Ellis HartNavigating family legal issues involves your future, your children, and your peace of mind.
When family dynamics shift, the focus often moves toward finding someone who can handle the local court system while treating your situation with the dignity it deserves.
A solid legal team serves as both a shield and a guide through the complexities of the local legal landscape. The goal is to find a professional who prioritizes your long-term stability rather than just a quick settlement.
We’ve researched the top family lawyers in Nashville to help you find an advocate who offers both legal expertise and genuine compassion during these pivotal life moments.
How much do family lawyers cost in Nashville?
Legal fees in Nashville often catch people off guard, making the initial cost feel like a significant hurdle.
Locally, hourly rates typically range from $250 to $450, depending on the attorney’s experience.
Most firms require a retainer, which acts as an upfront deposit. For straightforward situations, retainers usually cost between $2,500 and $5,000, though complex cases involving contested divorces can cost more than $10,000.
If both parties are on the same page and the matter is uncontested, look for flat-fee arrangements, which often land between $1,500 and $3,000.
While the price tag is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor in the decision. A seasoned lawyer who handles a custody dispute efficiently often saves a family more money over time than a cheaper alternative that lets the process linger for years.
1. Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC
Website: https://www.nashvillefamilylaw.com/
Address: 631 Woodland St
Contact: 615-378-6159
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Miller Upshaw Family Law manages high-stakes divorces involving significant assets or complex custody issues. If you anticipate a courtroom battle, this is likely where you want to start looking.
The firm builds a serious defense around personal interests while managing all necessary filings. Their primary strategy is to encourage the other side to settle more reasonably because everyone knows this team isn’t intimidated by a judge.
The team listens to the nuances of your case and advocates fiercely during negotiations.
They also navigate high-stakes negotiations with a steady hand, so your rights remain protected even when emotions run high.
While their skill is clear, their focus on litigation can be a downside for anyone hoping for a fast, quiet settlement.
Keep in mind that their high-level experience and detailed methods also mean they usually come with a higher price tag compared to smaller solo practitioners.
Will fight for you and what is in the your best interest
I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Upshaw on my divorce case. She has been fantastic and has been my advocate during these hard times. She will fight for you and what is in the your best interest. She does not just treat this like a job but genuinely cares. I would 100000% recommend her to anyone looking for someone prompt, organized, knowledgable, empathic, and real. I completely forgot to mention she is ruthless in the court. She is someone you would want on your side! Again thank you so much for all you have done for my family and getting us to the finish line!
– Bri Nichole, Google Review
Always professional and proactive about my case
I have had such a wonderful experience working with Taylor Rippe! She took me through almost two years of a very unique and tumultuous divorce/custody battle. Taylor was always professional and proactive about my case. She kept me updated at every step and provided valuable insight on every decision we made. I highly recommend her for any situations that involve uncooperative parties or that require non-traditional custody arrangements. She is everything you want in a lawyer that is helping you protect your family.
– Amanda Arcoleo, Google Review
2. Amanda Raye Thornton, Attorney at Law
Website: tnfathersrights.com
Address: 4117 Gallatin Pike, Suite 101
Contact: 615-470-2222
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Amanda Raye Thornton focuses on fathers’ rights, though she effectively represents anyone needing a strong voice in family court.
Operating under the domain “tnfathersrights” highlights a commitment to keeping parents, especially fathers, involved in their children’s lives rather than pushed aside during custody battles.
I appreciate her straightforward nature because she skips complex legal terms and tells people exactly what they need to know, even if it’s difficult. This approach is beneficial because it stops you from wasting cash on legal strategies that aren’t going to work.
Her firm also stays busy helping parents secure fair time with their children and managing the complex steps involved in adoptions.
One thing to consider is the emphasis on fathers’ rights, which may influence how some clients perceive the practice.
However, her track record shows she supports all families effectively.
Reminded me to focus on what was truly important
Going through a divorce isn’t exactly fun, but hiring the right divorce lawyer makes all the difference. My family law attorney in Lebanon was straightforward, honest, and told me exactly how to get the job done. When I wanted to let anger take over, she reminded me to focus on what was truly important, not just my temper. That kind of fair, no-nonsense advice is rare. If you’re searching for the best divorce lawyer in Lebanon who will be both tough and fair, she’s the one you want on your side.
– lane, Google Review
Thorough and so helpful during our adoption process
Amanda Thornton was recommended to us and she absolutely lived up to the raving recommendation that we received. Amanda is AMAZING! She was so thorough and so helpful during our adoption process. She explained all the steps along the way and assisted us with gathering some of the documents that we needed. She made the entire process seem seamless. And what a joyful day in court!!!! We officially have a daughter! I would recommend her to anyone with family law issues.
– Karen Crow, Google Review
3. Brad H. Frakes, Attorney At Law
Website: https://bradfrakesfamilylaw.com/
Address: 222 2nd Ave N Ste 220, Nashville, TN
Contact: 615-248-7854
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Brad H. Frakes offers a deeply personal approach to family law, focusing on restoring parental rights and reuniting families whenever possible.
He combines legal technicality with a genuine care for the client’s long-term well-being, frequently working through weekends to keep cases on track when the local courts move slowly.
On top of his genuine care for clients’ cases, he is also incredibly responsive. He often replies to texts or emails quickly, providing an accessibility rarely found in a field where long silences are the norm.
This direct communication helps reduce the anxiety that naturally comes with divorce or custody disputes.
His firm is known for its mission to “bring justice back” to those who believe they have been failed by the legal system.
The only real drawback is the office location in downtown Nashville. Navigating heavy traffic and finding a parking spot can be a headache for suburban clients.
I didn’t feel so lost after everything was handled at Brad Frakes Family Law
Thank you Brad, Sean, Nathan. All of you for bringing justice back to my family. It was a long and hard road, but you went above and beyond getting my full parental rights restored where they are rightfully so! The law is big, scary, and complicated however, I didnt feel so lost after everything was handled at Brad Frakes Famiky Law! The beginning was rough, but the end result reunited all of us, and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you!
– James Lee, Google Review
4. Digby Family Law, PLC
Website: https://www.digbyfamilylaw.com/
Address: 5123 Virginia Way STE C22, Brentwood, TN
Contact: 615-997-3741
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Digby Family Law handles cases ranging from prenuptial agreements and estate planning to divorce and litigation.
Located in Brentwood, they offer a convenient alternative for clients who want top-tier representation without fighting downtown Nashville traffic.
Their team is praised for meticulous preparation, ensuring that no detail is overlooked during mediation or trial.
I actually called their office last year for a consultation regarding a complex guardianship matter, and I was struck by how patient and non-judgmental they were right from the first meeting.
It didn’t feel like a transaction. It felt like they were genuinely assessing how to help.
The only real downside is that their cost can be a bit higher for a suburban area compared to other firms in the vicinity. Despite the cost, they cater to clients seeking a professional and deeply compassionate legal experience.
Extremely knowledgeable
I worked with Lindsey Davis at Digby Family Law for my divorce of a 25 year marriage. Lindsey was extremely knowledgeable, prompt on all appointments, and always prepared. I was very pleased with her professionalism, but the thing she showed me most was compassion. I wasn’t expecting that from an attorney. I highly recommend her, and would work with her again if any need for family law should arise.
– Angie Creasy, Google Review
5. Brighter Day Law Firm
Website: https://brighterdaylawtn.com/tennessee/
Address: 107 Music City Cir, Suite 200, Nashville, TN
Contact: 615-235-5358
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Brighter Day Law Firm helps Nashville families navigate legal stress and reach a peaceful future.
They are particularly strong in adoption cases and complex settlements, where their attention to detail shines.
Their attorneys act more like partners, guiding people through the emotional side of a case with a reliable approach. Instead of a single attorney, you get a full legal team to ensure you always have the support you need during the entire legal process.
Aside from the strong team dynamics, the firm also tries to make the office feel supportive rather than stiff or corporate.
They stay ahead of issues by solving them before they get blown out of proportion, which helps keep stress levels low for clients.
A notable downside, however, is that some clients might find the team approach less personal than having a single dedicated attorney, as you may interact with different staff members throughout your case.
It was very reassuring to see my case handled with care
I am extremely grateful to Jonathan Hesser for his professionalism, support, and guidance throughout the entire process of my divorce. He and Susan Byrum made the process much easier to navigate. It was very reassuring to see my case handled with care. If you want a team that pays attention to detail, fights for you, and looks out for your best interest, I highly recommend Jonathan and Susan. I feel like I gained two friends who walked with me through this very difficult season.
– Carolyn Schettler, Google Review
Extremely responsive and always knowledgeable
We had THE BEST experience with the adoption of our twins! Wende and Katie were extremely responsive and always knowledgeable throughout the process. I firmly believe we would still be months away from our finalized adoption without the two of them! Highly recommend the entire Brighter Day Law team!!! ❤️❤️❤️
– Jessica Hutson, Google Review
