Divorce Lawyer in Memphis, TN — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee can have a major impact on your financial future, custody arrangements, and overall peace of mind. Whether you're navigating a high-conflict divorce, dividing substantial assets, or seeking a straightforward uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Memphis — including court procedures, residency requirements, attorney fees, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Memphis?

You may need a Memphis divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or parenting plan disputes

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or investment assets

• A business, medical practice, or professional income

• Disagreements about alimony

• Domestic violence or need for an Order of Protection

• Suspected hidden assets, cash income, or cryptocurrency

• A case that may require mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, which means you and your spouse agree on:

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & alimony

• How to divide all assets & debts

• Retirement accounts & pensions

• Real estate & marital home decisions

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Memphis divorce paperwork at a fraction of attorney costs.

Where to File for Divorce in Memphis, TN

Divorces in Memphis are handled by the Shelby County Circuit Court or the Shelby County Chancery Court, depending on the case.

Primary Circuit Court Filing Location

Shelby County Circuit Court
140 Adams Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3808

Primary Chancery Court Filing Location

Shelby County Chancery Court
140 Adams Avenue, Room 308
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 222-3900

Both courts manage:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child support & alimony

• Protective orders

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Tennessee offers e-filing through its statewide electronic filing system for many types of civil filings.

Tennessee Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Memphis if:

• Either spouse has lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months, OR

• The spouses were living in Tennessee when the grounds for divorce occurred

Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces.

How Divorce Works in Memphis, TN

Here’s the typical Memphis divorce process:

1. File the Complaint for Divorce

This document begins the case and lists the grounds for divorce.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Certified mail (limited)

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

Tennessee requires:

• 60 days for divorces without minor children

• 90 days for divorces with minor children

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Asset & debt lists

• Retirement & investment statements

• Bank records

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Shelby County requires:

• A Parenting Plan

• Mediation for custody disputes

• A Parent Education Course

6. Settlement, Mediation, or Trial

Uncontested cases finalize quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary orders

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Mediation

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Divorce

A judge signs the decree, officially ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Memphis, TN?

Attorney fees in Memphis vary widely depending on the complexity and level of conflict.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $225–$375

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $1,800–$4,000

• Contested divorce: $7,500–$20,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $25,000–$60,000+

Cases involving custody or disputes over property division typically cost more.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Memphis, TN

Here are respected Memphis divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Rice, Amundsen & Caperton PLLC

https://www.staceyandrice.com

2. Becker Law Firm

https://www.beckerlawtn.com

3. Shea Moskovitz & McGhee

https://www.sheamoskovitz.com

These firms handle contested custody, high-asset divorce, mediation, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Memphis divorce is uncontested, you can avoid expensive attorney fees with simple, flat-fee services.

Divorce.com offers:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Tennessee divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the Shelby County Courts.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist supports your entire case.

These options are ideal for couples seeking a low-conflict, affordable solution.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Memphis divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or professional practice

• You suspect hidden assets

• A hearing or trial is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Memphis Couples

• Tennessee-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & cheaper than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Memphis families navigate divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Memphis Divorce Today

Whether you hire a lawyer or use an online platform, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com provides a streamlined, affordable, and stress-free approach for Memphis couples.