Nobody plans on needing a family lawyer. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs land you in the middle of a legal battle—fighting for your children, your home, and your future. If you’re navigating divorce, custody, support, adoption, or any other family issue in Nashville, you don’t have to do it alone.
The Nashville family law attorneys at Durak Law know that behind every case is a real family facing a difficult chapter. We serve clients throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee with clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and steady support—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you need answers now, we’re here to help. Call us at (629) 210-0866 or reach out through our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
How Can a Nashville Family Law Attorney Help?
Maybe a divorce caught you off guard. Maybe a custody arrangement stopped working. Maybe you’re ready to adopt—or you’re worried about protecting your financial future. Whatever brought you here, the process can feel overwhelming. Our job is to bring order to the chaos:
- Listen first. Your goals drive the strategy. We’ll learn your priorities and map a plan that makes sense for your family.
- Translate the legalese. Tennessee family law has rules, timelines, forms, and procedures. We explain your rights and options in plain English.
- Negotiate strategically. Many cases resolve without a trial. We work toward fair, durable settlements that protect your interests.
- Litigate when necessary. If court is the right path, we prepare meticulously and advocate relentlessly.
We also help you understand the local process—Nashville’s filing venues, forms, mediation requirements, and courtroom practices—so there are fewer surprises and more clarity at every step.
What Family Law Matters Do We Handle?
Family law covers a wide range of issues that affect your home, finances, and parenting relationships. Our Nashville team helps with the matters below.
Divorce
If you’re considering divorce in Nashville, it helps to understand how Tennessee law works. Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. “Irreconcilable differences” is the most common no-fault ground. Fault grounds (such as adultery or abandonment) still exist but are less frequently used unless strategy or proof considerations make them appropriate.
Typical Tennessee Divorce Steps
- Filing the Complaint: One spouse files in the appropriate Davidson County court.
- Service of Process: The other spouse is served and given time to respond.
- Temporary Relief: Courts can enter temporary orders covering parenting time, support, and exclusive use of property while the case is pending.
- Disclosures & Discovery: Financial affidavits, document exchange, and (sometimes) depositions ensure transparency.
- Mediation/Negotiation: Most cases resolve via settlement, including court-ordered or agreed mediation.
- Trial (if needed): A judge decides unresolved issues like property division, alimony, and custody.
For statewide court information and forms, see the Tennessee judiciary’s official resources at tncourts.gov. For Nashville filings and dockets, visit the Davidson County courts:
- Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk
- Chancery Court Clerk & Master (Davidson County)
- General Sessions Court (Davidson County)
Legal Separation
Not everyone wants an immediate divorce. Tennessee recognizes legal separation, which can set custody, support, and property arrangements while the marriage remains intact. It may be useful for couples exploring reconciliation, preserving certain benefits, or proceeding for religious or practical reasons.
Child Custody & Parenting Plans
Tennessee custody decisions center on the “best interests of the child.” Courts generally require a Permanent Parenting Plan that allocates decision-making authority and parenting time. For statewide guidance, review the Parenting Plan resources and forms on the judiciary’s site.
- Child’s needs and stability: Continuity, school, healthcare, and routines matter.
- Parent-child relationships: Each parent’s involvement and history of caregiving.
- Co-parenting and communication: Ability to foster a healthy relationship with the other parent.
- Safety considerations: Substance abuse, domestic violence, or other risk factors.
- Child’s preference: Considered with maturity and context.
We help you build a practical plan that works day-to-day—and is detailed enough to prevent future conflict.
Child Support
Tennessee uses guidelines to calculate support based on incomes, parenting time, health insurance, childcare, and other factors. See the official Tennessee Child Support Guidelines and related materials. The Department of Human Services also provides program information at tn.gov/humanservices.
If circumstances change—job loss, relocation, medical needs—we can seek a modification consistent with Tennessee law.
Modifications & Enforcement
Parenting plans, custody, and support orders can be modified when there’s a material change of circumstances and an adjustment is in the child’s best interests. If an existing order isn’t being followed, enforcement (including contempt) may be appropriate.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
A thoughtful agreement can protect separate property, business interests, and inheritance rights, and can reduce conflict if a marriage ends. We ensure the agreement is drafted and executed with the formalities necessary for enforceability under Tennessee law. For marriage license logistics in Davidson County, see the County Clerk’s Marriage License page.
Adoption
Whether agency, foster care, stepparent, or relative adoption, we guide you through home-study requirements, consents, termination issues, and finalization. Start with Tennessee adoption resources at the Department of Children’s Services: tn.gov/dcs, and review court forms at tncourts.gov.
Alimony (Spousal Support)
Tennessee recognizes several types of alimony (rehabilitative, transitional, in futuro, and in solido). Courts analyze need and ability to pay, length of marriage, earning capacities, health, standard of living, and contributions (including homemaking and career sacrifice). We build evidence-driven presentations that reflect your financial reality—now and in the future.
Parental Rights
Establishing (or challenging) paternity, protecting decision-making rights, and addressing relocation requests all require careful strategy and compliance with Tennessee statutes and local rules. We help ensure your parental rights are recognized and enforced.
Grandparents’ Rights
In specific circumstances, grandparents may petition for visitation when it serves the child’s best interests. These cases are fact-intensive; we assess standing, harm factors, and best-interest criteria to position your petition (or defense) effectively.
Property Division (Equitable Distribution)
Tennessee follows equitable distribution—“fair,” not necessarily 50/50. We distinguish marital from separate property, address complex assets (retirement accounts, restricted stock, closely held businesses), and work with valuation experts when needed. The goal is a durable division that reflects contributions, needs, and future stability.
Nashville Family Court Process: What to Expect
Every case is unique, but most Nashville matters involve the following stages:
- Venue & Filing: Cases are typically filed in Davidson County courts. Visit the Circuit Court Clerk and Chancery Clerk & Master for clerk information, filing fees, and dockets.
- Parenting Class (when required): Courts may require approved co-parenting classes in cases involving minor children.
- Mandatory Disclosures: Financial affidavits and supporting documents are exchanged early.
- Mediation: Many family cases require or benefit from mediation under Tennessee’s Alternative Dispute Resolution program (see Mediation Program).
- Hearings & Orders: Temporary orders may stabilize finances and parenting; final orders resolve all issues.
- Post-Judgment: Modifications and enforcement actions address changes or non-compliance after entry of the final decree.
Domestic Safety & Orders of Protection
Safety comes first. If you or your children are at risk, an Order of Protection may be available. Review statewide guidance at the judiciary’s Orders of Protection Self-Help page and contact local law enforcement or the court for immediate assistance. We can file petitions swiftly and coordinate safety planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary by issue complexity, court calendars, discovery needs, and whether settlement is possible. Many cases resolve in months; litigation can take longer.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases resolve at mediation or through negotiated agreements. If a trial is necessary, we prepare you for each step.
Will I have to share 50/50?
Tennessee uses “equitable” distribution for property and “best interests” for parenting time—both are case-by-case, not one-size-fits-all.
Can orders be changed later?
Yes. Significant changes in circumstances can justify modifications to parenting or support. We’ll evaluate your facts against Tennessee standards.
Why Choose Durak Law for Your Nashville Family Law Matter?
- Client-first strategy: Your priorities determine the plan.
- Local insight: We work in Nashville courts and know the procedures, preferences, and forms.
- Negotiation + Trial: We pursue settlement where it serves you—and litigate when it doesn’t.
- Clear communication: Expect straightforward guidance, realistic timelines, and practical next steps.
Talk with a Nashville Family Law Attorney Today
You’re not just a case number. You’re a parent, a spouse, and someone building a new chapter. The Nashville team at Durak Law is ready to help you protect what matters most and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Get answers today. Call us at (629) 210-0866 or send a message through our contact page to schedule your free consultation.
