A Tennessee Divorce Lawyer You Can Count On
Even if you have made the difficult decision to pursue a divorce, you may still be full of uncertainty. You will have more questions than answers. You may feel that you are at a crossroads in your life. It’s at a time like this that you need reliable legal advice from an experienced Tennessee family law attorney who has handled a wide range of divorce cases. That’s why you should contact the Law Office of Lisa Collins Werner in Knoxville.
The divorce process may be scary, but our legal team is prepared to guide you through every step. Our attorney, Lisa Collins Werner, brings more than 30 years of legal experience to each case and client. She possesses the skill and knowledge necessary to help you resolve your divorce in the manner that best meets your needs and goals – whether that involves uncontested divorce, contested divorce litigation, collaborative divorce or mediation.
Attorney Lisa Collins Werner has also been through the divorce process herself and knows from personal experience that a divorce with minor children can be more complex due to issues of child custody and child support. She offers customized representation and personalized support.
What Is The Timeline For Divorce In Tennessee?
When filing for divorce in Tennessee, understanding the timeline can help you move better during the legal process and set expectations with the help of a divorce attorney in Knoxville.
Working with a Knoxville attorney handling divorce cases can help ensure you stay informed and prepared. Several factors influence how long it will take to finalize your divorce, including:
- Filing the complaint: The first step is filing a divorce complaint with the appropriate court. This document officially starts the legal process of divorce.
- Mandatory waiting period: According to Tennessee law, no initial divorce hearing can occur less than 60 days after the complaint is filed. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101(b), if minor children are involved in the marriage, the waiting period is extended to 90 days. This waiting period allows both parties to gather information and potentially work on settlements before the court.
- Uncontested divorce: In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, custody and support. An uncontested divorce moves faster and may be completed shortly after the mandatory waiting period. The entire process can take between two and six months.
- Contested divorce: It takes longer as parties cannot agree on their issues. These divorces often involve negotiations, mediation and court appearances. It is not unusual for a contested divorce to take 12 months or longer to finalize.
- Discovery phase: During a contested divorce, both parties may undergo a discovery phase to exchange relevant financial and personal information. This process adds additional time to the divorce timeline but helps to ensure the final agreements are fair, which is crucial.
- Final hearing: The case proceeds to a final hearing once all disputes have been settled. At this point, the court will issue the final divorce decree, officially ending the marriage.
An experienced divorce attorney in Knoxville can help you through the process efficiently. A Knoxville attorney handling divorce cases can provide guidance and representation to protect your rights throughout the divorce.
Remember, the timeline will vary based on the case’s complexity, but understanding the general process can help you prepare for what is ahead.
Get Started With An Initial Consultation
Based in Knoxville, the Law Office of Lisa Collins Werner serves clients throughout East Tennessee. Each family law matter is unique, so we encourage you to find out more about the choices you have. Contact us today to schedule an initial phone consultation and learn how we can help you and your family. You can send us a message online or call 865-973-9286.