When you first get married, the furthest thing from your mind is divorce. Still, many marriages fail, and the divorce that follows is often challenging and expensive. Many who are entering the divorce process ask, “How much does a divorce cost in Tennessee?” It’s a complicated question, and many factors go into determining the ultimate cost of a separation or divorce. It’s wise to consult an experienced attorney from Boss Law so you can prepare for the proceedings and learn what they might cost you.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
If your marriage is nearing its end and it looks like divorce is the only path forward, you’re likely to hear the terms “contested” and “uncontested.” These words describe types of divorce, and they often indicate how expensive the process will be.
A contested divorce is often the more expensive of the two, as it means the spouses are in disagreement over the terms. Generally, they cannot agree on child custody or child support, asset division, alimony, and related terms. These cases often take much longer to resolve, and that means the costs are greater. Between attorney fees and court costs, you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars.
Conversely, an uncontested divorce sees the spouses agreeing on terms and the cause for the marriage’s end. These cases settle quickly, and they often don’t require extensive costs. Even if you want a lawyer for your uncontested divorce, you’ll still spend less because the case usually resolves in a matter of weeks or months.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Divorce
The U.S. saw over 672,502 divorces in 2023, with an average cost of $12,900. However, the actual cost of a divorce can vary widely. Many factors can increase or decrease the cost of a divorce, including:
- Whether it is contested or uncontested
- Your attorney’s experience
- How the division of assets proceeds
- How complex the case is
- The cost of court filing fees
Although they can save you a great deal through advocacy and asset management, you should also factor in the cost of your lawyer. It’s important to discuss your attorney’s fee structure in your initial consultation so you can get a better idea of the cost.
How to Make a Divorce Cheaper
While some costs are simply unavoidable, like filing fees with the court, there are ways you can try to save money and make your divorce cheaper. The first is to seek an uncontested divorce if that’s possible. Speak with your spouse and see what terms the two of you can agree on right away. This will save both of you time, money, and stress as you proceed.
Similarly, you want to maintain open communication during your case, even if you can’t completely agree on an uncontested divorce. This can allow you to quickly work out conflicts, even outside the courtroom. In turn, your divorce case may reach a resolution faster, thus saving you time and money.
Every court appearance will cost you money, so finding ways to settle issues quickly without having to drag every dispute in front of a judge can greatly protect your wallet. The more you can work out in private, the less you’ll need to spend on court fees.
About Boss Law
Boss Law puts our clients first. We know divorce is never easy, but our team can be on your side, providing you with the support you need. We keep you involved throughout the process, working closely with you to create a custom-tailored strategy. Using our decades of experience and familiarity with the local courts, we can serve as your trusted ally throughout your case.
FAQs
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Tennessee?
The cheapest way to get a divorce in Tennessee is to file an uncontested divorce, which is possible if you can work with your spouse directly to agree on terms. While this can be cost-effective and fast, you may also be missing out on assets that you’re entitled to. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney may cost more upfront, but it may end up saving you in the long term.
How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in TN?
How long it takes to get divorced depends on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the spouses to work together. In an uncontested divorce, where the spouses agree on asset division and other terms, the case can be over in as little as a few weeks. However, if the spouses are arguing over every line item in the asset list and refuse to budge on their demands, the matter can take months or years to resolve.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in TN?
How much it costs to file for divorce largely depends on the complexity of the case and the experience level of your attorney. A simple case with only a few assets and cooperative spouses will likely be cheaper than a complicated case with combative spouses and long, heated divorce proceedings.
Can You Divorce in TN Without a Lawyer?
Yes, you can divorce in Tennessee without a lawyer, but that’s probably not a wise idea. Tennessee divorce laws can be complicated, and you don’t get any breaks in court if you don’t know the rules. Choosing to go without an attorney opens you up to being taken advantage of, and you may end up losing assets and other benefits that an attorney could secure for you.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer From Boss Law
Ending a marriage is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hire a divorce lawyer from Boss Law to protect your rights and pursue all that you are entitled to. Our divorce attorneys approach each case with dedication and compassion, working hard to make you feel valued and heard. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and explain more about how we can help.
