Most lawyers and judges agree that a settlement will almost always be more advantageous than the outcome of a controversial trial. A comparison is preferable because there are more possibilities of compromise and rigour in comparison than in a court decision. In Tennessee, the divorce process begins with filing a “complaint.” The person who seeks divorce first is the complainant. This is sometimes called a divorce application. For example, a parent seeking divorce cannot really apply for custody of a child, but can apply for family allowances from the other parent. For example, a mother who expects to obtain the status of primary parent may negotiate that the father will pay for certain university expenses for the children. In divorce proceedings, the court does not have the power to impose this obligation on the father, since Tennessee courts generally cannot impose parental obligations on adult children. Another advantage of the negotiated agreement is that a party to the divorce can retain more control. The decision whether or not to settle a divorce case rests with the client and only with the client. While a lawyer may recommend for or against a proposed transaction, the final decision always remains on the client`s side.
Once the complaint has been filed, the author of the court issues a summons to appear. In order for an action to begin, the complaint and subpoena must be served on the other spouse. Certain conditions for service must be met, failing which divorce cannot be granted. Typically, in Nashville (Davidson County), Franklin (Williamson County) or Memphis (Shelby County), a sheriff`s deputy or private trial server will file a complaint and subpoena the other spouse. A new mode of use is by mail. A lawyer can take legal action against another lawyer or person, and the person receiving the complaint can sign a waiver of Service of Process that confirms receipt of the complaint by mail. This can help keep spending low. If the person receiving the request to waive service of the trial refuses to accept the service by mail and refuses to sign the waiver, the person who wishes to file the complaint or petition may ask the Court to assess the cost of the trial server for the person who refuses to sign the waiver. For more information, see the 5 Benefits of Submitting First in My Tennessee Divorce.