Nashville Dissolution Of Marriage
Nashville Dissolution Of Marriage records run through the Davidson County courts, with the local court file serving as the main source for decrees, filings, and case history. Nashville searchers often use the county clerk path for the full record and the Tennessee state certificate path when they need shorter proof of the divorce. Because Nashville works through the consolidated Davidson County court system, choosing the right office at the start makes a Nashville record search much easier.
Nashville Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Nashville
Nashville residents file for divorce at the Davidson County Circuit Court or Chancery Court. The courthouse is located in downtown Nashville. This is where you file new cases and obtain copies of divorce records in Nashville. The court serves all residents within Davidson County.
| Court | Davidson County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Public Square, Suite 302 Nashville, TN 37201 |
| Phone | (615) 862-5181 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | nashville.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Nashville near the riverfront. Paid parking is available at nearby garages and meters. Security screens all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID and avoid large bags when going to get divorce records in Nashville.
How to Search Nashville Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Nashville online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you only need basic case information like dates and party names. In-person visits let you review the full case file and get certified copies the same day. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in Nashville.
The Tennessee Court System case information portal covers Davidson County. You can search by party name or case number. The system provides access to party names, filing dates, and case status at no charge. For copies of actual documents, you need to contact the Circuit Court Clerk or visit the courthouse. Go to tncourts.gov to begin your search for Nashville divorce records.
To search divorce records in Nashville, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you know it
You can also visit the Circuit Court Clerk office in person to search divorce records in Nashville. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead at (615) 862-5181 to ask what you need to bring. Nashville residents can also use the Tennessee Court System portal at tncourts.gov to look up case information online.
Divorce Filing Process in Nashville
Nashville residents follow Tennessee state law when filing for divorce. The process is the same statewide, but you must file at the correct court. Nashville residents file at the Davidson County Circuit Court or Chancery Court. Each step creates records that become part of your case file, and you can get copies of any document once it is filed in Nashville.
First, you must meet the residency requirement under T.C.A. § 36-4-104. If the grounds for divorce arose in Tennessee, there is no minimum residency period. If the grounds arose outside Tennessee, the filing spouse must have been a Tennessee resident for at least six months. If you live in Nashville now, you can file here.
You file the complaint for divorce at the Circuit Court Clerk or Chancery Court Clerk in Nashville. The filing fee is approximately $300 for a standard divorce case. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Davidson County Sheriff, a private process server, or other methods allowed by Tennessee law. Proof of service goes in the court file in Nashville.
Tennessee offers no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences under T.C.A. § 36-4-101. Both spouses must agree and sign a marital dissolution agreement. Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, habitual drunkenness or drug abuse, willful desertion for one year, and conviction of a felony. Nashville residents must meet one of these grounds before the court can finalize the divorce.
Tennessee law requires a mandatory waiting period before finalization. Under T.C.A. § 36-4-101(b), the waiting period is 60 days if there are no minor children and 90 days if there are minor children. If both parties agree on all terms, you can submit a marital dissolution agreement for the judge to approve. The divorce decree dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record under the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503).
Note: Property is divided through equitable distribution under T.C.A. § 36-4-121. Spousal support, alimony, and custody arrangements are all addressed within the same divorce case in Nashville. Tennessee courts handle these issues together rather than as separate claims.
Nashville Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Nashville follow the standard Tennessee fee schedule and apply at the Davidson County courthouse. The cost to start a new divorce case is approximately $300. Fees can change, so call the Circuit Court Clerk at (615) 862-5181 to confirm current rates before you file in Nashville.
The main fees for divorce in Nashville are:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$300.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you have low income, you may apply for a fee waiver (in forma pauperis) in Nashville. You complete the appropriate petition form with the court. You must show proof that you cannot afford the fees, such as receiving public assistance or having income below the threshold set by the court. The court reviews your petition and decides if you qualify. Getting copies of existing divorce records in Nashville has its own fees. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Call the Circuit Court Clerk to ask about current copy costs for divorce records in Nashville.
Legal Help for Divorce in Nashville
Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Nashville. Some provide free legal representation to people with low income. Others offer initial consultations at a reduced rate. These resources can help you understand the law, complete court forms, or find a family law attorney in Nashville.
The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands has offices serving Nashville and all of Davidson County. They provide free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Visit their website at las.org for more information on services available in Nashville.
The Tennessee Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 899-6993. The Nashville Bar Association also offers resources for residents who need a family law attorney in Nashville. The Tennessee Court System at tncourts.gov has step-by-step guides, court forms, and instructions for people handling their own divorce cases in Nashville.
Nashville Community Resources
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County offers resources that may help during a divorce. These are not legal services, but they can assist with related needs like child care, housing, and crisis support. Many people going through a divorce in Nashville face challenges beyond the court case itself. These city and county programs can help fill some of those gaps.
Nashville community resources include:
- Child care assistance programs
- Child protective services through TN DCS
- Child support enforcement through Tennessee Department of Human Services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing
- Crisis hotlines and counseling services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Find more through the Metropolitan Nashville Social Services Division. For domestic violence help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time of day or night. Nashville offers legal advocacy and safety planning services for domestic violence survivors. For child support questions, contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services Child Support Division for assistance.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Nashville
Some Nashville residents file for divorce on their own without an attorney. This is called filing pro se. It works best when both spouses agree on the divorce and there are no complicated issues with property or children. The court does not provide legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your own divorce case in Nashville.
The Tennessee Court System at tncourts.gov has all the court forms you need to file for divorce in Nashville. The site has complaint forms, response forms, and all other required papers. Forms specific to family matters are grouped together for easy access. All forms are free to download and print.
The Davidson County courts can assist with form selection and filing procedures. If children are part of your case, you may need additional forms including a permanent parenting plan and child support worksheets. The Circuit Court Clerk can tell you exactly what forms you need to file for divorce in Nashville.
Divorce Certificates in Nashville
After a divorce is final in Nashville, you may need a divorce certificate. This is not the same as the divorce decree. A certificate is a shorter document from the state health department that confirms the divorce happened. A decree is the full court order. Most legal matters need the decree, but some only need a certificate.
The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records issues divorce certificates. You can order one by mailing a request to the Office of Vital Records, Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. The fee is $15 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree, you get that from the Circuit Court Clerk in Nashville. The decree shows the court order dissolving the marriage and all other terms. The certificate only shows basic facts: names, date, and county. Most people who need to prove their divorce in Nashville will want the decree since it contains more detail than a certificate.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Office of Vital Records are available for divorces from July 1945 to the present day in Tennessee.
Davidson County Divorce Records
Nashville is located in Davidson County, and all divorce filings go through the Davidson County Circuit Court or Chancery Court. The county court handles all cases within the county. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Davidson County divorce records page.
Nearby Tennessee Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.