If you and your spouse have made the difficult decision to end your marriage in Tennessee and are searching for a marital dissolution agreement TN or marital dissolution agreement Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. As a former family-law paralegal with over twelve years of drafting and reviewing divorce paperwork in Tennessee courts, I’ve helped hundreds of couples complete uncontested divorces using properly structured agreements. Below you’ll find a completely free, attorney-vetted Tennessee marital dissolution agreement template along with step-by-step guidance on how to use it correctly in 2025.
A Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) – sometimes called a Property Settlement Agreement – is the core document in an uncontested divorce in Tennessee. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-103, when both spouses agree on all issues (property division, debt allocation, alimony, retirement accounts, and – if applicable – child custody, visitation, and support), the court will almost always approve the divorce without a trial. The MDA is the written contract that spells out every term of that agreement.
According to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, more than 65% of divorces filed in the state in 2024 were uncontested. Couples who agree save an average of $12,000–$18,000 in attorney fees. A properly completed free TN divorce papers online package that includes the marital dissolution agreement Tennessee courts actually accept can make the entire process cost under $300 (just filing fees + notary).
Click here to download the 2025 Tennessee Marital Dissolution Agreement Template (Word + PDF)
The template is 12 pages, fully editable, and updated for 2025 Tennessee law including the new Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) language required for retirement division and the latest IRS guidelines on alimony deductibility (post-2019 TCJA).
Follow these steps I’ve used with clients for over a decade:
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Vague property descriptions (“all household goods”) | List major items or use schedule attachments |
| Forgetting to address tax consequences of retirement division | Include IRS-compliant QDRO paragraph |
| One spouse signs but not both | Tennessee requires mutual execution |
| No spousal support waiver when none is requested | Courts want explicit waiver to prevent future claims |
While thousands of couples successfully represent themselves every year, I always recommend at least a 30–60 minute consultation with a Tennessee family-law attorney if:
Most counties require these forms alongside your marital dissolution agreement Tennessee template:
All are included in the same free download package linked above.
- Must be resident for 6 months OR marriage/domestic incident occurred in TN
- 60-day waiting period if no minor children
- 90-day waiting period if minor children are involved
Is this free Tennessee divorce papers package really court-approved?
Yes – the language is taken verbatim from agreements I’ve seen approved in Davidson, Knox, Hamilton, Shelby, and Williamson counties.
Can I modify the marital dissolution agreement TN after signing?
Only by mutual written agreement and court approval (except child-related provisions which can be modified upon substantial change).
Does Tennessee allow online divorce?
You still file paper originals with the clerk, but many counties now accept e-filing of the entire uncontested package.
This free marital dissolution agreement Tennessee template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique facts requiring professional review. Always consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or legal aid clinic before filing. Sources: IRS.gov Publication 504 (Divorced or Separated Individuals), Tenn. Code Ann. Title 36, and Administrative Office of the Courts 2024 Annual Report.
Ready to move forward? Download your complete free Tennessee divorce forms package now and take the first step toward a smoother tomorrow.
Download Free 2025 Tennessee Marital Dissolution Agreement + All Required Forms (Word & PDF)