Divorce has a reputation for being stressful, expensive, and emotionally exhausting. And sometimes, that is the truth.
However, not every divorce turns into a courtroom fight filled with endless arguments and dramatic legal battles. Some couples who are able to work together and agree on the major issues may qualify for an “agreed divorce.”
What is an agreed divorce in Tennessee? This allows spouses to end their marriage without fighting over every detail in court.
But ending a marriage is still a major life change. For couples who want a path forward, an agreed divorce provides a more respectful solution.
What Is an Agreed Divorce?
With this type of divorce, both spouses agree that the marriage should end. They have agreed on the terms of the divorce and worked those issues out together ahead of time.
These spouses must agree on issues, such as:
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support
- Child custody and parenting schedules
- Child support payments
- Other financial or personal matters tied to the marriage
Once those agreements are put into writing, they can be filed with the court. A judge can review everything and finalize the divorce without a full trial.
In many cases, this feels less like a legal war and more like closing one chapter and starting another.
How Does This Work in Tennessee?
If a spouse has been a resident for six months, then they can file a Complaint for Divorce with the appropriate Tennessee court. After that, the other spouse signs documents showing they agree to the divorce and its terms.
From this point, the couple submits more paperwork, including a Marital Dissolution Agreement. This document states:
- Who keeps certain property
- Who is responsible for the debts
- Whether alimony will be paid
If children are involved, the couple must also submit a Permanent Parenting Plan. This plan must explain things like:
- Where the children will live
- Parenting schedules and visitation
- Holiday arrangements
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Child support obligations
The court reviews the agreement to make sure it follows Tennessee law and serves the best interests of the children.
The Benefits of an Agreed Divorce
As you may already know, divorce is emotionally difficult. When you add constant conflict and expensive litigation into the mix, that adds to the stress. Some of the advantages of an agreed divorce include:
Lower Stress
Court battles can drag on for months or years. When you have arguments over finances, custody, or property, that can leave both spouses emotionally exhausted.
This option reduces tension. Both parties are working toward a resolution instead of trying to win the case. That can be important when children are involved. Kids adjust better when parents are able to cooperate and maintain a more civil relationship.
Lower Costs
Attorney fees, court appearances, mediation sessions, and expert witnesses can add up fast in contested cases.
Since agreed divorces avoid much of that litigation, they are usually more affordable. However, amicable divorces still involve legal and financial decisions that deserve help from a qualified divorce lawyer.
Faster Resolution
Nobody wants to feel stuck in legal limbo forever. One advantage of an agreed divorce is that the timeline is much shorter than a contested case.
Tennessee does require waiting periods before a divorce can be finalized:
- 60 days if there are no minor children
- 90 days if the couple shares minor children
However, agreed divorces move much faster because these issues do not require much court involvement.
More Control Over the Outcome
In a contested divorce, a judge may end up making personal decisions about your finances, property, or parenting arrangements.
With an agreed divorce, the spouses maintain more control. They can create solutions that work for their family situation. There is no one-size-fits-all court ruling.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Some Tennessee couples handle agreed divorces on their own. But keep in mind that even easy divorces can have long-term consequences.
A divorce agreement can affect:
- Future finances
- Retirement benefits
- Tax obligations
- Parenting rights
- Property ownership
With help from a skilled divorce attorney, they can help make sure that any agreement protects your interests.
An Option for Your Divorce
An agreed divorce in Tennessee has less conflict, expenses, and emotional strain. For many couples, this is a more respectful and manageable alternative to a drawn-out courtroom battle.
At Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, we can assist with your divorce. We provide options that make the most sense for your family. Schedule a consultation with us today.
