One of the most common questions is, “How long will it take to finalize my divorce?” The answer depends on several factors, the biggest of which is whether you and your spouse can agree on the terms of the divorce.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
If you don’t have minor children, Tennessee law requires a 60-day waiting period after filing the divorce complaint before the divorce can be finalized. Even if everything goes smoothly, you’re looking at a minimum of 60 days from the date of filing—not from the date of separation or the decision to divorce.
If you have minor children, the waiting period extends to 90 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed. This longer waiting period is designed to ensure that issues surrounding the children are adequately addressed.
Once the divorce complaint is filed, your case will be assigned to one of 12 courtrooms in Memphis. The assignment is entirely random. This step is crucial because each courtroom has its schedule, which can affect how quickly your case moves forward. Even after the waiting period ends, you still need to schedule a hearing in front of the judge assigned to your case, and court calendars can sometimes cause delays.
Other factors to consider:
