Divorce Doesn’t Have to Destroy Your Family.
It can. I’ve seen that happen. But it doesn’t have to, and the approach you take from the beginning matters more than almost anything else.
How I Handle Divorce Cases
Divorce is never just a legal transaction. It’s the restructuring of a family, and if there are children involved, those two realities stay connected for years after the case closes.
We approach every divorce case with that in mind. The goal isn’t just to get through the paperwork. It’s to reach an outcome that actually works, for you, for your finances, and for your kids.
That means pursuing the most peaceful resolution that’s genuinely fair. It means being honest with you about your position, not just telling you what you want to hear. And it means being prepared to fight hard, and effectively, when the situation calls for it.
Over a decade of handling divorce cases in Blount County. I know the courts, the process, and what it takes.
What the Divorce Process Actually Looks Like in Tennessee
Most people come in knowing they want a divorce and not knowing what happens next. Here is the actual sequence.
The complaint for divorce is filed with the court. The other spouse is served. Tennessee then requires a mandatory waiting period before the divorce can be finalized: 60 days if there are no minor children, 90 days if there are. That clock starts at filing, not at the decision to proceed.
During that period, or longer in contested cases, both parties typically exchange financial information. Income, assets, debts, retirement accounts. What’s documented and what isn’t matters significantly at this stage.
If children are involved, a parenting plan is required as part of the final decree. Parents are also required in Tennessee to take a court-approved parenting class. Tennessee courts don’t default to a 50/50 split automatically. They evaluate a specific set of factors, and the plan that gets approved becomes the legally enforceable standard going forward. Getting it right from the start prevents most of the post-divorce conflict.
The large majority of divorces in Tennessee resolve before trial through negotiated settlement. That doesn’t mean the negotiation is easy, it means having an attorney who negotiates well, and knows when a settlement offer is actually in your best interest, matters at least as much as having someone who can take a case to court.
Contested vs. Uncontested
Contested Divorce
When the parties can’t reach agreement on key issues, property, custody, support, the case becomes contested. These require strategy, preparation, and an attorney who knows how to negotiate and litigate. Learn more about Contested Divorce →
Uncontested Divorce
When both parties are aligned on the major issues, an uncontested divorce moves faster and costs significantly less. I handle the filings, paperwork, and court appearances and get it done cleanly. Learn more about Uncontested Divorce →
30-Minute Phone Consultation: $100
1-Hour In-Person Consultation: $200
If you retain me within 90 days, the consultation fee is credited toward your retainer.
A couple of things on cost: court filing fees are separate from my fee, the court sets those and they vary by county, so I’ll give you a realistic picture for yours. And if paying up front is tough, we offer payment plans through Affirm (subject to credit approval). Either way, call the office with questions and we’ll walk you through it.
Not Sure Where You Fall?
That’s what the consultation is for. Many people come in expecting one type of case and leave with a much clearer picture of what they actually need.
I’ll give you an honest read on whether your situation is contested or uncontested, what the realistic path looks like, and what it will cost. If the situation calls for a different approach or a different type of attorney, I’ll tell you that directly.