Tennessee · Divorce and family law

Tennessee Divorce Waiting Period, Residency, and Child Support Rules

Final decree generally cannot be entered until 60 days after filing; if the parties have an unmarried minor child, the minimum is 90 days.

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Four state rules to check first

The filing timeline and support method can change by state and by the facts. Start with the governing reference points, then confirm the current court procedure.

Timeline

Waiting period and finality

Final decree generally cannot be entered until 60 days after filing; if the parties have an unmarried minor child, the minimum is 90 days.

Tenn. Code Ann. Sec. 36-4-101(b).

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Filing jurisdiction

Residency requirement

If the acts complained of occurred outside Tennessee, the plaintiff or defendant must have resided in Tennessee for 6 months before filing; separate rules apply if grounds arose in Tennessee.

Tenn. Code Ann. Sec. 36-4-104.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Service and filing postureA waiting period may run from filing, service, appearance, or another event.
  • County and venueState residency and the correct county are separate questions.
  • Parenting time and incomeSupport calculations can turn on custody time, income definitions, credits, and deviations.
  • Current forms and local rulesCourt forms, scheduling, and required disclosures can change the practical workflow.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.