Top Divorce Lawyers Near Me in Knoxville Area

When you are considering hiring an attorney the question you want answered is, "Can this attorney improve the current situation of my life?"  After talking to me, I want you to answer that question with a resounding, "Yes!"  Take advantage of your free consultation and let me discuss your case with you.

Throughout the past several years, I have dedicated myself assiduously to representing my clients with fervor, earning in Tennessee the moniker 'the Bulldog.' As a divorce and custody trial attorney, I embody a balanced approach of both assertiveness and empathy in my practice. With extensive experience in navigating intricate divorce and custody cases, my primary focus lies within domestic relations, encompassing diverse clientele ranging from hardworking Americans to high-profile individuals such as business owners, professionals, celebrities, country music executives, and professional athletes across middle and East Tennessee.Having personally weathered the storm of divorce and custody challenges, I intimately comprehend the emotional upheaval, financial burdens, and heartbreak that accompany such circumstances. My own journey through divorce has enriched my advocacy as a trial attorney, empowering me to guide you through this most trying phase with acute understanding and resolve. Leveraging a blend of personal insight and professional acumen in family law, I stand poised to offer multifaceted perspectives tailored to your unique situation.With a firm bolstered by adept specialists and ample resources, we stand ready to prepare your case diligently for trial. Especially in matters involving children, I firmly advocate for amicable parental resolutions before resorting to litigation. I pledge to exhaustively explore all viable avenues alongside you prior to considering the courtroom as the last recourse.Rest assured, my unwavering commitment remains steadfast in securing the optimal outcome on your behalf.

Shelley Breeding is prominent family law, business law and civil litigation attorney with years of experience handling multi-million-dollar divorce and business cases in state and federal courts. She has argued numerous cases in front of the Tennessee Court of Appeals and cases in front of the Tennessee Supreme Court.. Shelley represents individuals as well as corporations, handling everything from forming the corporation to drafting contracts to litigation for her business clients. Shelley's family law practice focuses on adoption and complex divorce cases, which often require expert witnesses for business valuations, commercial and residential property appraisals and frequently psychological experts related to child custody matters.. Shelley has years of trial experience, including both jury and bench trials across East Tennessee. She is skilled at handling all phases of litigation, from filing new cases through discovery and depositions to trial, and when needed, appeals. Shelley has taken dozens of depositions of expert witnesses and is well versed in all aspects of pre-trial motions and proceedings in state and federal courts. She has been lead counsel in hundreds of cases and is well-known in court.. In addition to her construction, divorce and business law practice, Shelley has handled complex adoption, termination of parental rights and surrogacy cases ultimately decided by the Tennessee Supreme Court. She has never shied away from those complex cases because she knows that a forever home for a child is at stake. She routinely handles step-parent, grandparent, foster care and related adoptions, whether contested by the biological parents or agreed upon by all involved.. Shelley is also a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 mediator for civil and family law and is often called upon to mediate cases. She is trained as a collaborative divorce attorney. Her mediation and collaborative divorce practices allow clients an alternative to protracted litigation, and often arrive at unique solutions without having court intervention.. Shelley has been voted as a "Top Attorney" by her peers and featured in Cityview Magazine for adoption and divorce/family law. She has been a featured speaker for continuing legal education seminars presented by the National Business Institute as well as the Knoxville Bar Association. At the University of Tennessee College of Law and Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, she has served as a guest lecturer for numerous classes and seminars. Shelley is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, Virginia State Bar, and Knoxville Bar Association. Shelley is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.. Shelley is originally from Lebanon, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Tennessee as a Whittle Scholar, majoring in Political Science and Japanese and World Business. She worked in the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center as a Graduate Assistant while completing her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law. While in law school, she studied abroad at Cambridge University in England, as well as spending time studying law in Buenos Aires, Santiago and Cape Town. After graduating from law school, she worked in the Office of Global Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to private practice in Knoxville. She started the firm in 2008 and has represented hundreds of clients since that time. Shelley is married with two sons, a rescued English Mastiff and a cat that made Shelley’s home his home.

Sarah C. Easter attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and received her undergraduate degree in Political Science. She then attended Tulane Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana before relocating back to Knoxville to begin her law practice.

Practicing law for over two decades, Camellia Saunders Blair has established her passion for justice by fighting in the trenches alongside her clients. Camellia brings considerable diversity and understanding to her role as an attorney and advocate. She has tackled a series of complex cases from the non-profit legal arena to private practice.Camellia grew up on the tough streets of New York City while maintaining her strong belief that strength and compassion are not mutually exclusive. It is that combination of both strength and compassion that instinctively draws her clients to her. Having received her B.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University in New York, Camellia is extraordinarily gifted at assessing her client’s needs and adeptly adjusting her approach and techniques to meet the specific demands of each case.. Camellia received her law degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and has made Tennessee her home ever since. Camellia worked and supported herself through college and law school and takes nothing for granted; especially her clients. She has volunteered at places such as Childhelp USA, Children’s Hospital and domestic violence shelters out of her commitment to never lose touch with the stark reality that some of her clients face on a daily basis.. Camellia participated as a Special Master in Knox County Fourth Circuit Court’s breakthrough endeavor of bringing the courthouse to the classrooms of the University of Tennessee College of Law. As Special Master, cases were brought before “Judge” Camellia Saunders alongside the Fourth Circuit Court Judge. Her judgment was authoritative and her decisions were upheld. The experience was so successful and well received by the law school that Camellia made a repeat performance as Special Master the following year.. There are many sides to justice and Camellia has seen them all. From behind the podium to behind the bench, justice has a defender in her.

My name is Mark Pienkowski and I am a Knoxville native. I am proud to return home after earning my J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 2016, and, B.A., with high honors, from Emory University in 2009.

Michael Menefee is a highly experienced and effective lawyer in Knoxville. Since 2002, he has helped clients all throughout Tennessee with their legal issues. He can help you resolve your problems quickly and efficiently, too. Michael primarily practices in the area of family law and is a well-known attorney within the community. He has received numerous accolades for his achievements, including being rated 10 out of 10 on Avvo and being listed on National Advocates Top 100 Matrimonial Lawyers. He is also a guest lecturer for the National Business Institute and a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator. He represents individuals at both the appellate and trial levels and has fought for clients in nearly every county in Tennessee. Michael will work relentlessly to help you achieve all your legal goals. You can count on him to help you today.

Melanie is a native of Tennessee, growing up in Nashville and attending undergraduate college and law school at the University of Tennessee.  Life took Melanie far away from her roots in Tennessee and then, as fate would have it, brought her back.  After graduating from law school, Melanie practiced law in Georgia, North Carolina, Vermont and New Hampshire.  In North Carolina, she was a certified family law specialist.  Throughout her career, family law has remained a focus.  She has over sixteen years of experience in the field.  In addition to practicing law, Melanie also is an adjunct professor at Pellissippi State Community College.  Melanie joined the Held Law Firm in March 2015 and now practices in the same neighborhood she lived while attending law school.. Melanie is an avid movie fan whose goal is the see all the movies nominated for the major Oscar categories prior to the award show.  She also loves to talk about her almost two hundred pound dog, Samson the English Mastiff.  Melanie has been married for over twenty-five years and has one daughter.

Margaret Held has known she wanted to be a lawyer since she was 8 years old, hearing the stories of her grandfather’s practice in Knoxville. "When you decide to become a lawyer when you are a kid, it’s because you want to stick up for the little guy and take down the bully.". As a new attorney, that attitude landed Ms. Held a prestigious Equal Justice Fellowship, awarded by the National Association for Public Interest Law to honor lawyers who make unique contributions in public law. The Fellowship allowed Ms. Held to represent entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations to create and retain jobs in poor neighborhoods. "These folks could not afford corporate counsel," says Ms. Held. "It was great to be a new attorney, working up the legal documents to start a bank, suing the government over its use of economic incentives, and representing welfare moms to start businesses ranging from child-cares to ice cream parlors.". After the fellowship ended, Ms. Held continued her mission by founding Held Law Firm. "The Firm exists to support lawyers who have enough little kid in them to love the fight - who wake up each morning excited to take on the big boys, and who haven’t become cynical about ideals like justice and fair play.". Ms. Held represented India Tracy in her lawsuit against the Union County school system for religious discrimination. She represented Citizens for Police Review in its battle for increased accountability within KPD. She helped the Tennessee Industrial Renewal Network to fight for a living wage for Knoxville workers. She obtained a record-breaking settlement for a Department of Energy whistleblower who reported safety violations in Oak Ridge. She represented KnoxRecall in its drive for increased accountability from Knoxville city lawmakers, and Knox County over abuses within the juvenile detention facility. "I suppose that these sorts of lawsuits haven’t made me many friends in certain circles," laughs Ms. Held. "But they weren’t who I went to law school for anyway.". "But seriously," she continues, "As fun as those cases are, the issues that matter most to real people are much more personal. Law, for regular people, is about your kids, your job, your business, your neighborhood. That’s why we specialize in family law, employment law, and non-profit law." "My best hope is that we will take the mystery out of the legal process for my clients - that they will know how the legal system works, feel like they got sound advice and a good outcome, and know that, win or lose, we fought the good fight for them. Big cases are great, but there’s nothing more satisfying for me than to represent an honest, hard-working person well."

Maddie Copes is an associate attorney at Breeding Olinzock Carter Crippen PC and is a member of the firm’s family law and business litigation divisions. Mrs. Copes was born and raised in Melbourne, Florida, after which she received her undergraduate degree from the Florida State University located in Tallahassee, Florida where she majored in Psychology and minored in Family and Child Sciences.. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Mrs. Copes attended law school at Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law where she graduated ranked 6th in her class with the honorable distinction of Magna Cum Laude. During law school, Mrs. Copes was named on the Dean’s List for her entire law school career and received a CALI award in Legal Communications I and II and Legal Research III, an award given to the student with the highest overall grade in a class for that semester.. Mrs. Copes has worked in a variety of areas and has achieved a variety of notable accomplishments since she began working in the legal field. She is a devoted advocate for Children through her work as a Guardian ad Litem, has been trained as a Rule 31 Mediator, and has volunteered as a board member for Knox County Juvenile Court’s Foster Care Review Board.. Since becoming an attorney in 2019, while working at Breeding Olinzock Carter Crippen PC Mrs. Copes has worked on a variety of family and business law cases. She has handled matters involving Child Custody, Dependency & Neglect, Child Support, Divorce, Adoptions, and Appellate work. In terms of business litigation, she was represented clients who seek injunctive relief and provided advice on investment opportunities.. Maddie enjoys going to the beach, traveling with family and friends, and spending time with her husband and silly rescue dog.

Laura will handle all of your divorce and family-law-related needs with professionalism and support. Not only do you need a divorce attorney skilled in courtroom procedure and trial advocacy, but who also listens, cares and keeps your goals in the forefront.

Jennifer Egelston practices “Family Law for All.” She handles matters involving marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, DCS, juvenile court, adoptions, name changes, criminal expungements, and orders of protection. She is experienced in the drafting of family planning documents including donor contracts, wills, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. With her background in horse training and barn management, Jennifer works with horse enthusiasts in legal matters involving equine-related sales, contracts, non-profits, business, and liability. She is also a Rule 31 listed family law mediator with special training in domestic violence. Jennifer volunteers her time in the LGBTQIA+ and military veteran communities through pro bono work. In 2022, she was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by Legal Aid of East Tennessee.. Jennifer says, “My goal is to provide access to quality, affordable legal advice and representation: wills, divorces, adoptions, name changes, expungements – you name it. I can help you overcome the past and prepare for the future – no matter what comes.” Request your free consultation with Jennifer by calling or texting her.. Throughout her career as a military police officer, Jennifer R. Egelston upheld the MP motto of “Assist. Protect. Defend.” Like many of her family members who served their communities through both law enforcement work and military service, in her career as an attorney, Ms. Egelston hopes to continue in this regard. Ms. Egelston is a natural protector and a caring friend who will compassionately counsel her clients while she stands firm as their zealous advocate. As a result of her own life experiences and empathetic nature, Ms. Egelston has a great ability to identify with her clients and offer them a realistic explanation of the legal process.

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated Cum Laude from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. When I am not helping clients, I enjoy working with students through Tennessee Achieves Mentoring and Junior Achievement, traveling, going to sporting events or just hanging out at home with my Siberian Husky Ryka.. Currently, I work with clients in Knoxville and surronding counties. I am currently accepting new clients and would love the opportunity to speak with you.

I treat clients with respect and attentiveness. From the moment you walk into my office, I will take the time to listen and respond to your concerns. Whether you are experiencing personal or business related legal troubles, my team can help. Our medical advisor is adept at assisting with personal injury cases, and our I always strive to resolve your situation in a timely, efficient manner.. I know that legal issues can be stressful, which is why I take the guesswork out of fees. Instead of an unpredictable hourly fee, I offer fixed, flat rates. Free consultations and payment plans are available. With me, there are no surprises, only dedicated, experienced counsel.

Honestly this is the hardest thing to write on this entire profile  I hate to “toot my own horn” because, to me, it can come across as sounding like I’m full of myself.  I can assure you that isn’t the case.  Still you need to know a little bit about me and my background to be able to determine if I’m a good fit for you.. Well for starters out of the 88 people who graduated in my law school class, I was ranked number 2.  I also graduate summa cum laude (the highest honors your can earn).  I’m also a published author.  My article, A Guide for Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorneys in Capital Sentencing Hearings: Representing Clients who were Acutely Intoxicated During the Alleged Crime and Clients with a History of Addiction, was chosen to be included in the book Perspectives on Capital Punishment in America which was edited by Charles MacLean.. I guess that means I’m suppose to be pretty smart.  More importantly I think it reflects that I’m not afraid to work really hard to accomplish my goals. If you hire me to represent you, I’ll work with the exact same determination to assist you that elevated me to the very top of my law school class.. Some things in life you can only learn from experience regardless of your educational background.  Sometime wisdom only comes with age.  I’ve been around the block a few times and I have the grey hairs to prove it!  I’d like to think that my maturity gives me a unique perspective that can assist my clients in finding a more positive outcome for their situation.. For almost 20 I was a professional magician.  Yes, you read that right.  I have literally performed thousands of magic shows for resorts, amusement parks, and corporations around the globe.  I think it goes without saying that I am very comfortable speaking in front of people.. So why is that important for you?. Well, being able to stand up in front of judges and juries and argue for your client is a big part of what lawyers do.  I believe that my ability to be comfortable “standing and delivering” in front of judges went a long way towards my partner and I advancing to the quarter finals of the Charleston School of Law’s National Moot Court Competition.  Don’t you want a lawyer that is comfortable arguing your case, and isn’t afraid to speak in front of a judge or jury?  I believe my prior experience in the entertainment business is a very powerful asset that I’d like to put to work for you.. I also have a fourth degree black belt in American Karate and a second degree black belt in Shotokan Karate-Do.  In 1993 I was ranked among the top 20 light weight black belt fighters in the nation by the North American Sport Karate Association.  I think this demonstrates that 1) I’m not afraid of a fight, and 2) I’m not easily intimidated.  If you hire me to represent you, I promise that I will fight just as hard for you.  I won’t be intimidated by the prosecution.  I won’t be afraid to fight for every legal benefit to which you are entitled.  I won’t be afraid to go to trial.

Growing up in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Luke learned two things from an early age: that hard work is good for the soul and to enjoy a good challenge. He applied those lessons throughout his high school career at David Crockett High School in Jonesborough, Tennessee and his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee.. In 2009, he graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from UT Knoxville.. That same year, Luke enrolled at the UT College of Law and began his legal education, the first person in his family to ever attend law school. While in law school, Luke was the first law clerk Judge Bill Swann of Knox County 4th Circuit Court ever hired. While working with Judge Swann Luke learned the ins and outs of family law. Luke also tried cases in the UT Domestic Violence Clinic and was a member of UT's National Trial Team where he honed his trial skills and courtroom presence. His studies focused on practical, hands on litigation skills where his hard work and "never back down" attitude could flourish.. In October 2012, Luke was licensed to practice law in Tennessee and has already begun to make a name for himself in the local courts.. When he isn't doing legal work, Luke is an avid UT football and basketball fan. He enjoys unwinding with some good music, a book, and a little quality time with his cats. He also enjoys a good challenge outside of work as well- Luke is the only legally blind person most people know who is a pistol marksmanship enthusiast.

At The Law Office of Robert M. Asbury, I offer sophisticated, results-driven representation to clients in Knoxville, Knox County and throughout East Tennessee. I am a second-generation lawyer, and I have been practicing law for more than 20 years. As a result of my experience, I understand the need for clear and concise communication. I tailor my approach to suit each client, and I always ensure that my clients understand all of their options. I do not delegate responsibilities to legal assistants, so you will deal directly with me and not an intermediary.

A Word About My Legal Philosophy. Since I opened my practice in 1997, I have been fortunate to represent and counsel hundreds of clients in the areas of Divorce and child custody, spousal and child support, Business matters and litigation, Contracts, Family Law litigation and negotiation, and Estate Planning methods and documents to protect my clients' assets and income through the use of Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, advance Medicaid/Nursing Home Planning, and more.. When working with my clients to resolve legal matters and situations, I am cognizant that I serve in several roles, and I provide dynamic, well-thought-out and prepared representation and counsel.  My goal is to be bold, to advise and assist my clients in crafting reasonable goals, and in setting out the framework to obtain the best results possible for my clients, for their families, businesses, and future.  I look forward to helping you.. When selecting an attorney, you should feel confident in that professional before you hire her.  At your Consultation appointment, ask the qustions that are on your mind, including those that scare you.  You are there to learn how this person can represent and advise you, and Knowledge is Power.  If you have answers, you can make better decisions.  It is part of my job to help my clients learn what their legal options are, and what they can do to help me put their best foot forward in their legal matters.. FAMILY LAW MATTERS:  I understand that when you are going through a divorce, a child custody or support fight, or any other Family legal matter, it is one of the most stressful times of your life.  It is important to me that my clients understand their legal options, have their questions answered and rights protected, and be well-represented by a knowledgeable and prepared attorney.  I am always pleased to help a client negotiate a reasonable settlement to resolve their family or other legal disputes, and settlement is often possiblie when both sides are reasonable.  However, when that opportunity is not present, I am ready to take your matter to trial.. BUSINESS LAW AND CONTRACTS:  Contracts are the basis for all business, and are often the most important - and overlooked - documents that can make or break a client's position. Surprisingly, family law matters and forward-thinking estate planning issues are often goverened by contracts as well.  My advanced degrees, education, and experience are in Law as well as Business: I earned my Masters of Business Administration at the same time as my Law Degree, in 1997.  I have advised and represented clients since 1997 in the law of Business, Contracts, Entity Formation and operations, Litigation, and winding up of business affairs.  I look forward to working with you.. WILLS, TRUSTS, AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY:  For some clients, a Will is the best option, but for others, a Trust will better meet their needs and goals for controlling and maintaining their home and assets during their lifetimes, and passing it to their loved ones for the future.  A consultation with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the differences in how these documents work, and can help you determine  which better fits with your goals.  Powers of Attorney for finances, healthcare decisions, and the care that will determine your very life, are vital, and sometimes are of more use to Clients than even a Will.  These documents are not only for  you: your family needs for you to have them.  Call us at today for a consultation.. A WORD ABOUT FEES AND LEGAL CONSULTATIONS:. Often, one of the most valuable service we offer is the initial consultation.  I charge a flat fee of $ for the initial, one-hour consultation.. If our consultation lasts significantly longer than one hour, the additional time will be charged at $ per hour.  During the iniital consultation, I will not only answer your questions, but also give you information about the legal process, your options, and what to expect emotionally, financially, and legally, throughout your legal proceedings.  I will also try and help you determine whether your problem can be solved outside of court.  It is also a time for you to meet my staff who will work with me to assist you throughout your situation.. I look forward to working with you to help you resolve your legal situation.  Call to schedule a legal consultation today.

*2023 Cityview Magazine's Best Divorce Lawyer*. Since 1993, AV-Rated Knoxville Divorce and Family Law firm Sobieski, Messer & Elledge, PLLC has helped families throughout East Tennessee protect what's most important to them - their family and their financial future. The lawyers of Sobieski, Messer & Elledge do one thing and we do it very well. By concentrating our practice exclusively in the areas of divorce and family law, our clients can expect to be reresented by lawyers with the most advanced knowledge in all aspects of family law. We represent clients who need an aggressive and compassionate advocate in matters of Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Child Support, Spousal Support, and Conservatorships. Our lawyers are trained and experienced mediators and are also trained in the innovative practice of Collaborative Divorce. For more information, or if you need representation, call our office located in downtown Knoxville at.