About Us

Responsibilities & Services

The Shelby County Divorce Referee's Office was created in 1973 to replace the Divorce Proctor's Office, which was established in 1915. This office reviews and monitors all divorce complaints filed in Shelby County to assure compliance with local state and federal laws. The Divorce Referee:

  • Attends divorce trials
  • Conducts hearings to set temporary (pendente lite) child support, alimony, and attorney fees
  • Enters an appearance in every divorce case

 With the help of eight part-time referees, the divorce referee proctors approximately 3,200 divorces and conducts more than 2,000 temporary support hearings annually. Divorce referees are prohibited, however, from representing and/or giving legal advice to either party in a divorce action.

 View the Divorce Referee's Office staff directory.

Uncontested Divorces

The Court will hear Uncontested Divorces on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in Division III. Attorneys may appear on behalf of and with their clients. Uncontested divorces may be heard via Affidavit if there are no minor children and the other procedures disclosed herein are complied with. Divorces with children require a hearing. Uncontested divorce hearings will be conducted in person unless permission to attend via Zoom is requested and granted by Judge Frulla based on special circumstances.