Divorce Lawyer in Nashville, TN — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Hiring the right divorce lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee can have a significant impact on your parenting rights, financial security, and long-term stability. Whether you're preparing for an uncontested divorce or dealing with high-conflict custody issues, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about divorce in Nashville — including court procedures, attorney costs, residency rules, and affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Nashville?

You may need a Nashville divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or refusal to cooperate

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or complex assets

• A family-owned business or high net worth

• Domestic violence or safety concerns

• Disagreements over alimony

• Suspected hidden assets or income

• A case likely to require hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules and custody

• Child support and alimony

• Division of assets and debts

• Retirement and investment accounts

• Who stays in the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Nashville divorce forms for far less than hiring a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in Nashville, TN

Divorces in Nashville are handled by the Davidson County Circuit Court and Davidson County Chancery Court, depending on the nature of the case.

Primary Filing Location

Davidson County Circuit Court — Domestic Relations Division
Historic Courthouse
1 Public Square
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-5181

Additional Filing Location

Davidson County Chancery Court
1 Public Square
Suite 308
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-5710

These courts handle:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Parenting plans & custody

• Child support & spousal support

• Domestic violence orders of protection

• Mediation & case management

• Settlement conferences & trials

Tennessee allows e-filing through the state’s electronic filing system for many documents.

Tennessee Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Nashville:

• One spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least 6 months, OR

• Be a Tennessee resident when the grounds for divorce occurred

Tennessee allows both no-fault and fault-based divorces.
Most couples file under no-fault “irreconcilable differences.”

How Divorce Works in Nashville, TN

Here’s how the divorce process typically works in Davidson County:

1. File a Complaint for Divorce

This initiates the divorce and outlines basic information about the marriage.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service must be completed by sheriff, process server, or voluntary acceptance.

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

Tennessee requires:

• 60 days (no minor children)

• 90 days (with minor children)

4. Required Disclosures & Financial Documents

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income details

• Lists of assets and debts

• Tax returns and pay stubs

• Retirement and pension statements

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Davidson County requires:

• A complete Parenting Plan

• A mandatory Parent Education Seminar

• Mediation if custody is disputed

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested cases may proceed to final hearing.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Mediation

• Guardian ad litem involvement

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Divorce

A judge signs the final decree, officially dissolving the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Nashville, TN?

Attorney fees in Nashville vary based on the complexity of the case.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$450

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000–$5,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or high-conflict cases: $30,000–$70,000+

Custody disputes and large asset divisions significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Nashville, TN

Here are trusted Nashville divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. MillerUpshaw Family Law, PLLC

https://www.nashvillefamilylaw.com

2. The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates

https://www.altshulerlaw.com

3. Stovall & Associates

https://www.stovallandassociateslaw.com

These firms handle custody litigation, mediation, asset division, and contested divorce cases.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need to hire a lawyer.

Divorce.com offers affordable flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Tennessee divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the Davidson County Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These options offer a much more affordable path than traditional attorney representation.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Nashville divorce lawyer if:

• A custody battle is expected

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• Domestic violence is involved

• You own a business or have significant assets

• One spouse may be hiding income or assets

• Litigation or trial is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Nashville Couples

• Tennessee-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than traditional law firms

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com helps Nashville families move forward with stability and confidence.

Start Your Nashville Divorce Today

Whether you work with a local divorce lawyer or choose an online platform, starting the process is the most important step. Divorce.com provides a fast, affordable, and stress-free way for Nashville couples to complete their divorce.