How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Memphis, TN (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Memphis—especially if your case is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on property, custody, and support. Tennessee allows self-representation (pro se divorce), and Shelby County processes thousands of no-lawyer cases every year.

This guide explains the exact steps, forms, timelines, and costs for filing a DIY divorce in Memphis, TN.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Memphis?

Yes. Many Memphis couples complete their divorce without attorneys—particularly when the case is uncontested.

You can divorce without a lawyer if both spouses agree on:

• Property and asset division

• Division of debts

• Child custody and parenting time

• Child support

• Alimony (spousal support)

• Insurance and tax arrangements

If you disagree on one or more issues, mediation is an affordable way to reach an agreement without going to court.

Which Tennessee Divorce Type Works Best Without a Lawyer?

Tennessee offers two options that work well for DIY filers:

✔ Uncontested Divorce (Irreconcilable Differences)

Most common approach

• Spouses agree on all terms

• No trial

• Works well without attorneys

✔ Divorce by Agreement With Minor Children

Possible if parents agree on custody, support, and parenting time

Most Memphis couples filing without a lawyer use the uncontested route.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Memphis: Step-by-Step

1. Meet Tennessee’s Residency Requirements

To file in Memphis/Shelby County:

• Either spouse must have lived in Tennessee for 6 months, OR

• The grounds for divorce occurred in Tennessee

Tennessee is a no-fault divorce state, typically using “irreconcilable differences.”

2. Complete Tennessee’s Required Divorce Forms

Required forms depend on whether you have children.

Forms for Uncontested Divorce Without Children:

• Complaint for Divorce

• Spouses’ Personal Information Sheets

• Marital Dissolution Agreement

• Final Decree of Divorce

• Notice of Hearing

• Financial Affidavits

Forms for Uncontested Divorce With Children:

• Permanent Parenting Plan

• Child Support Worksheet

• Wage Assignment Order

• Parenting Class Completion Certificate

• Additional child support forms

Divorce.com™ automatically prepares all Tennessee + Shelby County compliant forms.

3. File at the Shelby County Circuit Court

Memphis divorces are filed at:

Shelby County Circuit Court
140 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically in approved cases

Filing Fee (2025):

• ~$180–$350, depending on children and service requirements

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless They Sign a Waiver)

If you're filing alone, your spouse must be served.

Options include:

• Sheriff’s service

• Process server

• Certified mail (in limited cases)

OR, for uncontested divorces:

• Your spouse can sign a Waiver of Service, avoiding service fees.

5. Exchange Required Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income details

• Assets & debts

• Bank statements

• Tax returns

• Employment records

• Retirement/investment accounts

This information is used to finalize your Marital Dissolution Agreement.

6. Complete Your Settlement Agreement

Your Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) must address:

• Property & debt division

• Retirement accounts

• Spousal support

• Custody & parenting plan (if children)

• Child support calculations

• Health insurance and tax responsibilities

Both spouses must sign and notarize the agreement.

7. Complete Tennessee’s Mandatory Waiting Period

Tennessee requires:

• 60 days — No minor children

• 90 days — With minor children

The court cannot finalize your divorce before this waiting period ends.

8. Attend a Short Final Hearing in Memphis

Most uncontested divorces require a short hearing.

At your hearing, you will:

• Answer brief questions from the judge

• Confirm the marriage is irretrievably broken

• Verify all agreements

• Present your Final Decree of Divorce

Once the judge signs your decree and the clerk enters it, your divorce is final.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Memphis?

• No children: ~60–90 days

• With children: ~90–120 days

• Contested cases: 6–18+ months

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Memphis?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $180–$350

• Service: $40–$100

• Parenting class (if children): $30–$50

• Notary: $5–$10

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999

Attorney-Led Divorce Costs

• $250–$450/hour

• Uncontested: $3,000–$7,000+

• Contested: $10,000–$25,000+

DIY options are dramatically more affordable.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Memphis

✔ Saves thousands in legal fees

✔ Faster than litigated cases

✔ Shelby County process is predictable

✔ Works well for amicable couples

✔ Online tools simplify forms and filing

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Memphis

Avoid:

• Filing the wrong Shelby County forms

• Missing notarizations

• Incorrect child support calculations

• Not completing mandatory parenting class

• Not waiting the 60– or 90-day period

• Errors in the Final Decree of Divorce

Divorce.com™ ensures accuracy and smooth filing.

Get Help Filing Your Memphis Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Memphis couples complete uncontested divorces quickly and affordably.

Why Memphis residents choose Divorce.com™:

• Tennessee + Shelby County–approved forms

• Guided online questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Filing instructions tailored to Shelby County

• Clear, flat-fee pricing

Start your Memphis divorce today and avoid costly attorney fees.