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Going through a divorce can be a confusing and emotionally draining experience. However, knowing a few simplified steps could save you valuable time once you choose to move forward. In addition, the help of a skilled divorce attorney is crucial to a smooth and straightforward process.
If you need help navigating the Hamilton County divorce process, a member of the team could further explain the process, represent you and your interests, and protect your rights along the way.
Establishing valid grounds for divorce in Hamilton County is the first step to any divorce action. Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-4-101 provides the valid grounds for divorce. Some of these include:
Whether two spouses meet these or other qualifications to legally dissolve their marriage, an experienced local lawyer could help them evaluate their circumstances to determine the following steps to take.
After establishing the valid grounds for divorce, each party must fill out the relevant divorce application forms. Some information that is required under state law for the spouses to provide includes proof of identity and acknowledgment from all parties.
There are numerous forms that each party must complete, which makes the guidance of an attorney in the area essential. A legal representative could help expedite the process by providing a dedicated checklist to ensure all items are completed before moving forward.
Both parties must bring all completed forms to the Domestic Relations Docket Office. The Docket Office staff will first check that all required forms are present and advise accordingly if something is missing.
If everything is in order, the individual can pay the relevant divorce application processing fees required by the state. Once the court’s office clerk receives the payment and the original documents, they can assign the divorcing party a case number.
Finally, the individual will be given a judge, magistrate, and hearing date to finalize the legal separation. The process might seem longwinded. However, capable local lawyers could help each party through the filing process and provide further direction on documents to bring to the court the day of the hearing.
Although you are permitted the opportunity to handle the Hamilton County divorce process on your own from beginning to end, it can be tedious and time-consuming. Additionally, you may inadvertently skip one or two steps along the way if you are unfamiliar with the requirements.
If you are not sure you want to handle the process yourself, or if you are in need of representation, a dedicated attorney from our team can come to your rescue. Reach out to our office to schedule your initial consultation to get started. Our team is standing by to assist you.