Nashville Family Lawyer

Family Law Attorney In Nashville, TN

Family law cases are often complex not only logistically but also emotionally, too. That’s why it’s widely recommended to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable Nashville family lawyer. When you hire a family lawyer, you give yourself an invaluable set of skills and resources to get you through your case.

Our attorneys at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC (MBK Legal) bring over 50 years of combined family law experience to the table, and we’re ready to use it to empower you to achieve your goals in your case. From adoption cases to contested divorces to other complex family law matters, you can count on our team to see you through until the end.

Types of Family Law Matters Our Nashville Family Lawyers Handle

Family law covers a wide range of legal matters, all of which require compassionate and dedicated legal care. MBK Legal has experience navigating all types of family law cases through the Davidson County Circuit Court system. With our skilled Nashville family attorneys on your side, you can enjoy comprehensive legal support through any case:

• Adoption. The adoption process is a long and complicated one, which is why it’s highly recommended that you don’t go through it alone. A total of 1,630 children in foster care were adopted into their forever homes in Tennessee in a single year. While adopting a child is a joyful time, it’s also a complex one. With a Nashville family lawyer on your side, you can rest assured you’re checking all the boxes the first time around.
• Childcare. When courts make decisions regarding a child, they do whatever they believe works in the child’s best interest. You and your spouse have the opportunity to come up with a solution that works for everyone. Otherwise, it’s up to the court. Our team can help you navigate difficult decisions regarding child custody and visitation. We can also help establish and enforce child support orders.
• Divorce. Ending a marriage is a fairly straightforward process, but that doesn’t automatically make it an easy one. Even uncontested divorces come with their fair share of challenges, making it important for both parties to understand their rights and options throughout the process. A Nashville divorce attorney can streamline negotiations, represent your interests, and help with any issues that come up along the way.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence is one of the most complex areas of family law. It’s wise to hire a domestic violence lawyer to represent you in matters such as getting an order of protection or restraining order, or defending against domestic violence charges. We have experience both defending the accused and helping victims, giving us well-rounded knowledge on how Tennessee handles domestic violence cases.
• Divorce order modifications. As life goes on, it’s very common for people’s lives and living situations to change. Our team can help you make changes to existing orders from your divorce involving alimony, child custody or visitation, and child support. This is especially important if you’re planning to move across state lines.
• Grandparents’ rights. Grandparents typically do not share the same rights as parents when it comes to a child, which can put them in a tough situation if something happens. Obtaining custody or visitation rights as a grandparent can be complicated and emotionally draining. Our team can help you understand your rights and develop a legal strategy to get you back in your grandkid’s life.
• Paternity. Establishing paternity is important for everyone involved, especially the child. Our team helps mothers who want to establish the paternity of their children’s fathers and fathers who want that for themselves. Whether parties are cooperative or contentious, you can count on our Nashville family attorneys to assist you and help you through the process.
• Prenuptial agreements. Sometimes, partners decide they want to predetermine what happens to certain assets before getting married and sharing ownership over them. This is most common when partners have significantly different financial situations. Our attorneys can help draft your contract and ensure you make smart, effective decisions regarding your assets.
• Same-sex family law matters. Same-sex marriage is legally recognized throughout the country, allowing nontraditional couples to enjoy the same rights as everyone else. This also means they must go through the same legal procedures for family law matters. Our team offers the representation you deserve, ensuring you are granted the same rights and treatment throughout your case as a traditional couple.

When facing any type of family law matter, it’s important that you understand all your legal options before you. By working with a Nashville divorce lawyer, you can develop a sound legal strategy that gets you the outcome you deserve.

We’re here to offer whatever level of support you need. We keep you informed on every step of the process to ensure you’re never in the dark and help you work toward your desired outcome, no matter the situation.

Local Nashville Family Lawyers Near You

Nashville is one of the state’s most popular cities, known for its live music, honky tonks, and endless avenues for entertainment. Last year, visitors brought in $11.2 billion in spending in 2024 alone. That said, it’s the other side of the city that we focus on here at MBK Legal. The city is also home to approximately 708,772 residents, including many families.

Our Nashville family attorneys bring over five decades of experience navigating complex family law cases. We’re familiar with navigating the Davidson County Circuit Court system and have gone above and beyond to stay up to date on modern technology, ensuring we can offer a progressive approach and streamline communications throughout the process.

Over the years, our team has built a great reputation as a trustworthy family law firm. We’ve earned over 150 positive reviews from past clients and are involved in our community in the following ways:

• Avvo Client’s Choice Award winners
• Lead Counsel verified
• Rated by SuperLawyers®
• Tennessee Bar Association members

No matter how convoluted things get during your divorce case, you can count on our team to be there to guide you through every challenge and offer support wherever you need it. With over five decades of experience, we’re confident we can be the legal support you need.

FAQs

Do I Have to Hire a Nashville Family Lawyer for Family Law Matters?

You do not have to hire a family lawyer to get divorced in Nashville. That said, it’s wise to have a Nashville family attorney on your side whether you’re settling matters through negotiations or mediation, or if you’re taking matters to court. Your Nashville family attorney can negotiate on your behalf and represent your interests, ensuring you have a strong strategy for a fair settlement.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Family Lawyer in Nashville?

Before you can get an accurate estimate for hiring a Nashville family lawyer, you must understand the scope of your divorce case and the services you may need to get through it. For example, a complex divorce case that requires more from your attorney is likely going to be more expensive than an amicable, uncontested divorce.

When you hire a family lawyer, you can typically expect to pay a flat fee or an hourly rate, depending on the law firm.

Is Separate Property Ever Up for Division in a Divorce in Nashville?

While Tennessee recognizes the distinction between marital property and separate property, there are situations in which separate property can become eligible for division. Some common scenarios that bring separate property into the divorce conversation involve commingling, dissipation of assets, prenuptial and/or postnuptial agreements, or transmutation.

It’s important that you understand all your rights when it comes to your property in a divorce. A local Nashville family attorney can educate you and determine whether or not anything affects your divorce.

What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Custody Battle?

One mistake you can make when determining child custody is to create a parenting plan that does not have your child’s best interest at the heart of it. Tennessee courts are going to make choices based on what is most comfortable, healthy, and stable for the child. It’s important to remember that as you work with your spouse to make decisions about your child’s future. If you’re unable to come up with a parenting plan, the court decides instead.

Hire a Family Lawyer to Help With Your Legal Matters

Family law matters can be sensitive situations that require a clear plan and the right tools and support to get you through them. For simple uncontested divorces and complex cases alike, it’s helpful to have a Nashville family lawyer on your side. Your attorney can evaluate your situation and represent your interests on any matter. They can also guide you through any challenges that arise.

Our skilled attorneys at MBK Legal bring decades of combined experience handling complex family law cases. We understand the nuances of Tennessee’s divorce laws and are ready to help you through any situation, including navigating negotiations or going to court if we’re unable to reach an agreement with your spouse through arbitration or mediation. If you’re ready to learn more, get in touch to set up a consultation with a team member today.