Guardianship Attorney in Franklin
Five Decades of Family Law. We Know How Williamson County Courts Work.
Guardianship is a court-supervised legal arrangement that places decision-making authority over a minor child or incapacitated adult in the hands of a court-appointed guardian. For Franklin families, these proceedings run through the Williamson County Chancery Court and involve procedural requirements that are difficult to navigate without experienced legal guidance. Garrett | Talley & Thorington has handled family law matters in Franklin, Davidson County, and the greater Nashville area since 1973, and we know how these cases move through the local court system.
Families typically come to us when time matters: a parent has become unable to provide care, an aging relative can no longer manage their financial affairs, or a child is about to receive assets through an inheritance or settlement. Whatever the circumstances, we work to give our clients a clear path forward.
If you’re dealing with a guardianship matter in Franklin, we’re ready to help. Call us at (629) 245-2933 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Why Franklin Families Choose Garrett | Talley & Thorington
Over five decades of family law practice in Franklin means we aren’t learning the Williamson County Chancery Court’s procedures on your case. We know the filing requirements, the reporting obligations, and what judges look for when evaluating petitions. That familiarity can translate into more efficient representation for our clients.
What we hear from clients most often is that they needed someone who would actually listen. We keep caseloads manageable so clients receive one-on-one attention and clear communication at every stage. No hand-offs to paralegals, no unreturned calls.
We offer both in-person consultations at our office near Downtown Franklin and virtual meetings for clients whose schedules or circumstances make traveling difficult. Every legal strategy we develop is tailored to the specific situation, not pulled from a template.
If we’ve earned your trust, we’d be honored if you left us a 5-star review. Your feedback helps others in our community find reliable legal support—and it means the world to our team.
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship Under Tennessee Law
Tennessee law draws a clear distinction between these two arrangements, and getting the terminology right matters for how your petition is filed. Under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 34, guardianship refers to court-granted authority over a minor child. Conservatorship, sometimes called adult guardianship, refers to court-granted authority over an adult who can no longer manage their personal or financial affairs due to physical or mental incapacity.
Within minor guardianship, the court may assign two distinct roles:
Guardian of the Person
This role gives the guardian legal authority over the child’s day-to-day life, including where the child lives, health care decisions, and education. It’s the primary form of guardianship in most family situations.
Guardian of the Estate
This role gives the guardian authority to manage a minor child’s financial assets and property, subject to ongoing court oversight. Tennessee law doesn’t allow a minor to manage financial assets independently, so a guardian of the estate is required when a child stands to receive money through a will, a life insurance policy, or a personal injury settlement.
In many cases, the same individual serves in both roles. The court may appoint different people depending on the circumstances and what arrangement best serves the child’s interests.
When Franklin Families Seek Guardianship Counsel
Guardianship of a minor commonly arises when both parents have died, when parental rights have been terminated, or when a parent has become incapacitated. Adult conservatorship most often involves individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, developmental disabilities, or cognitive impairments resulting from injury.
Tennessee courts structure conservatorships as narrowly as possible. Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities retain all legal rights except those specifically removed by the court’s order. The goal isn’t to strip autonomy; it’s to protect the individual in areas where they genuinely can’t protect themselves.
How Guardianship Proceedings Work in Williamson County
Guardianship petitions are filed in the Williamson County Chancery Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over these proceedings in the county. The Chancery Court Clerk and Master issues letters of guardianship, the formal document that authorizes a guardian to act on a ward’s behalf. The general process follows these steps:
Steps in a Williamson County Guardianship Case:
- Filing the petition: Documentation about the ward and the legal grounds for guardianship is submitted to the Chancery Court.
- Notifying interested parties: Family members and other interested individuals must be notified of the proceeding.
- Medical evaluation (conservatorship cases): A written evaluation from a licensed medical professional is typically required to document an adult’s inability to manage their own affairs. Requirements vary by case.
- Court hearing: A judge reviews the evidence and evaluates whether guardianship is appropriate and who should be appointed.
- Appointment and letters of guardianship: If the petition is granted, the court issues an order appointing the guardian and the Clerk and Master issues letters of guardianship.
- Ongoing reporting: Appointed guardians and conservators are required to file periodic reports and accountings with the Chancery Court.
Depending on the situation, guardians may also be required to post a bond. Not every situation calls for formal guardianship, either. Documents like powers of attorney can sometimes accomplish the same protective goals with less court involvement. We can help you evaluate which approach fits your circumstances.
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.