SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE LEGAL SERVICES
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SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE LEGAL SERVICES
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SELF-HELP IN A TENNESSEE DIVORCE CASE We list below EXPLANATORY BOOKLETS and PLEADINGS that will assist you in representing yourself SUCCESSFULLY in a divorce case. In addition, we offer WORKSHOPS conducted by lawyers to guide you through the legal process. Other than court costs that you may have to pay, this is free do-it-yourself Tennessee divorce information. The booklets and pleadings are available in Microsoft Word. Please click below to get a copy. (Most forms and booklets have been copyrighted in 2004 by Southeast Tennessee Legal Services.)
EXPLANATORY BOOKLETS
PLEADINGS
The entire set of forms totals well over 100 pages. Only a portion of them will be needed in a given case. Instead, use individual forms below. Many are two or three pages. Please read the instruction booklet for "Uncontested Divorce" or "Contested Divorce" before deciding which forms to select. They contain careful instructions about which forms you will need.
These forms change regularly, so be sure to check for the latest versions. The revision date is noted at the bottom of a form. YOU CANNOT COMPLETE THESE FORMS ONLINE AND MUST DOWNLOAD THEM or ORDER A SET FROM US BY CLICKING HERE. THE SET WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO YOU.
IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY, YOU MAY NEED AN ORDER OF PROTECTION BEFORE YOU FILE FOR DIVORCE. Click here for information.
Initial Pleadings:
Initial Filing in the Clerk’s Office: Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form 10) Word Affidavit of Indigency (Form 30) Word Statutory Injunction (Form 300) Word
Serving Process on the Defendant: Affidavit of Service (Form 50) Word Service by Publication (Form 60) Word
Parenting Plans: Temporary Parenting Plan (Form 140) Word Permanent Parenting Plan (Form 145) Word
Motions: Motion for Injunctive Relief (Form 200) Word Motion for Temporary Relief (Form 210) Word Motion to Set Date of Hearing (Form 225) Word Statement in Support of Motion (Form 230) Word Motion for Default Judgment (Form 240) Word
Orders: Injunction (Form 310) Word Temporary Order (Form 320) Word Order Regarding Mediation (Form 334) Word Order Setting Date of Hearing (Form 335) Word Order Regarding Parent Education (Form 336) Word Wage Assignment Order (Form 340) Word Order Granting Default Judgment (Form 360) Word
Preparation for Trial: Witness and Exhibit Lists (Form 270) Word Financial Declarations (Form 280) Word Discovery Requests (Form 290) Word
Concluding the Case: Marital Dissolution Agreement (Form 400) Word Final Decree of Divorce (Default) (Form 410) Word Final Decree of Divorce (with MDA) (Form 411) Word Final Decree of Divorce (Contested Case) (Form 412) Word Title IV-D Information (Form 415) Word
Appealing, Modifying or Enforcing the Final Decree: Notice of Appeal (Form 420) Word Petition for Modification or Enforcement (Form 430) Word Visitation Petition (Form 431) Word Child Support Petition (Form 432) Word Petition for Registration of a Foreign Decree (Form 437) Word Order Registering Foreign Decree of Divorce (Form 438) Word Request for Hearing before Judge (Form 439) Word Order Modifying or Enforcing the Final Decree (Form 440) Word
BE SURE TO READ THE EXPLANATORY BOOKLETS TO LEARN HOW TO USE THE FORMS ABOVE.
------------------------------------------------- We aim to work with other lawyers, judges and clerks to make representing yourself in a divorce case a feasible goal for those persons who cannot obtain a lawyer. We believe that the combination of pre-prepared forms, instruction booklets, and workshops conducted by lawyers -- a three-part process that we call supervised self-help -- is the best solution when lawyers are unaffordable. Although our efforts are directed at helping people to represent themselves, we remain convinced that lawyers are essential for persons who have the money for professional fees. Family law is complicated and can produce unexpected difficulties. Dividing retirement plans and jointly owned property are examples. Indeed, we do not plan to offer booklets and forms about them; individual advice is almost always needed. Even apparently simple and desirable things like mediation can have unwanted ramifications. On these and other subjects, a lawyer can be a valuable guide and counselor. ------------------------------------------------- We are indebted to the Benwood Foundation and the Administrative Office of the Courts for the grants that enabled us to produce the information offered here.
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