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Murfreesboro Divorce Attorneys Tackle both Contested and Uncontested Dissolutions and Guide You Through the Process

From amicable separations to intensely litigated disagreements, our divorce attorneys are here to help you resolve conflicts and begin a new chapter

The divorce process, whether uncontested and polite, or contested and lengthy, is an emotional journey that impacts your personal and financial status. The emotional stresses associated with divorce may seem endless and insurmountable, but you're not alone with the law firm of Pate & Knott on your side. Our Murfreesboro divorce attorneys provide a compassionate environment where you receive the reliable legal advice and sound guidance you need to understand your options and achieve a successful resolution.

What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

Many people are vaguely familiar with the terms contested and uncontested as they pertain to divorce, but may not be fully educated on just what each term actually means in practice. Understanding Tennessee's specific divorce laws and how they relate to your particular situation is key to ensuring that your separation and divorce are handled knowledgeably and expediently. Your relationship with your significant other determines whether or not your divorce proceeds as contested or uncontested. The difference between contested and uncontested divorce include:

  • Uncontested divorce – To qualify for an uncontested divorce, both parties must agree on all issues concerning property division, alimony and spousal support, and child custody and support, if applicable. Also, uncontested divorces are based on irreconcilable differences and do not require a showing of fault by either party.
  • Contested divorce – If the parties to a divorce disagree about any of the terms of the divorce or have conflicting allegations as to why the relationship is ending, the divorce must proceed as contested. In regard to the grounds for a contested divorce, Tennessee divorce law is fault based. State law enumerates 15 different grounds for divorce, the most common of which are inappropriate marital conduct, adultery, habitual drunkenness or drug abuse, cruel and inhuman treatment that renders continued matrimony unsafe and improper, willful or malicious desertion and abandonment and refusal to provide for the other spouse.

The uncontested divorce process saves time and money

If both you and your spouse agree that your marriage should be dissolved, the divorce process is quite seamless and efficient. Our experienced Murfreesboro divorce attorneys help you draft a Marital Dissolution Agreement (divides the marital estate), Parenting Plan (addresses all issues to your minor children) and any other documents required, that details the provisions that you and your spouse have agreed to. If the court finds the agreement to be comprehensive and equitable, a final decree of divorce is entered. The uncontested divorce process prevents you from attending extensive mediation and court hearings, and saves you the expense of a lengthy trial.

However, if a contested divorce is the most appropriate avenue for you to pursue, our attorneys are ready to help you navigate the process from start to finish. Our divorce lawyers have extensive mediation and litigation experience, which makes us uniquely qualified to handle your case and achieve the best possible resolution.

Don't trust the most personal legal challenge you'll ever face to just anyone, turn to a team of respected Murfreesboro divorce attorneys for staunch advocacy and compassionate guidance

The financial and emotional turmoil caused by a divorce often seems insurmountable, but at Pate & Knott, our Murfreesboro divorce attorneys are committed to taking on those burdens for you. We work hard to provide a supportive environment where you have access to the legal resources you need to begin a new chapter in life. For a confidential consultation, call us at 615-848-1221 or contact us online today. Appointments are available on Saturdays and during the evening for your convenience. We serve clients throughout the state of Tennessee.

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The Firm of Pate and Knott charges no fee for the initial consultation regarding personal injury cases, including automobile/truck/motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents or any other type of accident caused by a third party. Call us at (615) 848-1221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Murfreesboro office. Evening and Saturday appointments available.

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