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How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Read Time: 2 mins

Transcript:

00:00:00

How long it takes to get a divorce in Tennessee really depends on a number of factors. If you agree on everything before the court and sign a marital dissolution agreement and a parenting plan order and you have an uncontested, irreconcilable differences divorce without children, the shortest a divorce can be in Tennessee is at least 60 days. There’s a statutory waiting period. If you have children, that’s a 90-day statutory waiting period. Those are the shortest divorces you can get.

00:00:28

If it is a complex divorce with a large amount of assets that require valuation, where we are getting expert appraisers to value the assets of the divorce, and you and your spouse are arguing about how your estate should be divided, couple that with disputes over custody and the residential parenting schedule and child support.

00:00:52

A divorce could last for years if you two cannot agree on how to resolve your differences. And the reason why it can take years is that when parties cannot agree on those issues or some of the issues, then we have to do discovery to find out what is your opinion of those issues.

00:01:11

assets, what do you think should be part of the marital estate, not part of the marital estate? How should those be valued? How should they be divided? What residential parenting schedule should you have for your children? Who should be in charge of making major decisions?

00:01:26

We have to figure out what are the facts involved, what are the opinions involved. If you have experts brought into the divorce case to appraise or value the assets, we have to find out those experts’ opinions as well. And so going through the logistics of litigation can take time, whether it’s a divorce or other litigation, and we have to work through the lawyer’s schedules to get to a trial date.

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   Cheryl Adkins 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
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   Hailey Wade 
 25 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
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   Deb Clark 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
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   Tanya White 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
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   Charmaine Sego 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
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   Phil Chamberlain 
 47 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
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   Catherine McGee 
 67 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
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   Marva Johnson 
 73 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
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   Pam Nicole 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.
  
 
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   Steven Creasy 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachel was amazing and professional. Highly recommend. Thank you!

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