Finding the Right Lawyer.

If you can't afford a lawyer, these organizations provide free civil legal services to low-income Tennesseans:

• Legal Aid Society — Middle TN & Cumberlands (48 counties) · 1-800-238-1443
• Legal Aid of East Tennessee — 26 East TN counties · 1-800-572-7457
• West Tennessee Legal Services · 1-800-379-4665
• HELP4TN — statewide online legal information

Income limits typically apply (at or below 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines). Call to see if you qualify.

Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) — lawyer referral service. You can search for attorneys by practice area and location.

Find an attorney: tba.org attorney search

Knoxville Bar Association LRIS: (865) 522-7501 — free initial consultation

Chattanooga Bar Association CLIPS: (423) 756-2600

Tennessee does NOT certify family law specialists through the state bar. However, the TN Commission on Continuing Legal Education recognizes specialists certified by ABA-accredited national organizations.

What to look for instead:

• AAML membership (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) — the gold standard for family law
• TBA Family Law Section membership — shows focus on family law
• NBTA certification (National Board of Trial Advocacy) — nationally recognized
• Experience — ask how many custody cases they've handled in your county
• Local knowledge — you want someone who knows the judges in your county

Hourly rates: $200–$500/hour (varies by county — Nashville/Memphis higher)

Retainer: $2,000–$10,000+ for contested custody cases

Flat fee: $1,500–$5,000 for uncontested divorce

Pro bono: Some attorneys take pro bono cases through legal aid organizations. Contact your local legal aid office to be matched.

Sliding scale: Some attorneys offer sliding scale fees based on income. Ask when you call.

Before hiring, ask:

• How many custody cases have you handled in my county?
• Do you know the judges in this circuit/chancery court?
• What's your strategy for my case?
• What are the likely outcomes?
• How do you charge — hourly, flat fee, or retainer?
• Do you offer a free initial consultation?
• Are you a member of the AAML or TBA Family Law Section?
• How will you communicate with me throughout the case?

If you're representing yourself (pro se):

• TN Courts Self-Help Center
• Parenting Plan forms
• Court-approved divorce forms
• Justice For All TN — legal forms directory

TN DHS Child Support Program administers child support enforcement:

• DHS Child Support Services
• Pay child support online
• Track payments

DHS can help establish, enforce, and modify child support orders. Services are available to all parents, regardless of income.

• TN Statewide DV Helpline: 1-800-356-6767 (24/7) · tndvhelpline.com
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7)
• TN Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence — statewide resources
• Order of Protection filing is FREE — contact your local court

Tennessee requires a 4-hour parent education seminar (T.C.A. § 36-6-408) for both parents in custody/divorce cases. Approved providers include:

• Online: Certevia — court-accepted online seminar
• Online: Cadenza Counseling — instant certificate
• In-person: Check with your local court for approved providers in your county

Cost: ~$25–$60 (sliding scale available). Complete as soon as possible after filing.