01

Responsive to our client's
needs & questions

We have an experienced staff of Franklin divorce attorneys that allow us to be very responsive to our client's needs and questions.

Responsive to our client's
needs & questions

We have an experienced staff of Franklin divorce attorneys that allow us to be very responsive to our client's needs and questions.

02

Thousands of
cases handled

We have handled thousands of cases in Franklin, settled a majority of them for our clients, and have extensive and successful trial experience.

Thousands of
cases handled

We have handled thousands of cases in Franklin, settled a majority of them for our clients, and have extensive and successful trial experience.

03

We provide insight and
practical solutions

We are highly experienced and can provide insight and practical solutions for the tough problems you are facing.

We provide insight and
practical solutions

We are highly experienced and can provide insight and practical solutions for the tough problems you are facing.

04

Accomplished professionals
who look out for you

Our team of highly qualified professionals work effectively and efficiently to help you navigate this emotional and stressful process.

Accomplished professionals
who look out for you

Our team of highly qualified professionals work effectively and efficiently to help you navigate this emotional and stressful process.

Tennessee Family Law Attorneys

Franklin Divorce Attorney

EXPERIENCE & PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO OUR CLIENTS IN FRANKLIN

Divorce is a profoundly personal and often challenging life event that requires careful navigation through emotional, financial, and legal complexities. For residents of Franklin, Tennessee, finding a trusted divorce attorney who combines expertise, empathy, and a client-centered approach is essential to achieving a fair and sustainable outcome. At Rogers, Shea & Spanos, our Franklin divorce attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality legal representation tailored to your unique needs. With decades of experience in family law, we are committed to guiding you through the divorce process with clarity and confidence, ensuring your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.

Why Choose a Franklin Divorce Attorney?

Divorce involves more than just the legal dissolution of a marriage—it impacts your finances, family dynamics, and future stability. A skilled divorce attorney in Franklin serves as both a legal advocate and a strategic partner, helping you address critical issues such as property division, child custody, alimony, and more. At Rogers, Shea & Spanos, our attorneys bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of Franklin, TN family law to every case. Our firm is recognized across Tennessee for delivering personalized support and achieving successful outcomes, even in complex and high-conflict cases.

Hiring a local attorney offers distinct advantages. Franklin, located in Williamson County, has specific court procedures and judges with unique approaches to family law cases. Our attorneys, including partners who have clerked for Williamson County judges, possess intimate knowledge of the local legal landscape. This insight allows us to craft strategies that align with your goals while navigating the nuances of the court system effectively. Whether your divorce is uncontested, contested, or involves high-value assets, our team is equipped to provide the guidance you need.

Understanding the Divorce Process in Franklin

Tennessee law governs divorce proceedings, and understanding the process is crucial for making informed decisions. To file for divorce in Franklin, at least one spouse must have been a resident for six months, and the petition is typically filed in the county where the couple resides, such as Williamson County for Franklin residents. Divorces in Franklin fall into two main categories: uncontested and contested.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms, including property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. This process is generally faster and less costly, with a waiting period of 60 days for couples without children or 90 days for those with children. However, even in uncontested cases, consulting a Franklin divorce attorney is critical to ensure the agreement is fair and legally sound. Our attorneys review marital dissolution agreements to protect your rights and prevent future disputes, addressing complex issues like retirement account division or tax implications.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce arises when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention to resolve disputes. These cases can be emotionally and financially taxing, often taking months or even years to finalize. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who advocate aggressively in court while also exploring mediation and negotiation to minimize conflict. We handle all aspects of contested divorces, from asset valuation to parenting plan disputes, ensuring your interests are safeguarded.

Mediation and Collaborative Divorce

Tennessee courts often require mediation before a contested divorce proceeds to trial, and many cases settle through this process. Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates discussions to help spouses reach an agreement. Our Franklin mediation attorneys, including Rule 31 certified mediators like Helen Rogers and George Spanos, guide clients through mediation with a focus on practical, cost-effective solutions. We also offer collaborative divorce services, where both parties and their attorneys work together to resolve issues outside of court, fostering a less adversarial process.

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Actual Client Testimonials

“...you know you are in good hands...”

The best decision I made during my divorce was hiring Helen Rogers as my attorney. From the time you walk into her office and throughout your stay, you know you are in good hands. Ms. Rogers and her staff always made me feel that my case was important to them.

Teresa Perry
Google Review
“They perservered and fought...”

This review is long overdue. Helen Rogers, George Spanos, and Ethan Page helped me when I was at rock bottom. I truly don't know what I would have done had they not helped me with one of the most trying times of my life. They persevered and fought for me with a wonderful outcome!

Elizaveth Gharavi
Google Review
“...extremely knowledgeable”

I have never met a firm where they honestly care about their clients! Ethan and Jessica are phenomenal and I would refer them to anyone that is in need of a truly caring supportive attorney. Ethan is extremely knowledgeable and will do his best to help you with a positive outcome!

Connie Beard
Google Review
“...you know you are in good hands...”

The best decision I made during my divorce was hiring Helen Rogers as my attorney. From the time you walk into her office and throughout your stay, you know you are in good hands. Ms. Rogers and her staff always made me feel that my case was important to them.

Teresa Perry
Google Review
“They perservered and fought...”

This review is long overdue. Helen Rogers, George Spanos, and Ethan Page helped me when I was at rock bottom. I truly don't know what I would have done had they not helped me with one of the most trying times of my life. They persevered and fought for me with a wonderful outcome!

Elizaveth Gharavi
Google Review
“...extremely knowledgeable”

I have never met a firm where they honestly care about their clients! Ethan and Jessica are phenomenal and I would refer them to anyone that is in need of a truly caring supportive attorney. Ethan is extremely knowledgeable and will do his best to help you with a positive outcome!

Connie Beard
Google Review
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Awards & Memberships

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorces in Franklin

The timeline depends on cooperation and the existence of minor children.

  • Statutory Minimum: From the date of filing, Tennessee requires a mandatory waiting period: 60 days if the couple has no minor children, and 90 days if they have minor children.
  • Realistic Timeline (Uncontested): 3 to 4 months (allowing for paperwork, service, and docketing).

Realistic Timeline (Contested): 6 to 18 months. Contested cases require discovery, mandatory mediation, and often lengthy scheduling due to the busy docket of the Williamson County Chancery and Circuit Courts.

Most cases are settled out of court. Tennessee courts require mediation in most contested cases. This process involves a neutral third party helping the spouses negotiate a settlement agreement for all issues (custody, property division, spousal and child support). If a full agreement is reached, you may need to attend a brief final hearing to have the settlement approved by the judge.  However, most counties now allow the final hearing to be waived under most circumstances.

Custody is determined entirely by the "best interest of the child" standard (Tenn. Code Ann. $\S$ 36-6-106).

  • The court creates a Permanent Parenting Plan (PPP) that outlines the residential schedule and decision-making authority.
  • The court reviews a list of factors, including the emotional ties, the capacity of each parent to provide for the child, the stability of the family unit, and the child's developmental needs. Shared equal parenting time is increasingly common in Williamson County, provided it is in the child's best interest.

Child support is calculated using the Tennessee Child Support Guidelines (CSG).

  • It is determined by a complex formula that primarily factors in: 1) Both parents' gross incomes, 2) The number of children, 3) The number of days each parent spends with the children (parenting time), and 4) Costs for health insurance premiums, recurring major medical expenses for the children, and work-related childcare. Support is typically paid monthly.

Tennessee recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds.

  • No-Fault: The only true no-fault ground is Irreconcilable Differences (meaning the marriage has permanently broken down). This requires the parties to reach a full agreement that gets submitted to the Court for approval and entry as a final order.

Fault-Based: Common grounds include Abandonment, Adultery and Inappropriate Marital Conduct (cruelty, abuse, etc.). Establishing fault can sometimes be relevant to the distribution of marital assets or the award of alimony based on its economic impact to the family and marital estate.

Tennessee is an equitable distribution state.

  • The court will first identify "separate property" (owned before the marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) and "marital property" (acquired during the marriage). This is important because the court can only divide marital property.
  • The Court may also have to determine if separate property has been comingled or transmutated into marital property, or if it has developed a marital interest.

Marital property and debt are then divided equitably (fairly), which often means equally (50/50), but not always. Factors like economic misconduct or one spouse contributing separate property to marital assets may shift the division.

Alimony is not guaranteed but may be awarded based on one party's need and the other party's ability to pay.

  • The court reviews 11 specific factors (Tenn. Code Ann. $\S$ 36-5-121), including the length of the marriage, the relative earning capacities of the spouses, their age, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage. However, the law has made it clear that the need of the person receiving support and the ability to pay support by the other spouse are the two most important factors.
  • Tennessee recognizes four main types of alimony: rehabilitative, transitional, in futuro (periodic), and in solito (lump sum).

Since the family home is often the largest marital asset, the three main options are:

  • Buyout: One spouse purchases the other's interest, usually by refinancing the mortgage in their sole name and offsetting the other spouse’s equity interest with other assets including cash..
  • Sale: The home is sold, and the net proceeds are divided between the spouses according to the final property division agreement.

Delayed Sale: Less common, but sometimes ordered where one parent stays in the home with the children until a specific future date or event (like high school graduation), after which the home is sold or refinanced with proceeds sometimes divided at that time.

If your spouse is non-compliant, your attorney can ask the court to intervene.

  • The attorney can file Motions to Compel Discovery to force the exchange of documents and financial information.
  • The attorney can also file a Motion for Scheduling Order which will set court ordered deadlines that your spouse will have to comply with or face possible sanctions from the Court. 
  • If a party refuses to attend mandatory mediation or comply with court orders, the judge can also issue sanctions in these circumstances, which may include making decisions unfavorable to the non-compliant party or ordering them to pay the other party's legal fees.

The cost is determined by the level of conflict between the parties, not the attorney's hourly rate alone.

  • Uncontested/Mediated Cases: These are the least expensive, as the attorney's time is spent preparing documents and possibly attending no hearings or just one final hearing, but not being engaged in active litigation.
  • Contested Cases: These are significantly more expensive because they require intensive discovery, expert appraisals, depositions, multiple court hearings, and trial preparation, resulting in much higher billable hours. Your attorney will require a retainer (an upfront payment) and bill monthly.

Have more questions? Contact us for a free consultation with a trusted Franklin, TN divorce attorney.

Our Franklin Divorce Lawyers Can Help You Prepare For Life’s Legal Challenges

Key Issues in Divorce: How We Help

Divorce involves several critical components, each requiring careful consideration and legal expertise. At Rogers, Shea & Spanos, we provide comprehensive support to address the following:

Property Division

Franklin follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Separate property, such as inheritances or assets acquired before marriage, remains with the original owner, while marital assets are subject to division. Our experienced divorce lawyers in Franklin, TN excel in tracing and valuing complex assets, including businesses, retirement accounts, and real estate. For high-asset divorces, we work with financial experts to ensure accurate valuations and protect your financial interests.

Child Custody and Support

Child custody disputes are often the most emotionally charged aspect of divorce. Tennessee courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody and visitation arrangements. Our attorneys help create parenting plans that promote stability and meaningful parental involvement. We also assist with child support calculations, ensuring compliance with Franklin guidelines while addressing unique family circumstances.

High-Asset and Business Valuation

High-asset divorces require specialized expertise to address complex financial structures, such as business ownership or investment portfolios. Our Franklin divorce attorneys have a proven track record in high-net-worth cases, ensuring equitable division while minimizing tax consequences. For business owners, we conduct thorough valuations to protect your company’s value and future viability.

What to Look for in a Franklin Divorce Attorney

Selecting the right Franklin divorce attorney is a critical decision that can shape the outcome of your case. Focus on finding a legal team with proven knowledge, extensive experience, a strong reputation, and a commitment to client trust. At Rogers, Shea & Spanos, we exemplify these qualities, ensuring you receive exceptional representation tailored to your needs:

  • Specialized Knowledge: Our attorneys are deeply trained in Franklin family law, with certifications in mediation and collaborative divorce. We stay current with legal developments to deliver informed, effective strategies for every case.
  • Proven Experience: With decades of practice in Franklin and Middle Tennessee, our team has successfully managed diverse divorce cases, from amicable settlements to complex high-asset disputes, giving us the insight to handle your unique situation.
  • Respected Reputation: Rogers, Shea & Spanos is a trusted name in Williamson County, known for our integrity and client-centered approach. Clients consistently praise attorneys like Helen Rogers and Ethan Page for their compassionate, results-driven advocacy.
  • Client Trust: We build strong relationships through transparency, confidentiality, and clear communication. Our ethical approach ensures you feel supported and confident throughout the divorce process.
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Why Rogers, Shea & Spanos?

Choosing Rogers, Shea & Spanos means partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your well-being. Our Franklin office, located in the heart of Williamson County, offers a discreet and welcoming environment for consultations. We take a proactive approach, listening to your concerns, setting realistic expectations, and developing creative strategies to achieve your goals. Whether you’re facing a high-conflict divorce or seeking an amicable resolution, we tailor our services to your needs.

Our clients consistently highlight our dedication and professionalism. One client shared, “Helen Rogers and her team fought for me when I was at my lowest, delivering an outcome that exceeded my expectations.” Another noted, “Ethan Page’s knowledge and support made a difficult process manageable.” These reviews reflect our commitment to empowering clients during one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Take the First Step Today

Divorce is a journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A Franklin divorce attorney from Rogers, Shea & Spanos can provide the expertise and support you need to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re considering divorce, have been served papers, or need assistance with post-divorce modifications, we are here to help. Contact us today at (888) 521-9952 or online to schedule a consultation. Let us guide you toward a brighter, more stable future.