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Family Law Attorneys in Sumner County

Helping Individuals and Families Resolve Challenging Legal Matters

Some of the most overwhelming and challenging legal matters revolve around family disputes. Divorce, alimony, child custody, or child support issues can quickly lead to contention for all parties involved. When family law problems arise that you cannot solve independently, it is always best to hire an experienced family law attorney who can act as your legal advocate and relieve some of the stress you are feeling.

Garner Law Firm, PLLC of Sumner County, Tennessee, is dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve their legal issues and resume their lives. We recognize the emotional toll that family law issues can have on individuals and their families and will work diligently to find a solution that provides for your legal needs.

If you want more information about our services or need assistance with a family law matter, contact our Hendersonville law offices to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.

How Can We Help You?

Adoption

Our family law attorneys have extensive experience successfully handling adoption cases and would be honored to assist you.

Alimony

Contact our law firm and ask to schedule an appointment to see if you may qualify to receive alimony after a divorce.

Child Custody

Our experienced family law attorneys have the experience necessary to help you obtain favorable results in child custody cases.

Divorce

If you need legal help with a divorce, contact our law office to learn how we can assist you.

Domestic Violence

Contact our law firm immediately to schedule a consultation if you need legal advice regarding a domestic violence case.

Father’s Rights

If you need assistance establishing paternity or obtaining visitation rights, allow our experienced legal team to assist you.

Grandparents’ Rights

If you are a grandparent trying to obtain visitation rights, contact our law offices to see how we can help.

Property Division

Our family law attorneys have comprehensive experience handling complex property division issues and obtaining favorable client results.

Mediation

Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide the legal advice and representation you need to protect your legal rights during mediation.

Estate Planning

Allow our estate planning attorneys to help you prepare for the future and provide for your family after you pass away.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice to Handle My Family Law Case?

Our family law attorneys have extensive experience successfully handling family law needs. In addition to handling issues related to those ending their marriage or asking for a legal separation, we also provide other legal services such as:

Guardianship

Estate planning

Paternity

Visitation rights

Mediation

Our lawyers are also well-experienced in appearing in family court and are fearless when it comes to standing up for our client’s legal rights. As a result, we strive to ensure that you obtain an outcome favorable to you and your future needs.

The experienced legal team of Garner Law Firm, PLLC of Sumner County, strives to ensure all clients are treated with the respect and integrity they deserve.

Contact our Hendersonville, Tennessee, law offices at 615-502-4336 and ask to schedule a consultation with a family law lawyer to discuss your legal needs and learn how we may be able to help.

For your convenience, our law firm is located very close to Hendersonville High School, 1.2 mi from Drake’s Creek Park, and 28 miles from Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Client Success Stories

Patti Garner is the best Attorney in Tennessee. Her experience and demeanor were critical in turning our difficult case around and helping our family to heal and move on. Her staff is caring and professional. Highly recommend her to walk beside you through the hardest days of your life.

Kristina B.

Patti is so sweet and down to Earth. She really cares about her clients and her families! I have used her services twice, i now live states away and still would recommend her to anyone!

Sarah G.

Patti is a Rockstar! She has represented me multiple times in family court. She goes over and beyond for her clients. She’s a true fighter in the courtroom and I highly recommend her!

Daniel B.

This office was amazing. Hired Christine Carlton to represent me in a custody case. She had excellent communication and stayed on tip of tasks that needed completion. Front desk was also helpful and kind. Thank you!

Audrey I.

Mrs. Garner definitely is one that looks out for the best interest of her clients. She proved herself in my child support case & I have now hired her for the custody case. She & her staff are all PHENOMENAL!! 💗 …

Miranda P.

Patti was amazing to work with as a mediator. Very helpful and kind. She was knowledgeable and really cared about me as a person. Would definitely recommend her!

Crystal C.

See All Success Stories

Meet Our Team

Patti B. Garner

Attorney

Jessica R. Simpson

Associate Attorney

Dillon Estes

Associate Attorney

Christine S. Carlton

Attorney

About Us

Why Choose Us

Experience & Reliability

The legal team of Garner Law Firm, PLLC, has extensive experience handling various types of family law cases. We put our vast experience to work for each client and their legal needs. We take pride in producing reliable results for clients that adequately provide for their present and future needs.

Client-Centered

Our family law attorneys are client-centered in their approach to legal issues. We take the time to sit down with clients to determine their legal needs and the outcome they wish to achieve. We can craft a tailored legal strategy to produce favorable results by determining a client’s needs.

Honest Evaluations

Unlike law firms that often tell clients what they want to hear, our attorneys evaluate their cases honestly. In family law cases such as divorce or paternity, emotions typically run high, and clients typically want quick results in their favor. However, our attorneys provide clients with honest evaluations so they know what to expect as the case progresses.

Results-Driven

Our legal team understands that the outcome of the case may have a significant bearing on how all the parties live their lives from that point out, especially if the case involves spousal support or child custody. For this reason, our legal team works diligently in our family law cases to achieve a favorable outcome for client’s legal issues.

Communication

Our legal staff understands that family law issues can be emotionally draining for all parties involved. As a result, we strive to ensure that our clients are regularly informed of any changes or progress in the case. We are also available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have regarding your case.

Efficiency

Family law issues concerning communications and legal paperwork are often time-sensitive. Our family law attorneys and support staff have comprehensive experience handling the considerable amount of paperwork that must be filled out. We will happily assist you in filling out and collecting legal documents to ensure they are turned in quickly and on time.

Why Choose Us

Experience & Reliability

Client-Centered

Honest Evaluations

Results-Driven

Communication

Efficiency

Our Latest Blog Posts

What Rights Do Single Fathers Have in Tennessee and How Can They Assert Custody?

March 23, 2026

If you are a single father who has never been married to your child’s mother,…

Family members forming a heart shape with hands

Adopting A Child From Foster Care: Unique Challenges in Tennessee

March 16, 2026

Many adults begin to think about becoming parents at some point. Unfortunately, it becomes evident…

Family standing together with a smiling child in a white shirt.

Adoption Procedures and Legal Requirements in Sumner County, TN

February 15, 2026

Tennessee’s Requirements and Laws Regarding Adoption Around 1,200 children are adopted each year in Tennessee, and while adoption can…

Children enjoying art activities on a green carpet

Challenges and Solutions for Fathers in Child Support Modifications in Sumner County

January 14, 2026

Is it Possible to Modify Child Support Orders in Sumner County, Tennessee? As parents, we…

Family sitting on a couch during counseling session

Exploring the Legalities of Stepparent Adoption in Sumner County

December 13, 2025

What Steps Should You Take to Adopt Your Spouse’s Child? Stepparents often consider their stepchildren…

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What Legal Rights Do Grandparents Have Under Tennessee Law?

November 11, 2025

One of the greatest bonds within a family is often the one between a grandparent…

Read All Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is domestic violence grounds for divorce in Tennessee?

Tennessee has several legal grounds that a spouse can claim when filing for a divorce. One of the grounds is “cruel or inhumane treatment.” Cruel or inhumane treatment includes domestic violence. However, anyone who wishes to use legal grounds to file for a divorce should be aware this will result in a contested divorce. Unlike an uncontested or no-fault divorce that typically only takes approximately 60 to 90 days to complete, a contested divorce may take months or even longer to finalize. For this reason, you must consult with a family lawyer who can determine your best legal options.

What is the most common child custody arrangement in Tennessee?

Joint custody is the most common custody arrangement in Tennessee. Family courts feel that, in most cases, a child benefits from having routine contact and interaction with both parents. When parents share joint custody, both have the legal authority to make important life decisions for the child. These major life decisions may include religious upbringing and educational and medical decisions. Parents are encouraged to work together to make these decisions for the benefit and well-being of the child. However, in some instances where the parents cannot agree, the court may give the custodial parent the authority to make the final decision.

What will happen to my minor children if I die and do not leave a will?

If an individual dies in Tennessee and does not leave a will, their children will receive an “intestate share” of the decedent’s property. The share of the decedent’s estate that each child receives depends on how many children the decedent had and whether or not they had a spouse. If the decedent were married, their spouse and children would share their portion of the estate equally. However, Tennessee law stipulates that the spouse’s share cannot be less than one-third of the estate. If the decedent were unmarried, their children would split the estate equally.

Who is entitled to receive spousal support under Tennessee law?

Tennessee law does not stipulate that a couple must be married for a specific amount of time for one spouse to receive spousal support. Instead, a judge will examine various factors to determine if spousal support should be awarded and, if so, for how long. Some of the factors the court will consider include each spouse’s financial situation, their earning capacity, and who is the custodial parent. The court will also consider the other spouse’s financial obligations and ability to pay alimony. In a majority of cases, a judge may order spousal support until the supported spouse has time to complete their education or training so they may re-enter the workforce.

What is mediation in a divorce case?

When spouses cannot agree on the terms of their divorce, they may use mediation to try and reach an agreement rather than go through divorce litigation. During mediation, both parties sit down with a licensed mediator who helps the couple resolve their differences to reach a favorable settlement. The mediator does not take sides but instead helps to facilitate negotiations between the two parties. Although the spouses are not required to have a lawyer present during mediation proceedings, it is always in their best interest to do so to ensure their legal rights are protected. However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the case will have to go to court and be decided by a judge.

Family Law Attorneys in Sumner County

Helping Individuals and Families Resolve Challenging Legal Matters

How Can We Help You?

Adoption

Alimony

Child Custody

Divorce

Domestic Violence

Father’s Rights

Grandparents’ Rights

Property Division

Mediation

Estate Planning

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice to Handle My Family Law Case?

Client Success Stories

Meet Our Team

Patti B. Garner

Attorney

Jessica R. Simpson

Associate Attorney

Dillon Estes

Associate Attorney

Christine S. Carlton

Attorney

Why Choose Us

Experience & Reliability

Client-Centered

Honest Evaluations

Results-Driven

Communication

Efficiency

Why Choose Us

Experience & Reliability

Client-Centered

Honest Evaluations

Results-Driven

Communication

Efficiency

Our Latest Blog Posts

What Rights Do Single Fathers Have in Tennessee and How Can They Assert Custody?

Adopting A Child From Foster Care: Unique Challenges in Tennessee

Adoption Procedures and Legal Requirements in Sumner County, TN

Challenges and Solutions for Fathers in Child Support Modifications in Sumner County

Exploring the Legalities of Stepparent Adoption in Sumner County

What Legal Rights Do Grandparents Have Under Tennessee Law?

Frequently Asked Questions

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