The Contested Divorce TN Process
A contested divorce in Tennessee could mean neither spouse agrees on anything, or it could mean both spouses agree on everything except a few things — both situations are examples of contested divorces because they involve some amount of issues that are, you guessed it, contested.
Well, it’s hardly ever as efficient as its opposite, the uncontested divorce, which is relatively smooth and often short in process. The contested divorce is relatively rocky and almost guaranteed to be exhaustingly lengthy, as well as much more costly. If you can swing an uncontested divorce — that is, if you and your spouse can work things out during proceedings so that you’re on the same relevant pages — do it. It’s better this way. Unfortunately, as may be the case with you, a clean and painless divorce can be easier said than done.
Contested divorce TN is relatively rocky and almost guaranteed to be exhaustingly lengthy, as well as much more costly.
Starting A Contested Divorce in Tennessee
The first of various phases within the contested divorce is the Complaint for Divorce. One spouse or the other will file for divorce, and it’s this documentation that will get the ball rolling. Filing this paperwork comes with a fee, which will vary depending on where the divorce is filed and whether or not children are involved.
After one spouse files the complaint, it will be served to the other spouse. This will come with a Summons, which will demand that the served spouse file a response. Methods of serving Complaints and Summons include:
- Certified mail delivery
- Delivery via Sheriff’s deputy
- Private process server
Once a spouse is served, they’ll have about a month (thirty days) to file their response, which may or may not include a counterclaim.
Contested Divorce Forms in Tennessee
Next comes Written Discovery. Once all the initial divorce contested divorce forms in Tennessee have been filed, both spouses will have to exchange all manners of information pertaining to their existence as a married unit. These include Interrogatories, Requests for Admission, and Requests for Production of Documents.
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Before Going to Trial
After all the aforementioned paperwork is completed and processed, the contested divorce train chugs on. Circumstances have probably been growing increasingly complicated, and here now you have an opportunity to tone things down with Mediation.
During divorce mediation, spouses will equip themselves with lawyers and trudge into a room to hash things out under the wing of a matrimonial mediator. Each spouse will say what they do and do not want out of this divorce, and the unbiased mediator will provide a professional
Get the Help you Deserve
If you or a loved one are anywhere in the process of a contested divorce TN, it’s smart to start seeking legal counsel immediately in order to maximize your chances of success. Get in touch with our team of legal professionals and take the first step towards your brighter future.