If you're here, you're probably dealing with disagreements over your kids, your home, your finances, and your future while going through a divorce. If that’s you, you need a skilled lawyer for contested divorce who knows Memphis inside and out, knows these courts, and knows how to fight for you.
At Psonya Hackett Law, we've been helping Memphis families navigate divorce for over 26 years. Our office is right here on Lynnfield Road in East Memphis, just a few minutes from Laurelwood Shopping Center. We're your neighbors, and we protect our community.
What "Contested" Actually Means Here in Shelby County
A contested divorce in Tennessee means you and your spouse can't agree on at least one major issue before the court finalizes anything. That could be:
Who the kids live with and what the parenting schedule looks like
How the marital home gets divided—whether it's sold, or one spouse buys the other out
Child support amounts and who pays what
Alimony / spousal support—whether it's owed, and for how long
Division of retirement accounts, businesses, or other assets
Tennessee is an equitable distribution state, which means "equitable" does not automatically mean equal. Courts don't just split things 50/50. Under Tennessee Code § 36-4-121, the court weighs factors like each spouse's earning capacity, economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and whether either party wasted or hid marital assets.
That's a lot of room for interpretation. And that's exactly why you want an experienced lawyer for contested divorce presenting your side.
Where Your Case Actually Gets Filed in Memphis
You're not alone in what you're going through. Shelby County courts record nearly 1,500 divorces every single year, and Tennessee consistently ranks among the top 10 states in the country for divorce rate. A large portion of those divorces become contested.
If you're divorcing in Shelby County, your case is filed at the Shelby County Courthouse at 140 Adams Avenue in downtown Memphis, right near the Criminal Justice Center, a few blocks from the Mississippi River. Your divorce complaint goes through the Shelby County Divorce Referee in Room 327, who confirms the paperwork is legally correct and that Shelby County is the right jurisdiction before anything moves forward.
Depending on the complexity of your case, it may be heard in Chancery Court or Circuit Court—both in the same building on Adams. Filing fees start at $381.50 if children are involved, and $306.50 if not. That's just to get the process started—contested divorces involve far more than a filing fee.
Psonya knows these courtrooms. She knows how cases move through this system. That familiarity matters when your future is on the line.
Why Memphis Families Choose Psonya Hackett
With family law issues like contested divorce, you need someone who listens, explains everything clearly, and won’t back down on your behalf. That's what Psonya has been doing for Memphis and Mississippi clients for over two decades.
Psonya holds a JD/MBA, so she understands both the legal strategy and the financial picture behind your case. She's also a CDC Certified Divorce Coach, trained to help clients manage the stress and decisions that come with divorce, not just the courtroom part. From Bartlett to Germantown to downtown Memphis, she's handled contested divorces of all shapes and sizes across the 901.
As your lawyer for contested divorce, Psonya will give you the truth about your situation—what's realistic, and what strategy makes the most sense given your specific circumstances.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Here's a general sense of how a contested divorce moves forward in Shelby County:
Consultation — We’ll talk through your situation, goals, and biggest concerns and start building a real strategy from day one. You won't leave that first meeting feeling more confused than when you came in. Schedule one now!
Filing at 140 Adams — We handle all the paperwork and submission through the Shelby County Divorce Referee in Room 327 and the appropriate court. Contested divorces involve many moving parts from the start. We make sure everything is filed correctly, on time, and in the right place.
Discovery — This is where we build your case. Financial records, bank statements, property valuations, tax returns, custody documentation—we dig into the details so nothing catches us off guard. If your spouse is hiding assets or not being upfront, this is often where that comes to light.
Negotiation & Mediation — Before anything goes to a judge, we push hard for a fair settlement. Shelby County courts often encourage mediation in contested cases, and many divorces get resolved here—saving you time, money, and stress. We'll never pressure you into an agreement that isn't right for you, but we'll always explore every reasonable option first.
Trial, if it comes to that — If we can't reach a fair agreement, we take it to Circuit or Chancery Court at 140 Adams, and we show up ready. Psonya is a seasoned courtroom advocate who prepares thoroughly and argues confidently. You won't be walking into that courthouse unprepared or alone.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions about contested divorce
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Yes.Under Tennessee Code § 36-6-408, if a permanent parenting plan is part of your divorce, both parents are required to complete a parent educational seminar.It's a four-hour class, and you and your spouse attend separately. There are several approved providers right here in Memphis, including options at the Memphis JCC on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis and providers in Bartlett off Stage Road. Skipping this class isn't a good idea, as a judge can hold it against you when deciding parenting time, and you can even be held in contempt of court. We'll make sure you know exactly when and how to get this done.
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Item descriptionIt can. Under T.C.A. § 36-4-121, Tennessee courts can consider marital misconduct, including whether one spouse wasted or dissipated marital assets—for example, spending joint money on an affair, a gambling habit, or drug use. That said, fault doesn't automatically hand you a bigger share of the marital estate. It's one of many factors a judge weighs. If you believe your spouse's behavior financially harmed your marriage, that's a conversation worth having with Psonya early, because documenting it properly from the start is key.
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In Tennessee, you can file in the county where either spouse currently resides, the county where both spouses last lived together, or the county where your spouse lives if they're a Tennessee resident. For most Memphis-area couples, that means Shelby County Circuit or Chancery Court at 140 Adams Avenue downtown. The Shelby County Courts are pretty quick nowadays, so we recommend going there if you’re able to.
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Contact Psonya Hackett Law Today
Memphis is a resilient city, but resilience doesn't mean going it alone. Whether you're in Midtown, Cordova, Collierville, or right down the street from our East Memphis office, if you need a trusted lawyer for contested divorce in the Memphis area or anywhere in Mississippi, Psonya Hackett Law is ready to help.
Let's talk, figure out your options, and get you moving forward.