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Patricia Odell, Divorce Referee
140 Adams, Room 206
Memphis, TN 38103
(901)545-4036
patricia.odell@shelbycountytn.gov
Several years after the final divorce decree, a man decides he is paying too much in child support. He can appeal the final decree to the divorce referee who can modify the judgment via the order of a judge.
Acting as an arm of the Circuit and Chancery Courts, the divorce referee sets support payments for the period between the filing for divorce and the time it comes up for final hearing. A total of 3,100 such cases are heard annually. In addition, the referee must be in court to hear an estimated 4,700 more cases in the event he's called upon to rule upon them in the future.
The office has a staff of two full-time and eight part-time employees. The divorce referee is appointed by the mayor and is confirmed by the board of commissioners. | 
