Top Divorce Attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee

Divorce lawyers in Nashville handle everything from simple uncontested splits to high-asset battles in Davidson County courts. Tennessee follows equitable distribution rules. That means property gets divided fairly, not always 50/50. Your choice of attorney shapes how custody, alimony, and assets are handled. Review the lawyers listed below and connect with the right fit for your situation.

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 for Every Stage of Your Case

Screenshot of the Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC Website

Miller Upshaw Family Law is a Nashville divorce law firm founded by Karla C. Miller and Rachel Sharp Upshaw. The team handles contested and uncontested divorces, high-conflict custody battles, and complex property division cases. They also work on same-sex divorce, alimony, child support, and parental relocation matters.

The firm sits near the Davidson County Courthouse on Woodland Street. Attorneys here manage prenuptial agreements, post-divorce modifications, and restraining orders. Miller Upshaw offers both in-person and video consultations for clients across Middle Tennessee.

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

Roland Hairston leads a Nashville family law practice serving Davidson County and Sumner County residents. His team handles divorce, child custody disputes, alimony, and child support cases. The firm also offers probate services, estate planning, and mediation.

Hairston & Associates takes a hands-on approach with each client. Attorney Hairston has built a reputation for strategic advocacy and clear communication. The Main Street office provides guidance for families facing difficult legal transitions in Middle Tennessee.

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

MHPS Law is a Nashville firm with six partners handling family law, estate planning, and probate litigation. The team manages divorce cases ranging from uncontested filings to high-asset disputes. They also handle child custody, spousal support, and adoption matters.

Attorneys here focus on swift resolutions rather than prolonged court battles. The firm serves clients throughout Middle Tennessee from its 21st Avenue South location. MHPS also offers wealth preservation services and prenuptial agreement drafting.

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

Widrig Law is a Brentwood family law firm serving clients across Middle Tennessee since 2007. James Widrig and his team handle contested divorces, military divorce cases, and complex custody disputes. The firm has represented thousands of clients in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and surrounding areas.

Attorneys here manage child support calculations, alimony negotiations, and parental relocation cases. They also draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Widrig Law has earned Super Lawyers recognition and multiple industry awards for family law representation.

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

Martin Sir & Associates brings over 40 years of family law experience to Nashville clients. The West End Avenue firm handles contested and uncontested divorces, child custody matters, and property division cases. They offer collaborative divorce options and mediation services.

The team includes attorneys with Super Lawyers recognition. Martin Sir & Associates provides initial consultations at no charge to discuss case options.

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 Nashville divorce attorney with a practice on Kenner Avenue. She handles divorce cases, custody disputes, and orders of protection. The firm also manages alimony and child support matters for Davidson County residents.

Hearn-Rushton has earned recognition on Avvo for her family law work.

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

Radford Dimmick has practiced law in Tennessee since 1997. His downtown Nashville office handles divorce, child custody, and probate matters. Dimmick is a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed Mediator for family and civil cases.

The firm offers direct communication with clients and practical legal guidance. Dimmick also manages business litigation and estate administration.

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

Aaron G. Walsh runs WalshLaw from Nashville's Harding Pike corridor. The firm focuses on divorce and parenting cases, including military divorce matters. Walsh has practiced family law since 2007.

He handles custody disputes, child support calculations, and alimony negotiations. The firm also works on parenting plan modifications and enforcement actions.

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

Morgan Smith is a Nashville attorney who concentrates on contested divorce cases. His 16th Avenue office handles divorces involving small businesses, custody disputes, and same-sex marriage dissolutions. Smith has practiced since 2007.

The firm works in both Davidson County's Third and Fourth Circuit Courts. Smith also manages high-conflict divorces where property division or parenting time remains disputed.

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 family law cases. She previously served as Senior Counsel for the Tennessee Attorney General's office. Clark handles divorce, child custody, and will disputes.

Her firm also offers family mediation services. Clark was featured on the Investigation Discovery Channel for estate litigation work.

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

The Rushton Law Firm handles divorce and child custody matters from its Kenner Avenue office. Attorneys Harold E. Rushton and T. Leigh Hearn-Rushton serve Davidson County and the surrounding areas.

The firm manages alimony disputes, child support cases, and orders of protection. They also handle contract disputes and personal injury claims.

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

Audrey Lee Anderson is a Nashville family attorney and Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator. She has practiced in Middle Tennessee since 1999. Her office handles divorce litigation, custody disputes, and collaborative family law matters.

Anderson holds a 10.0 Avvo rating. She works on paternity cases, prenuptial agreements, and grandparent visitation rights.

Screenshot of the Michael Rivas Law, PLLC Website

Michael Rivas Law serves Nashville families with bilingual legal services in English and Spanish. The Main Street firm handles divorce, child custody, and parenting plan modifications. Rivas offers flat-rate pricing for certain case types.

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

Rogers, Shea & Spanos operates from Franklin with a team of eight attorneys. The firm has handled thousands of family law cases across Middle Tennessee over 30 years. They manage divorce, custody, and high-asset property division matters.

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

Jennifer Sheppard is a founding partner at MHPS Law, focusing on probate and estate matters. She handles conservatorships, guardianships, and estate administration. Sheppard has earned Super Lawyers recognition from 2020 through 2025.

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

Michele Hodges founded Hodges Law to provide affordable legal services in Nashville. The Hillsboro Pike firm handles uncontested divorce, custody matters, and estate planning. Hodges offers initial consultations at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Nashville?

Fees depend on case complexity. Uncontested divorces with a signed agreement may cost a few thousand dollars in legal fees. Contested cases involving custody fights or high-value assets run significantly higher. Most Nashville divorce attorneys charge hourly rates and require an upfront retainer.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Nashville, TN?

Tennessee requires a mandatory waiting period. Cases without minor children must wait at least 60 days after filing. Cases with minor children require a 90-day wait. Uncontested divorces often wrap up shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested cases in Davidson County can take a year or longer.

Is Tennessee a 50/50 Divorce State?

No. Tennessee is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide marital property fairly, but not always equally. Judges weigh factors like marriage length, each spouse's earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. The final split could range anywhere from 60/40 to a near-equal division.

What Are Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee?

Tennessee allows both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is irreconcilable differences. Both spouses must agree on all terms for this option. Fault grounds include adultery, inappropriate marital conduct, abandonment, and habitual substance abuse. Fault can influence alimony awards.

Can I Get Alimony in a Nashville Divorce?

Alimony is possible but not guaranteed. Tennessee courts may award four types: long-term, rehabilitative, transitional, and lump-sum alimony. Judges consider factors like marriage length, each spouse's income, and the standard of living during the marriage. Marital fault can also affect alimony decisions.

Do Both Parents Attend Parenting Classes in Nashville?

Yes, in most cases. Tennessee law requires parents of minor children to complete a four-hour parenting education seminar before the divorce can be finalized. Davidson County courts enforce this rule strictly. Some Nashville courts waive this requirement for fully uncontested divorces.

What Happens if My Spouse Refuses to Sign Divorce Papers?

You can still proceed with a contested divorce. If your spouse refuses to cooperate, you file on fault-based grounds. The court will serve your spouse with papers. If they still do not respond, you may obtain a divorce by default after the required time passes.

Types of Divorce Cases in Nashville, Tennessee

Uncontested Divorce. Both spouses agree on all terms and sign a Marital Dissolution Agreement. This is the fastest and cheapest path. Most uncontested cases in Davidson County wrap up within 60 to 90 days.

Contested Divorce. Spouses disagree on key issues like property, custody, or alimony. These cases require litigation in Davidson County Circuit Court. Discovery, depositions, and possibly a full trial drive up costs and timelines.

High-Asset Divorce. Involves complex property like businesses, real estate portfolios, or retirement accounts. Nashville's growing economy means more couples face these issues. Accurate valuations and forensic accounting often play a critical role.

Military Divorce. Nashville's proximity to Fort Campbell brings unique military divorce considerations. Federal laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and USFSPA affect property division and support calculations.

Collaborative Divorce. Both spouses and their attorneys agree to resolve issues without going to court. This approach works well when both sides want privacy and control over the outcome.

Mediation-Based Divorce. A neutral mediator helps spouses reach an agreement on disputed issues. Nashville courts often encourage mediation before scheduling a trial. Success rates for divorce mediation are high.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Nashville

Prioritize Davidson County courtroom experience. Divorce cases here go through Circuit Court or Chancery Court. An attorney who knows local judges and procedures can anticipate how your case will be handled.

Ask about their approach to settlement vs. trial. Some lawyers push for quick settlements. Others prepare aggressively for trial. Choose one whose approach matches your situation and goals.

Verify experience with your specific issues. Custody disputes, business valuations, and military divorces each require specialized knowledge. Ask how many similar cases the attorney has handled recently.

Review fee structures upfront. Get a clear breakdown of hourly rates, retainer amounts, and estimated total costs. Ask what triggers additional charges, like expert witnesses or forensic accountants.

Check their communication style. Divorce cases create anxiety. You want a lawyer who returns calls promptly and explains legal options in plain language. Read client reviews for patterns on responsiveness.

Factors That Affect Divorce Outcomes in Nashville

Divorce outcomes in Davidson County depend on many variables. No two cases produce identical results.

Length of marriage matters most for alimony. Longer marriages increase the likelihood and duration of spousal support awards. Short marriages rarely result in long-term alimony.

Custody decisions follow the child's best interests. Tennessee courts weigh each parent's relationship with the child, stability of the home, and caregiving history. A well-drafted Permanent Parenting Plan strengthens your position.

Marital fault does not affect property division. Tennessee law divides property without regard to who caused the divorce. However, fault can influence alimony awards. Dissipation of assets, like gambling away marital funds, is a separate factor courts take seriously.

Complex assets require expert analysis. Business interests, stock options, and retirement accounts need proper valuation. Nashville's strong healthcare, music, and tech sectors mean many divorces involve non-standard assets that demand specialized appraisal.