Top Divorce Attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee — Custody & Property Cases

Divorce attorneys in Nashville work under Tennessee's mandatory waiting period. The court cannot finalize a divorce for 60 days, or 90 with minor children. That cooling-off time gives both sides room to resolve the hard issues. The firms below handle custody, property, and alimony disputes across Davidson County.

To compile this list, we review Nashville Divorce Lawyers based on public information, client feedback, and professional standing.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Consistency of public reviews across multiple platforms

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated Nashville Divorce Lawyers with Trial & Mediation Experience

Screenshot of the Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC Website

Miller Upshaw Family Law is a divorce and family law firm in Nashville, TN. Founding attorney Karla C. Miller and partner Rachel Sharp Upshaw lead the practice. The team handles divorce, child custody, alimony, and child support across Davidson County.

Their work covers high-conflict and contested divorce, same-sex divorce, and complex asset division. They also take on business valuations, parenting plans, and prenuptial agreements. Post-divorce modifications and appellate advocacy round out the practice.

The firm guides families through both negotiated settlements and courtroom litigation. Clients can schedule an in-person or video consultation.

Screenshot of the MHPS Law Website
2122 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA

Six partners lead MHPS Law, a Nashville firm that serves individuals and families across Tennessee. Attorneys here handle divorce, child custody, and child support, along with estate planning and probate.

The practice also drafts prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and plans for blended families. With a focus on efficient case resolution, MHPS works to settle disputes without unnecessary delay. It stands among Nashville's established divorce and family law practices.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Roland T. Hairston, II & Associates Website

Roland Hairston is a Nashville family law attorney and the lead of Hairston & Associates. He serves clients throughout Davidson County and Sumner County, TN.

Attorney Hairston handles divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony. His firm also covers probate, estate planning, and mediation. As a Rule 31 listed family mediator, he helps many clients resolve disputes without a trial.

Screenshot of the Widrig Law PLLC Divorce Lawyers Website
101 Westpark Dr Suite 260, Brentwood, TN 37027, USA

James Widrig has guided Middle Tennessee families through divorce since 2007. His Brentwood firm, Widrig Law, has represented thousands of clients across the region.

Attorney Widrig takes on contested divorce, child custody, and parental relocation cases. He also handles adoption, termination of parental rights, and military divorce. Consultations are available by video, phone, or in person.

Screenshot of the Martin Sir & Associates Website
3200 West End Ave Suite 500, Nashville, TN 37203, USA

With over 40 years of experience, Martin Sir & Associates serves families on Nashville's West End. The firm covers divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division.

Its attorneys also handle collaborative and uncontested divorce, plus paternity matters across Middle Tennessee. A free 30-minute consultation is available.

Screenshot of the T. Leigh Hearn-Rushton Attorney at Law Website
109 Kenner Ave Suite L-102, Nashville, TN 37205, USA

T. Leigh Hearn-Rushton is a divorce attorney in Nashville who serves Davidson County families. She handles divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, and orders of protection.

Her practice centers on domestic relations matters and emphasizes clear, attentive communication. Attorney Hearn-Rushton has earned recognition from peers for her family law work.

Screenshot of the Michael Rivas Law, PLLC Website

Michael Rivas offers bilingual family law help in Nashville, with service in both English and Spanish. His practice covers divorce, child custody, and post-divorce enforcement and modification.

Attorney Rivas uses transparent billing and flat-rate pricing for many matters, so costs stay clear from the start. He also prepares wills and basic estate documents.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Radford Dimmick Website
UBS Tower, 315 Deaderick St, Suite 1550, Nashville, TN 37238, USA

Radford Dimmick is a Nashville attorney who has practiced in Tennessee since 1997, with more than 25 years of experience. His office handles family law and divorce, estate and trust matters, and business disputes.

Attorney Dimmick also serves as a mediator and favors direct, plain communication with his clients.

Screenshot of the The Rushton Law Firm, PLLC Website
109 Kenner Ave Suite L-102, Nashville, TN 37205, USA

The Rushton Law Firm is a full-service practice serving Davidson County and the surrounding counties. Its two attorneys, Harold Rushton and T. Leigh Hearn-Rushton, take on divorce and custody cases.

The firm also handles alimony, child support, and orders of protection. It works to guide clients back to normal life as quickly as possible.

Screenshot of the WalshLaw Divorce and Parenting Website
4535 Harding Pike Suite 108, Nashville, TN 37205, USA

WalshLaw is a Nashville practice focused on divorce and parenting matters since 2007. The firm handles legal separation, parenting plans, and child custody.

It also takes military divorce cases, which carry special rules for service members and pensions. Prenuptial agreements are part of the practice too.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Morgan Smith Website
1222 16th Ave S Suite 23, Nashville, TN 37212, USA

Morgan Smith has handled contested divorce cases in Nashville since 2007. He works on complex matters like business valuations and custody disputes.

His practice also covers same-sex divorce and the grounds that apply under Tennessee law.

Screenshot of the Brenda Clark, Attorney Website
1224 2nd Ave S Suite #102, Nashville, TN 37210, USA

Brenda Clark brings over 40 years of trial experience to Nashville divorce and custody cases. A former Senior Counsel for the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, she also handles wills and probate.

Clark works as a family mediator and offers a no-cost initial consultation.

Screenshot of the Audrey Lee Anderson Law Office Website
107 Music City Cir Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

Audrey Lee Anderson is a family law attorney who has practiced in Middle Tennessee since 1999. She handles divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, and paternity.

As a Rule 31-listed mediator, she works in litigation, mediation, and collaboration.

Screenshot of the Rogers, Shea & Spanos: Franklin Divorce Attorneys Website

Rogers, Shea & Spanos serves families in Franklin and Nashville with eight attorneys on staff. The firm is known for divorce litigation and also handles estate planning, probate, and business law.

Partners Rogers, Shea, and Spanos are all Rule 31 certified mediators trained in collaborative law.

Screenshot of the Jennifer Sheppard Website
2122 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA

Jennifer Sheppard handles probate and family law from her Nashville office. Her probate work covers conservatorships, estate administration, and will contests.

She also takes divorce and child custody cases, with a complimentary first meeting to discuss your options.

Screenshot of the Hodges Law, LLC Website
4117 Hillsboro Pike Suite 103-354, Nashville, TN 37215, USA

Hodges Law is a Nashville firm offering affordable, personalized legal help. The practice handles divorce, probate, wills, and conservatorships.

Attorney Michele Hodges provides a free 30-minute consultation with flexible fee options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce lawyer in Nashville cost?

Most charge hourly. Tennessee divorce lawyers usually bill by the hour, often with an upfront retainer. Some Nashville firms offer flat rates for uncontested cases. Ask about the fee structure during your consultation.

How long does a divorce take in Tennessee?

At least 60 days. The state sets a 60-day waiting period for couples with no minor children. It rises to 90 days when minor children are involved. Contested cases can run six months to well over a year.

What are the residency rules for a Nashville divorce?

Six months in-state. You or your spouse must live in Tennessee for at least six months before filing. Davidson County cases are filed in Circuit or Chancery Court. Military members stationed in the state may also qualify.

Does Tennessee require fault to get divorced?

No, not always. Tennessee allows a no-fault divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences. But a contested case needs agreement or proven fault grounds, like adultery or abandonment. Your attorney can advise which path fits.

How is property divided in a Tennessee divorce?

Equitable, not equal. Tennessee is an equitable distribution state. Courts split marital property fairly, which does not always mean 50/50. Property owned before the marriage usually stays with its owner.

How does child support work in Tennessee?

Income shares model. Tennessee combines both parents' incomes to set the support amount. Payments generally continue until the child turns 18 or finishes high school. Parenting time and childcare costs affect the figure.

Is mediation required before a divorce trial?

Often, yes. Davidson County courts frequently order mediation in contested cases before trial. Many Nashville attorneys are Rule 31-listed mediators. A signed agreement can let you skip mediation entirely.

Types of Divorce and Family Law Cases in Nashville

Contested Divorce. These cases involve disputes the spouses cannot settle on their own. They often cover property, alimony, or custody. Davidson County judges may order mediation before any trial.

Uncontested Divorce. Both spouses agree on all terms here. A signed Marital Dissolution Agreement speeds the process. These cases still face Tennessee's 60 or 90-day waiting period.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans. Tennessee requires a permanent parenting plan for minor children. Courts decide custody by the child's best interests. Parents must also finish a four-hour parenting class.

Child Support. Support follows Tennessee's income shares guidelines. Either parent can ask the court to modify an order. Changes usually require a real shift in income or custody.

Alimony and Spousal Support. Tennessee recognizes several types, including rehabilitative and transitional alimony. Courts weigh need against the other spouse's ability to pay. Some awards can be modified later.

High-Asset and Business Divorce. These cases involve complex property, such as a family business. Valuation often needs financial experts. Several Nashville firms handle business valuation in divorce.

Military Divorce. Service members face special rules on pensions and residency. Federal law affects how military benefits are divided. A few Nashville attorneys focus on these cases.

Post-Divorce Modification. Life changes after a divorce is final. Courts can revisit custody, support, or parenting plans. You must show a material change in circumstances.

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney in Nashville

Check Davidson County experience. Local judges and clerks each have their own routines. An attorney who works in Nashville courts knows them well.

Ask about mediation training. Many contested cases settle in mediation. A Rule 31 listed mediator can guide you toward a faster resolution.

Match the attorney to your case. A high-asset divorce needs different skills than a simple uncontested one. Pick someone who handles your type of case often.

Confirm the fee structure. Get the retainer, hourly rate, and billing terms in writing. Clear terms prevent surprises later.

Look for trial readiness. Most divorces settle, but some go to court. Choose someone prepared to try your case if talks fail.

What Affects a Nashville Divorce Outcome

Outcomes in a Tennessee divorce vary widely. Property division depends on what counts as marital versus separate property. Custody turns on the child's best interests, not a parent's wishes. Alimony depends on need and the other spouse's ability to pay. Fault, such as adultery, can affect alimony in some cases. A Nashville attorney can review your facts and give a realistic picture.