If you have recently gone through a divorce in Tennessee, it is highly likely that you will need a copy of your divorce decree in the future, whether it is for legal purposes or personal reasons. A divorce decree is a crucial legal document that outlines all the important details of your divorce settlement, including important factors like child custody arrangements, property distribution, and any other agreements made between you and your former spouse. Luckily, obtaining a copy of your Tennessee divorce decree is a relatively straightforward process.
Determining the Filing Location of Your Divorce
To begin the process of obtaining a copy of your divorce decree, you first need to determine where your divorce case was filed. In Tennessee, divorce cases are typically handled by the county circuit or chancery court in the county where the divorce was granted. If you are unsure which court handled your divorce, you can seek assistance from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Vital Records office.
Requesting a Copy of Your Divorce Decree from the County Court
Once you have identified the court that handled your divorce, the next step is to contact the court and request a copy of your divorce decree. Although the specific process may vary slightly from county to county, here are the general steps you need to follow:
Get in touch with the county court clerk’s office and inquire about the instructions on obtaining a copy of your divorce decree. They might be able to provide you with an immediate copy or require you to submit a written request.
If a written request is necessary, you will need to complete a Petition for Divorce in Duplicate form. It is possible that the court may ask for proof of identification or additional documentation before releasing the decree.
Pay any requisite fees associated with obtaining a copy of the divorce decree. Keep in mind that the fees may differ depending on the county and the number of pages in the document.
After the court receives your request and payment, they will either provide you with a copy of the divorce decree or schedule a pickup time for you.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of Your Divorce Decree
If you require a certified copy of your divorce decree, the process is slightly different. A certified copy is one that bears the court clerk’s stamp, signature, and an official court seal. This type of copy is generally needed for legal purposes such as name changes or applying for a marriage license. Follow these steps to obtain a certified copy of your Tennessee divorce decree:
Contact the county court clerk’s office and inquire about the process of obtaining a certified copy of your divorce decree.
Complete a Petition for Divorce in Duplicate form, clearly indicating that you require a certified copy.
Pay the appropriate fees for obtaining a certified copy of the divorce decree. As mentioned earlier, fees can vary based on the county and the number of pages.
Once the court receives your request and payment, they will provide you with an official certified copy of the divorce decree.
In Conclusion
Obtaining a copy of your Tennessee divorce decree is a fairly simple and straightforward process, especially if you follow a few easy steps. To obtain your decree, you will need to determine the court where your divorce was filed and follow the instructions provided by the county court clerk’s office. Whether you require a standard copy or a certified copy, ensure that you are prepared to pay any applicable fees and provide the necessary identification information. Following these steps will help you obtain the document you need for legal or personal purposes.