Franklin Divorce Lawyer

Helping Our Clients File for Divorce in Tennessee

A divorce is one of the most overwhelming and emotionally draining experiences one can go through in life. If you and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways, there is a lot that needs to be resolved, especially if you have children and considerable assets to divide. It's important that you seek counsel from an experienced Franklin divorce attorney.

Julia E. Stovall Attorney at Law can help you work through your issues and find effective solutions.

Why Choose Julia E. Stovall?

  • 30+ Years of Trusted Legal Experience
  • Certified Rule 31 Mediator Dedicated to Amicable Resolutions
  • Winner of “Family Law 10 Best Female Attorney” in Tennessee
  • Good Testimonials from Happy Clients
  • Available 24/7 by Phone and for Weekend Appointments

Are you looking to file for a divorce in Tennessee? Call Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law today at (615) 239-1374 or contact us online to meet with our divorce lawyer in Franklin, TN! 


She’s both caring and knowledgeable.
Laurel B.
"Julia Is Very Professional, With High Integrity, and a Focus on Detail."
Julia is a wonderful attorney. She worked really hard to make sure that I got the results that I wanted. She was with me every step of the way. Julia is very professional, with high integrity, and a focus on detail. - Alesha

Divorce in TN

You can file for divorce in Tennessee if you or your spouse lived in the state for at least six months. If you or your spouse is a service member of the U.S. military who is stationed in Tennessee (with permanent residence in a different state), you can file for divorce once you have been a resident for at least one year prior to filing.

Is Tennessee Considered a No-Fault Divorce State?

Tennessee allows “no-fault” divorces, which means a couple agrees that there are irreconcilable differences between them, and their marriage cannot be repaired. Although the spouses may agree to end the marriage without blaming each other, it is not uncommon for them to disagree on certain terms of divorce (e.g., child custody, child support, alimony, property division, etc.).

How to File for Divorce in Tennessee

Filing for divorce in Tennessee involves a structured legal process that requires attention to detail and adherence to state laws. The following steps provide a general overview of how to file for divorce in the state:

  • Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least six months before filing for divorce. If children are involved, they should have resided in the state for six months as well.
  • Grounds for Divorce: Tennessee recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds usually involve irreconcilable differences, while fault grounds encompass issues like adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and more.
  • Prepare Required Documents: Draft a Complaint for Divorce, which outlines the grounds for divorce, property division, child custody, and support matters. This document must be filed in the appropriate county's circuit or chancery court.
  • Filing the Complaint: File the Complaint for Divorce with the court clerk and pay the filing fee. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a waiver based on financial hardship.
  • Service of Process: Serve the divorce papers to the other spouse. This can be done through a process server, sheriff, or a waiver of service if the other party agrees.
  • Response from the Other Party: The other spouse has 30 days to respond to the Complaint. If they don't respond, the divorce may proceed as uncontested.
  • Discovery and Negotiation: Both parties exchange information about finances, assets, and other relevant matters. Negotiations can occur to reach agreements on property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
  • Mediation: If disputes arise, mediation may be required to settle disagreements before proceeding to court.
  • Finalizing the Divorce: If both parties agree on all terms, the court will review and approve the settlement. If not, a trial will be scheduled, and a judge will make decisions on unresolved matters.
  • Decree of Divorce: Once all matters are resolved, the court will issue a Decree of Divorce, officially ending the marriage.

Navigating the divorce process in Tennessee can be complex, and legal assistance is recommended. Consulting with an experienced Franklin divorce attorney at Julia E. Stovall Attorney at Law can provide guidance, ensure compliance with state laws, and protect your rights throughout the proceedings.

What are the Two Types of Divorce in Tennessee?

There are two main types of divorce in Tennessee: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. A contested divorce means that the spouses disagree on one or more divorce-related issues, while an uncontested means the couple agrees on all divorce-related matters. 

An uncontested divorce generally takes anywhere from two to six months, whereas a contested divorce can last years. After a divorce is filed in TN, there is a mandatory cooling-off period. If you have children, the cooling-off period is 90 days. If you don’t have children, it’s 60 days.

Essentially, an uncontested divorce is much faster and less expensive compared to a contested divorce, mainly because a contested divorce may result in court litigation. However, couples involved in a contested divorce may reach a final agreement outside of court through divorce mediation, in which an unbiased third party encourages the couple to communicate and helps them resolve their differences. If a couple cannot reach an agreement through mediation, then a judge will ultimately decide the issues in court.

At Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law, our Franklin divorce attorney can thoroughly examine your marital and financial situation to determine all your available legal options, as well as guide you through the complexities of the divorce process in Tennessee. I pride myself in providing all my clients with compassionate and personalized legal solutions because I understand that each case and family has their own set of unique circumstances. 

Contact Our Franklin Divorce Lawyer Today 

My priority is to always help clients resolve their divorce disputes in the most amicable way possible. I want clients to be able to preserve their relationships and move forward with peace of mind. This is why I have received additional training to become a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, so I can better serve my clients and their needs.

My skills and experience as a family mediator have helped thousands of families reach favorable solutions to their divorce issues, without having to go to court. If you are interested in working through your issues using mediation, feel free to get in touch with me.


 Contact Julia E. Stovall Attorney At Law today to schedule a consultation with our divorce lawyer in Franklin, TN!


Dedicated Legal Counsel

If you need a legal professional to advocate for you, then you can turn to me. I am a Franklin duvrice attorney with decades of experience in family law, plus certification as a mediator. I am well-versed in helping clients reach respectful, peaceful results through negotiations. I also realize that in some extreme cases, mediation cannot offer satisfactory solutions. If your case requires litigation, I will not hesitate to take your case to court in order to protect your rights.

Legal Awards & Associations
  • American Inns of Court
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Divorce Attorney
  • 10 Best Female Attorneys 2016
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Williamson County Bar Association

Why Choose My Firm?

30+ Years of Dedicated Service Across Williamson County
  • Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator
  • Client-Centered Legal Counsel
  • Trusted by Thousands of Clients
  • Over 30 Years of Legal Experience
Let’s Start Building Your Legal Strategy. I'm ready to listen and be your tireless legal advocate.