The first step an individual should take if they want to initiate a divorce in Chattanooga is to meet with an attorney. The next practical thing that must happen is actually filing a complaint for divorce. In the context of an uncontested case, that complaint is filed along with agreed-upon paperwork that each party has signed, and the couple would then start the waiting period before being granted the full divorce. Once the waiting period has expired, they can schedule the final hearing. Conversely, a contested case could be initiated by filing the complaint and having the other spouse served, eventually leading to conflict in court.