Tennessee Divorce Costs and Filing Fees (2026)

Tennessee divorce fees vary by county. The filing fee is one of the more affordable in the South.

Core Filing Costs

FeeCost
Circuit or Chancery Court filing fee$184–$300 (varies by county)
Certified copies of Final Decree$5–$15 per copy
Sheriff service of process$25–$50
Private process server$50–$100

Always confirm the current fee with your county's Circuit Court or Chancery Court Clerk before filing.

County Fee Examples

CountyApprox. Filing Fee
Shelby (Memphis)~$200–$225
Davidson (Nashville)~$200–$225
Knox (Knoxville)~$185–$210
Hamilton (Chattanooga)~$185–$210
Sullivan (Kingsport/Bristol)~$184–$200
Rutherford~$185–$200

Ancillary Costs

ItemEstimated Cost
QDRO (employer retirement plan division)$400–$1,500 per plan
Deed preparation$300–$600
Deed recording at county Register of Deeds$5–$20 per document
Property appraisal (if needed)$400–$800
Mediator (if unresolved MDA issues)$150–$350/hour
Parent Education Seminar (if children)$25–$75
Limited attorney assistance (MDA review)$300–$800

Fee Waiver (Indigent Petitioner)

Tennessee courts waive filing fees for qualifying low-income petitioners.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the In Forma Pauperis affidavit (IFP affidavit)
  2. File with the Complaint
  3. Court reviews and approves or denies
  4. If approved: filing fee is waived; clerk fee also waived

Eligibility: Income at or below federal poverty guidelines, or receipt of state or federal assistance.

Total Cost Estimates

ScenarioEstimated Total
Agreed, no children, no real estate or retirement$200–$400
Agreed, with children (agreed PPP and support)$300–$500
With real estate transfer and QDRO$800–$2,500
Partially contested (mediation, attorney review)$2,000–$8,000
Fully contested through trial$12,000–$40,000+

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Fee varies by county and whether Circuit or Chancery Court | tncourts.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.