Can I Get Divorced Without a Lawyer in Tennessee?

Divorce is a difficult process for many reasons, namely the emotional and financial complexity. People may wonder if they can save money by handling the process themselves. In Tennessee, it is legally possible to file for divorce without hiring an attorney. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always the best idea. If you’re thinking about getting divorced without hiring a lawyer in Tennessee, continue reading for more information and consult with a knowledgeable Shelby County, Tennessee divorce lawyer today.

Can I Get Divorced Without a Lawyer in TN?

Yes, Tennessee state law allows you to get divorced without a lawyer by representing yourself. This is known as a “pro se” divorce, which is a Latin phrase meaning “on one’s own behalf.” When you proceed pro se, you are representing yourself without an attorney or legal counsel.

You can find court-approved divorce forms on the Tennessee Courts website, which provide documents approved by the TN Supreme Court as legally sufficient for the purposes of a divorce. If you download and complete the forms accurately, you can use the information to represent yourself, and a TN court must hear your case.

If both you and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce, like property division and alimony, and no minor children are involved, you may qualify for an uncontested divorce. Handling an uncontested divorce on your own is feasible, as the issues are not overly complex.

Should I Get Divorced Without a Lawyer?

Just because you technically can represent yourself during your divorce does not necessarily mean that you should. Forgoing professional counsel can come with a lot of risks. Even if a seemingly simple case, legal paperwork and procedures must be completed and complied with properly. Mistakes can cause delays or even prevent your divorce from being finalized.

If you and your spouse disagree on any issues like property, custody, alimony, or child support, the case becomes contested and can be even more complex. You will be at a serious disadvantage without the help of a lawyer, especially if your spouse hires counsel.

Regardless of the case’s complexity, every divorce can require an abundance of paperwork, court hearings, mediation, settlement negotiations, or even a trial. Taking on this challenge without professional help can be difficult and wind up costing you more time and money in the long run than if you had hired a lawyer from the start. Although you will avoid attorney fees and save money upfront, any mistakes or delays could be expensive later on. You could also mistakenly accept unfavorable terms that cause you to lose out, like losing your right to alimony, retirement accounts, etc.

For more information and to discuss your situation with a skilled attorney, reach out to Rice Law today.