Franklin Divorce Lawyers
Protect Your Future With a Trusted Divorce Attorney in Franklin
Going through a divorce often marks a difficult time in life, bringing personal challenges along with legal and financial issues to resolve. Spouses in Franklin need confidence that their divorce attorney manages all the details that will shape the next phase of life, including property division, child custody and support, and alimony.
The lawyers at Garrett Talley & Thorington have served clients in Franklin and the Greater Nashville Area since 1973. Clients can have peace of mind, knowing we remain attentive to every aspect of the divorce settlement and strongly advocate for their best interests.
Living in Franklin comes with its own considerations—such as residency requirements and unique filing procedures in Williamson County. We guide spouses through each document, court deadline, and mediation session required for divorce in the region. Our knowledge of local resources helps you find clarity from the start and move forward with confidence.
Call (629) 245-2933 or contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Franklin divorce lawyers today.
Divorce Process & Timeline in Franklin
Understanding the divorce process in Franklin and Williamson County helps set realistic expectations and supports better decision-making along the way.
Key steps in the process include:
- Filing the complaint: One spouse files a complaint for divorce with the Williamson County Chancery Court. To qualify, you or your spouse must have lived in Tennessee for at least six months before filing.
- Service and response: After filing, the court serves the complaint on the other spouse, who has the opportunity to respond.
- Uncontested divorces: When spouses agree on parenting time, property division, and support, the court may schedule a final hearing after the waiting period—60 days without minor children or 90 days if children are involved.
- Contested divorces: These cases may include motion hearings, mediation, and trial. Local courts often encourage mediation to resolve disagreements before trial.
Working with a local divorce lawyer familiar with Tennessee statutes and Williamson County procedures helps you move through each step efficiently. Our family law experience with local rules, deadlines, and court personnel allows us to minimize delays and ensure every stage—from filing to final decree—aligns with your goals.
Each divorce case in Franklin is unique, but preparation, documentation, and consistent communication with your attorney can make a significant difference, reducing stress and improving your overall outcome.
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Personalized Divorce Solutions in Franklin, TN
One advantage of working with experienced lawyers like those at Garrett Talley & Thorington is the ability to tailor solutions for each case. Every situation is different, and the approach for your divorce settlement should reflect your specific needs. We take time to understand your situation, listen to your concerns, and address your goals. This commitment helps us pursue solutions that support your best interests.
At our firm, we offer comprehensive family law and divorce services designed to meet the needs of Franklin and Williamson County families, including:
- Child custody and visitation: Helping parents develop parenting plans that support stability and cooperation.
- Child support: Ensuring financial arrangements reflect state guidelines and your family’s real needs.
- Property and asset division: Guiding equitable distribution of marital property, real estate, and retirement accounts.
- Spousal support or alimony: Advocating for fair outcomes based on income, contributions, and future needs.
- Mediation and negotiation: Promoting collaborative solutions to minimize conflict and save time.
- Post-divorce modifications: Assisting with custody, support, or alimony changes when life circumstances evolve.
Whether your case involves a simple uncontested divorce, an annulment, or a complex property division, our Franklin divorce attorneys provide the focused guidance and personal attention you deserve.
What to Expect in Franklin Divorce Hearings
When you attend a divorce hearing in Franklin, proceedings usually take place at the Williamson County Chancery Court. The court reviews your agreements, disputes, and next steps based on your case’s details. The process is structured but focused on fairness and efficiency.
Being ready for court means understanding local procedures, required documentation, and testimony guidelines. We ensure clients feel confident and informed by:
- Reviewing what to expect before each hearing
- Explaining timelines and possible questions
- Outlining what happens if additional hearings are required
Judges in Williamson County value honesty, preparation, and respect. Whether you attend an initial hearing, status conference, or trial, staying composed and prepared can directly influence the outcome. Our Franklin divorce lawyer helps you approach each step with clarity, professionalism, and confidence.
The Grounds for Divorce in Tennessee
Tennessee offers two different ways to file for divorce—either no-fault or fault-based. The right path depends on the circumstances, and while the path chosen won’t affect the property division, it could impact alimony or child custody.
Fault-Based Divorce
These are some of the primary reasons spouses may choose to file for fault-based divorce:
- Adultery. When one partner has engaged in an affair or has shown a pattern of unfaithfulness, it can deeply harm the trust and foundation of the marriage.
- Substance abuse. Ongoing struggles with drugs or alcohol during the marriage can create an unstable and painful environment.
- Felony conviction. Facing a spouse’s imprisonment following a felony conviction can place a heavy strain on the relationship.
- Cruel and unusual treatment. Nobody should endure domestic violence, consistent emotional harm, or an environment that feels hostile and demeaning.
- Desertion. If one spouse leaves the marriage without reasonable cause and does not return for at least a year, it can feel like an overwhelming betrayal.
- Refusal to relocate. When one partner refuses to join the other in Tennessee and remains apart for at least two years, the marriage may be irreparably fractured.
- Undisclosed pregnancy. Discovering after marriage that your partner is expecting a child with someone else can be heartbreaking, especially if it was kept a secret.
- Bigamy. Discovering that your spouse is legally married to someone else can be a devastating and shocking revelation.
Our Franklin divorce lawyers can advise whether a fault-based divorce may be appropriate for your situation.
No-Fault Divorce
Other grounds for divorce include:
- Irreconcilable differences. When both spouses acknowledge that the marriage can no longer be saved, they can file for divorce without alleging fault.
- Separation. If spouses have lived apart for two straight years without reconnecting and have no minor children between them, they are eligible for no-fault divorce.
Our firm helps you prepare the required documentation, such as marital dissolution agreements and parenting plans, for filing in Williamson County, so you can move ahead with clarity and security.
Our Core Values
Guiding Every Case with Integrity and Purpose
At Garrett Talley & Thorington, our values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of how we serve our clients. From honest communication to strategic advocacy, these principles shape every decision we make and every relationship we build.
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Dedicated to Protecting Your FutureWhether you're facing divorce, custody, or another family law matter, we’re here to secure the best outcome for you and your family.
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Personalized Advocacy for Every ClientNo two families are the same. We take the time to understand your story and craft a legal approach that protects what matters most to you.
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Clear Communication. Strategic Guidance.We keep you informed every step of the way, offering honest advice and a well-defined legal strategy built around your goals.
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Proven Legal Experience You Can TrustWith decades of combined experience, our attorneys deliver reliable, results-driven representation in even the most complex cases.
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Compassionate Counsel When It Matters MostWe understand the emotional weight of family law matters and provide empathetic guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.