Uncontested Divorce Agreements: What You Should Never Leave Out 

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences you face. Whether it's the emotional toll, the financial complications, or the disruption of your day-to-day life, divorce can typically impact nearly every aspect of your world. For many, finding common ground with a spouse during this turbulent time might feel impossible.  

However, for those who can set differences aside, uncontested divorces offer a less stressful, faster, and often more affordable way to dissolve a marriage. Even when both parties agree on the key aspects of divorce, it’s critical to have the agreement cover all the necessary bases. Failing to account for important details upfront can lead to significant disputes or complications down the road.  

At Middle Tennessee Family Law, we understand the importance of getting uncontested divorce agreements right the first time. Based in Franklin, Tennessee, we serve families in Williamson County, Davidson County, Wilson County, Sumner County, and Rutherford County.

An uncontested divorce agreement is only successful when it addresses all the essential issues and leaves no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding. Whether you’re preparing to negotiate an agreement yourself or you’re working with an experienced attorney, there are certain critical elements that you should never leave out of your divorce settlement.  

Division of Property  

One of the central aspects of any divorce agreement is how property and assets will be divided between the spouses. This includes physical property, such as vehicles, homes, or furniture, as well as financial assets, including retirement accounts, bank accounts, and investments.  

Tennessee follows an equitable distribution law, which means property should be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. When creating an uncontested divorce agreement, both parties are required to fully disclose their assets and work together to decide how these assets will be divided. Leaving out key details, such as debt division or whether certain items are considered marital or separate property, can lead to significant disputes later.  

Parenting Plans and Custody Arrangements  

If children are involved, it's critical to develop a clear and comprehensive parenting plan. An uncontested divorce agreement must clearly address custody arrangements, including who will have primary custody, the visitation schedule, and how holidays will be shared.  

Additionally, the agreement should outline how major decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and upbringing will be made. At Middle Tennessee Family Law, we’ve seen firsthand how effective parenting plans can provide structure and stability for both parents and children during a difficult period, and how they facilitate respectful and functional co-parenting relationships.  

Child Support Guidelines  

When children are part of the family, child support must be specifically outlined and agreed to in the divorce agreement. Tennessee has specific guidelines for calculating child support, which take into account each parent's income and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.  

Your agreement must adhere to these guidelines and allow for flexibility in the event of future changes in circumstances. Work with an experienced attorney who can help you develop strategies to protect you and your child’s interests while staying compliant with state law.  

Spousal Support or Alimony  

Depending on the specific circumstances, one spouse may agree to provide financial support to the other either temporarily or long-term. Tennessee recognizes several types of alimony, including rehabilitative alimony, transitional alimony, periodic alimony, and lump-sum alimony.  

It’s essential to determine what is fair and achievable for both parties and to formalize this in your divorce agreement. Clear language regarding the terms, duration, and amount of spousal support can help prevent future misunderstandings.  

Contingency Plans for the Future  

Not all life changes can be foreseen, but your agreement should account for as many eventualities as possible. For instance, what happens if one parent needs to relocate for a job? How will health care decisions be managed if there’s a change in a child’s medical needs?  By addressing contingencies upfront, you eliminate the guesswork in the event of future disputes or complications.  

The Importance of Legal Guidance  

An uncontested divorce might seem straightforward, but there’s a lot at stake if important details are overlooked. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. Our attorney, Tiffany Johns, at Middle Tennessee Family Law, has dedicated her career to helping clients achieve fair and lasting resolutions to their family law matters.  

Whether it's navigating property division, designing parenting plans, or negotiating financial support, we strive to make each agreement airtight and aligned with Tennessee law. Our attorney also emphasizes the importance of setting realistic, achievable expectations.  

While uncontested divorces offer significant benefits, they are most effective when both parties are committed to cooperation and full disclosure. We take pride in guiding our clients through this process with sensitivity and skill, offering practical advice tailored to each unique situation.  

Reach Out Today for Personalized Support

If you’re considering filing for an uncontested divorce, it’s essential to act sooner rather than later. These agreements provide an opportunity to end a marriage on amicable terms, but are only enforceable if they’re done correctly.  

At Middle Tennessee Family Law, we’re here to help. We offer free case evaluations as a no-pressure way to discuss your concerns and learn how we can assist you. Whether you’re ready to move forward or simply need guidance, we are committed to helping you craft a divorce agreement that fits your needs.

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, we serve families in Williamson County, Davidson County, Wilson County, Sumner County, and Rutherford County. Together, we’ll help you start the next chapter of your life on solid footing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.