement becomes necessary when couples cannot resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation.
In these situations, a judge makes the final decisions on unresolved issues and issues the final divorce decree.
Our experienced divorce lawyer can help you determine which type of Nashville divorce applies to your situation and guide you toward the most efficient path forward.
Get a free consultation by filling out the form or calling our office today at (615) 604-6263!
What Divorce Impacts Most in Nashville
Divorce decisions affect more than paperwork. They shape your financial security, your parenting rights, and your life after marriage.
While every case is different, most Tennessee divorces focus on a few key issues.
Property and Money
Divorce determines how marital property and debt are divided, including homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, and business interests.
Courts focus on what is fair based on the marriage, not automatic equal splits.
Amanda Gentry helps identify and divide complex marital assets, protect financial interests, and pursue outcomes that support long-term stability rather than short-term pressure.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Child custody and parenting plan decisions directly impact where your child lives, how decisions are made, and how parenting time is shared.
Courts focus on the child’s best interests, including stability, involvement, and each parent’s ability to provide care.
Our divorce law office works with parents to create clear, workable parenting plans that protect parental rights and prioritize a child’s well-being.
Child Support
Child support is designed to meet a child’s financial needs after divorce.
Courts consider income, parenting time, and related expenses to determine support obligations.
Amanda Gentry helps clients understand child support guidelines, including calculations, address enforcement issues, and seek support modifications when circumstances change.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support may apply when one spouse needs financial assistance after divorce.
Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, earning ability, and financial need.
Whether you are requesting or contesting alimony, our firm advocates for fair, realistic alimony arrangements that reflect your future, not just your past.
How Amanda Gentry Helps You Through Divorce
Divorce is not just a legal process. It is a personal turning point that affects your children, finances, and future.
Amanda Gentry focuses on providing clients with clear guidance, practical strategy, and steady support so they can move forward with confidence rather than confusion.
Clear Advice Without Legal Noise
You get straightforward answers in plain language. No unnecessary legal jargon. No guesswork.
Just clear explanations about your rights, options, and next steps.
Strong Advocacy When Things Get Tense
When disagreements arise, Amanda Gentry provides firm, focused family law representation in Nashville.
She protects your interests during negotiations, mediation, and court proceedings, always working toward efficient and fair resolutions.
Support From Start to Finish
From preparing before filing to final agreements or court decisions, you are guided through each step of the Tennessee divorce process.
You stay informed, prepared, and supported at every stage.
If you are facing divorce in Nashville, the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry are here to help you take the next step forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact our family law office today to discuss your situation at (615) 604-6263 or fill out the form on the page.
Steps to Take Before Filing for Divorce
You do not need to have everything figured out before speaking with our top-rated divorce lawyer in Nashville.
Many people reach out feeling unsure about custody, finances, or what comes next, and that is normal.
A conversation early in the process can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
Before moving forward, it helps to think about your financial situation, living arrangements, and priorities, especially when children or shared property are involved.
Acting early gives you more control and protects your choices as the divorce process begins.
A divorce consultation gives you clear answers, practical guidance, and a plan, not pressure.
Amanda Gentry takes the time to listen, explain your rights in plain language, and help you decide the best next step for your situation.
Schedule Your Divorce Consultation
If you are facing divorce in Nashville or anywhere in Tennessee, help is available.
Contact the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry with our form to get clarity, protect what matters most, and move forward with confidence.
Call (615) 604-6263 for a free consultation today!
Common Questions About Divorce in Nashville
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Not all divorces require a court appearance.
In Tennessee, uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms, such as property division, child custody, and support, may be finalized without going to court.
However, contested divorces, where disputes exist, typically involve court hearings.
Our experienced attorney can help determine if your case requires court involvement and guide you through any necessary proceedings.
Can custody arrangements be changed later?
Yes. Custody and parenting plans can be modified after a divorce if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as changes in a parent's living situation or the child's needs.
Modifications usually require court approval.
Having an attorney assist you can ensure that any changes are properly requested and supported by the child's best interests.
How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?
The timeline for divorce varies depending on the complexity of the case.
Tennessee requires a 60-day waiting period if no minor children are involved, and a 90-day waiting period if minor children are involved. Contested divorces generally take longer than uncontested ones due to negotiations and court hearings.
Working with an attorney can help streamline the process and avoid delays.
How is marital property divided in a Tennessee divorce?
Marital property in Tennessee is divided through a process called equitable distribution, which means the court divides assets and debts fairly but not necessarily equally.
The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and future needs to determine a fair division.
What happens to debts in a divorce?
Debts incurred during the marriage are considered marital debts and are typically divided between the spouses in a divorce.
Our top-rated divorce attorney can help identify which debts belong to each party and negotiate how they will be repaid or assigned as part of the divorce settlement.
Can I modify my divorce agreement after it’s finalized?
Yes, certain aspects of a divorce decree, such as child custody, support, and visitation arrangements, can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances.
Our family law attorney can assist you in petitioning the court to modify these terms to better suit your current situation.
