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.

For a matter to be heard on a scheduled Wednesday morning, the documents must be submitted to the Circuit Court Division 3 Deputy Divorce Referee Gordon Olswing by email or fax prior to 2:00 pm on the Friday preceding the Wednesday hearing. Email is strongly preferred. Mr. Olswing’s email addresses are [email protected] and

[email protected]. His fax number is 901 755-2630. Each document (as disclosed herein below) to be scanned and emailed to the Deputy Divorce Referee for review shall be sent as a separate attachment to the same email. DO NOT submit documents to the Divorce referee as one attachment. Photographs of documents are not acceptable.

PRO SE Plaintiffs (those without an attorney) using the form divorce documents shall at the time of submitting documents to the Deputy Divorce Referee inform the Deputy Divorce Referee of the name of your and your spouse’s employers and/or if you are self-employed. You are to further inform the Deputy Divorce Referee if your employer offers a retirement plan including but not limited to a 401K, a 403b or other type plan. All documents submitted should include the attorney’s (or pro se party’s) contact phone number and email. The documents to be submitted for review to the Deputy Divorce Referee are as follows (subject to the parties having minor child(ren):

1. Affidavit (if no children and if the party is represented by counsel).

2. A filed stamped copy of the filed complaint (or any amendments thereto).

3. A filed stamped copy of the filed MDA (divorce agreement)

4. A copy of the proposed signed and notarized PPPO including but not limited to the CSW or JC Court recommendations.

5. A copy of the proposed FDD properly signed.

6. A copy of the military affidavit (if military waiver not included in the MDA) and even if filed.

7. A copy of the insurance notice (if appropriate provisions are not included in the MDA) and even if filed.

8. A Demographic form if appropriate and even if filed.

9. A copy of the Confidential Information Sheet even if previously filed with the Court.

10. A copy of the completed cost form.

11. Copies of the Court approved PES Certificate, if children. The parties must attend a Circuit Court approved Parenting Education Seminar. See the circuit Court’s web site for a listing of Court approved PESs.

 

The original signed FDD and PPPO (and Affidavit) are to be brought to court at time of the hearing.

The administrative documents such as the signed and dated cost form, confidential information sheet and the Demographic form are to be brought to Court to the hearing.

Please inform Mr. Olswing and the court room Clerk Ms. Harris by email should you strike the matter from the scheduled uncontested divorce docket.