Divorce

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE LEGAL SERVICES

Tennessee Supreme Court, Nashville

REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN A DIVORCE CASE

We work with lawyers, judges and clerks to make representing yourself a feasible goal for those persons who cannot obtain a lawyer. Still, we remain convinced that some advice from lawyers is essential in many if not most cases. Obtaining a divorce is complicated and can produce unexpected difficulties. A lawyer can be a valuable guide and counselor, either through full representation or limited representation, when you need assistance.

Only a portion of the forms below will be needed in a given case. Please read the instruction booklets "Uncontested Divorce" and "Contested Divorce" and any others that you need before deciding which forms to select. They contain careful instructions. Click on the booklets and forms that you need. They may be opened in your browser by clicking on the name, or you may right-click on the name and choose to save the file to your hard drive. You must download forms and cannot complete them online. All forms are Microsoft Word documents except as indicated. All booklets are in Adobe Acrobat.

Explanatory Booklets Pages

Should You Represent Yourself?	3
Limited Legal Representation	1
Serving Legal Process	3
Serving Process by Secretary of State	13
Mediation	3
How to Prepare for a Hearing or Trial	4
Court Costs	1
Legal Words You May Need to Know	5
How to Subpoena Witnesses and Documents	3
Common Mistakes	2
Uncontested Divorce	14
Contested Divorce	18
Parenting Plans	8
Child Support	4
Child Custody Modification	2
Instaguide to Divorce	48
Total	132

Description of Forms	Pages
*Initial Filing in the Clerk’s Office:*
Civil Case Cover Sheet	1
Affidavit of Indigency	2
Summons	1
Service by Publication	2
*Initial Pleadings:*
Complaint for Divorce	5
Statutory Injunction	2
Answer to Complaint for Divorce	2
Amendment to Pleading	2
*Subsequent Filings by Fax rather than in Person or by Mail:*
Fax Cover Sheet	1
*Parenting Plans:*
Temporary Parenting Plan	2
Permanent Parenting Plan	2
*Motions:*
Motion (of Many Types)	1
Affidavit Regarding Motion	1
Response to Motion	1
Motion for Injunction	2
Motion to Continue	1
Motion to Set Date of Trial	1
Motion for Default Judgment	1
Motion for Temporary Relief	2
*Orders:*
Order for Temporary Relief	2
Order Regarding Parent Education	2
Order (of Many Types)	1
Order on Motion to Continue	1
Order Setting Date of Trial	1
Restraining Order or Injunction	2
*Mediation:*
Agreement to Mediate	1
Motion for Mediation	1
Order Regarding Mediation	2
Final Report of Mediator	1
Mediated Agreement and Judgment	1
*Preparation for Trial:*
Discovery Requests	3
Subpoena	1
Notice of Deposition	1
Witness and Exhibit Lists	1
Financial Declarations	3
*Concluding the Case:*
Order of Dismissal	1
Notice Regarding Insurance Coverage of Spouse	3
Default Judgment	1
Marital Dissolution Agreement	2
Final Decree of Divorce (Default)	2
Final Decree of Divorce (with MDA)	2
Final Decree of Divorce (Contested Case)	2
Title IV-D Information	2
Wage Assignment Order	2
Qualified Domestic Relations Order	3
*After the Trial:*
Petition for Modification or Enforcement	2
Visitation Petition	2
Child Support Petition	2
Petition for Registration of a Foreign Decree of Divorce	2
Order Modifying or Enforcing the Final Decree	2
Visitation Decree	2
Child Support Decree	2
Final Decree Registering Foreign Decree of Divorce	2
Appeal:
Request for Hearing before Judge after Referee's Decision	2
Notice of Appeal	2
Total	93

IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY, YOU MAY NEED AN ORDER OF PROTECTION BEFORE YOU FILE FOR DIVORCE. Click here for information.

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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