Divorces

Divorce Information

Representing Yourself - Pro Se

“Pro Se” means self-representation in a legal matter. Individuals have the right to represent themselves in court. If they choose to do so, they are proceeding pro se, which means they are fully responsible for acting as their own attorney. This includes:

  • Handling all legal filings and court appearances
  • Understanding and following all applicable laws, rules, and procedures
  • Meeting all required deadlines
  • Presenting their case to the court without legal counsel

Choosing to represent yourself gives you control over your case, but it also requires you to be fully informed and prepared. The court will hold self-represented individuals to the same standards as licensed attorneys.

Important: The court will not correct, complete, or make exceptions for procedural mistakes or filing errors made by self-represented parties. Additionally, filing fees are non-refundable, even if a case is dismissed.

Legal Advice and Forms

Deputy clerks in the Clerk and Master’s Office are not attorneys and are prohibited by law from providing legal advice or instructing individuals on how to file their own divorce.

Please note:

Please do not print ANY forms double-sided. All documents must be single-sided.

Clerk’s Role and Filing Fees

Clerks May:

  • Accept the paperwork you provide
  • Inform you of the required filing fee

Clerks May NOT:

  • Advise you on which court to file in
  • Determine whether your paperwork is correct or complete

Filing Fees (Due at the time of filing):

  • $245.00 — Divorce without children
  • $320.00— Divorce with children
    • Applies when there is a pregnancy or a minor child was born during the marriage

Parenting Class

IMPORTANT: All divorcing spouses with minor children are required to attend a parent education class unless the court specifically excuses you.

You will have thirty (30) days from the date the case is filed to submit your Certificate of Completion.
Failure to do so will:

  • Delay the finalization of your case, and
  • Result in a Show Cause Order being issued, with additional court costs assessed to the party on whom the order is issued.

Blount County Judge-Approved Parenting Education Providers:
Parenting Class Providers

General Order:
General Order Concerning Parenting Plan

Procedural Requirements and Waiting Periods

If you choose to represent yourself, be aware:

  • Failure to file the proper documents or follow required procedures may result in your case being dismissed.
  • Filing fees are non-refundable.
  • If dismissed, you must re-file the case, repay the filing fee, and your statutory waiting period will begin again.

Waiting periods before a divorce may be granted:

  • 60 days — Without minor children
  • 90 days — With minor children

Scheduling Your Final Hearing

If you are representing yourself (Pro Se):

  • You are responsible for contacting the Judge’s secretary to schedule your final hearing.
  • You must appear in court, act as your own attorney, and bring your Final Decree of Divorce for the Judge’s signature.
  • If your case is filed in Circuit Equity or General Sessions Domestic, the Clerk’s Office staff will provide you with the Judge’s assistant’s contact information at the time of filing.
  • If your case is filed in Chancery Court, you will contact Stephen Ogle, Clerk & Master, at 865-273-5500 to schedule your hearing.

Copies of Final Decrees

Final Decrees of Divorce are not automatically issued.

You may request copies from the Clerk and Master’s Office:

  • $.50 per page — Standard copy
  • $5.00 additional fee — per certified copy

Certified copies must include all accompanying documents filed with the decree, such as:

  • Marital Dissolution Agreement
  • Permanent Parenting Plan
  • Property Settlement Agreement

Payment Information

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash
  • Money order
  • Bank-certified check

Not Accepted:

  • Personal or Business checks
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards

Make payments payable to:
Blount County Clerk & Master