What to Expect at Your Divorce Final Hearing in Tennessee
If you and your spouse have agreed to all terms of a divorce, and you have satisfied the mandatory waiting period following the filing of your Request for Divorce, you are eligible to proceed with a final hearing.
Dress conservatively. Arrive early.
Bring these documents:
Marital Dissolution Agreement
Parenting Plan Order signed by both parties (with child support worksheet attached)
Final Decree of Divorce
Upon your arrival at court, obtain these additional documents from the court clerk:
Certificate of Divorce or Annulment
Cost Worksheet
Several uncontested divorces are normally scheduled at the same time.
After you are sworn in and seated, your attorney will ask you questions. If you are appearing without an attorney, either the judge or, in larger counties, a divorce proctor, will ask the questions.
The purpose of this dialogue is for the judge to ensure that the minimum legal requirements have been met to effect your divorce. Specifically, the questions will include:
State your name.
Were you a resident of Tennessee for six months immediately before you filed for divorce? (Yes)
Have you and your spouse entered into a Marital Dissolution Agreement that fairly and equitably divides your assets and debts? (Yes)
IF APPLICABLE: You also entered into a parenting plan that provides for the care and maintenance of your minor child(ren)? (Yes)
You gave your spouse (or received) notice regarding continuing health insurance coverage? (Yes)
As part of your agreement, you (or your spouse) will pay the court costs? (Yes)
Are you asking the Court to grant you a divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences? (Yes)
At the conclusion of the questioning, and provided that the Court is satisfied that the documents are in order, the divorce is normally granted.
You can obtain attested copies of the final documents following the hearing. You should be at the courthouse for less than an hour.
