Proven Results. Trusted by Clients.
Practice Areas
When you are involved in a family law matter you need a lawyer with experience who can help your family find a speedy resolution. Let our team serve you!
Family Law
The passing of a loved one is a difficult time for any family. You need a compassionate attorney who can help the family save money and time through the sometimes confusing probate process.
Probate
Take the simple steps now to preserve your assets for your loved ones. Our team will help your loved ones avoid unnecessary expenses and turmoil.
Estate Planning
Whether your divorce is agreed or contested, we help you divide property, address alimony, and set up a parenting plan under Tennessee law.
Divorce
Tennessee courts decide custody based on your child’s best interests. We help parents build, negotiate or defend a parenting plan.
Child Custody
Mediation lets both sides reach an agreement with a neutral mediator instead of a judge. Roland Hairston is a Rule 31 Listed Family Law Mediator.
Mediation
Why Choose Hairston & Associates
Trusted Nashville Attorney for Family Law, Probate & Estate Planning
How We Help Nashville Families
Hairston & Associates delivers quality legal advice and representation services in Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning to Nashville and surrounding communities. In case you are experiencing divorce, child custody problems, probate proceedings, disputes regarding estates, or you are planning for the future of your family via wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives and more, our firm provides effective legal services according to your needs. Roland Hairston, our attorney, is a Rule 31 Family Law Mediator, having Domestic Violence training.
Relying on extensive knowledge of Tennessee law, effective communication, good planning, and compassionate assistance, we help our clients make informed choices. Every case is considered individually, and every client is entitled to personal legal assistance according to his or her individual needs. When it comes to family law, divorce, probate, or estate planning, we strive to defend our clients’ interests providing quality, efficient and affordable legal services.
Family Law Attorney in Nashville, TN
Issues regarding family law can sometimes be very emotionally charged and potentially life-changing ones. If you find yourself facing divorce proceedings, dealing with child custody problems, working out child support and alimony payments, and even if you need any modifications after a divorce settlement, having the expertise of an experienced family law attorney in Nashville TN can be very important. At Hairston & Associates, you will get professional advice and assistance based on your specific family situation.
The family lawyers at Hairston & Associates know well that each case is unique. We spend enough time on listening to your worries, explaining what your legal possibilities are, and creating a strategy which will protect your rights in the most effective way possible. Whether we use negotiations or litigation, we will do everything we can to represent your best interests.
As professional family lawyers trusted by Nashville families, we are going to pay special attention to providing you with personal service and solid representation. You will be able to navigate the difficult circumstances with ease while trying to ensure a safe future for you and your family. Call us today to consult one of our experienced family lawyers in Nashville TN.
Divorce Attorney in Nashville
Child Custody Lawyer in Nashville, TN
Probate and Estate Administration in Tennessee
Saying goodbye to a loved one is difficult enough; having to go through probate makes it even more stressful. Hairston & Associates has years of experience providing practical and effective legal guidance to families and executors in ensuring the smooth and efficient administration of the probate process. We can help in administering an estate, resolving beneficiary disputes and dealing with creditor claims in any probate matter.
Our team of seasoned probate attorneys from Nashville, TN will see to it that we will be by your side every step of the way in the probate process and give legal and financial solutions to ensure proper, efficient and legally-sound administration of estates.
At Hairston & Associates, we have a great deal of experience working with executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries in the administration of estates according to state laws. In any event of dispute, our legal expertise will come in handy in defending your interests through negotiations or litigation.
As a dependable probate attorney Nashville, TN, families rely on us for tailor-fit legal solutions, fast responses and practical advice.
Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney
It is essential to plan for your future to secure the well-being of your family, wealth, and legacy. At Hairston & Associates, we guide people in creating customized estate plans which ensure that their instructions will be honored. If you need a will, trust, powers of attorney, advance directives for healthcare or any other estate planning document, then our experienced Nashville estate planning lawyer will assist you at every stage.
Being one of the experienced estate attorneys in Nashville, we pay attention to understanding the goals of our clients and making appropriate plans which will not cause disputes in the future. We can protect your relatives and plan for anything unexpected using proper estate planning documents according to the Tennessee law.
If you need an experienced estate attorney in Nashville, we offer personal legal advice and communication with our clients which will help you plan your future with confidence and safety.
Rule 31 Family Mediation in Nashville
Mediation offers a practical and cost-effective way to resolve family law disputes without the stress, expense, and uncertainty of going to court. At Hairston & Associates, we believe that many legal matters can be resolved through open communication and cooperation, allowing families to reach fair and lasting agreements while preserving important relationships. Attorney Roland Hairston is a Rule 31 Listed Family Law Mediator with Domestic Violence training, providing skilled guidance for individuals seeking an alternative to litigation.
Whether you are facing divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, alimony, or post-divorce modifications, mediation allows both parties to actively participate in creating solutions that meet their unique needs. Our role is to facilitate productive discussions, encourage mutual understanding, and help clients work toward practical resolutions in a confidential and respectful environment.
While mediation is not appropriate for every situation, it can often reduce conflict, save time, and minimize legal costs compared to traditional courtroom proceedings. At Hairston & Associates, we are committed to helping clients explore the most effective path forward and providing experienced guidance throughout the mediation process to achieve positive and meaningful outcomes for everyone involved.
Compare Your Legal Options in Tennessee
Side-by-side answers to the decisions Nashville families ask us about most: settling or going to court, which estate documents you need, and how probate and mediation work.
Should you reach an agreement or let the court decide?
Many Tennessee family cases are resolved by agreement rather than trial, and an agreement keeps the decisions in your hands. When parents or spouses can’t agree, a judge decides based on the evidence and Tennessee law. Here’s how the two paths compare:
| Factor | Agreement (agreed parenting plan or settlement) | Court decision |
|---|---|---|
| Parent involvement | Both parents shape the terms | Parents present evidence; the judge sets the terms |
| Control over outcome | High | Low |
| Flexibility | Schedules and terms can fit your family’s real life | Usually a more standard arrangement |
| Court involvement | The judge reviews and approves it if it’s in the child’s best interests | Hearings or trial, then a court order |
| Potential conflict | Generally lower | Generally higher, and can strain co-parenting |
| Changing it later | Parents can agree on changes and submit them to the court for approval | One parent must usually file a petition and show a material change in circumstances |
Which estate planning documents do you need?
Most adults benefit from at least a will, a durable power of attorney and an advance directive for health care. A trust may help if you want to avoid probate, plan for minor children, or manage how assets pass over time. Here’s what each document does:
| Document | What it does | When it takes effect | When to talk to an attorney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will | Names who receives your property and who will serve as executor; can name a guardian for minor children | At death, through probate | You have children, own a home, or want to control who inherits |
| Revocable living trust | Holds assets you control during life and passes them to beneficiaries without probate for the assets it holds | During life and after death | You want to avoid probate, own property in more than one state, or want staged distributions |
| Durable power of attorney (financial) | Lets someone you choose handle your finances if you can’t | When signed or upon incapacity, as the document states | Every adult, especially before surgery, aging or major illness |
| Advance directive for health care | States your medical wishes and names a health care agent | When you can’t make or communicate medical decisions | Every adult, at any age |
| Beneficiary designations | Pass life insurance and retirement accounts directly to named people | At death, outside the will | After marriage, divorce, a birth or a death in the family |
Probate vs. estate planning: what's the difference?
Estate planning happens during your lifetime and decides what should happen. Probate happens after a death and is the court process that carries it out. Good planning can make probate simpler, or avoid it for some assets.
| Factor | Estate planning | Probate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Decide in advance who gets your property and who makes decisions for you | Carry out the transfer of a deceased person’s estate under court supervision |
| When it happens | During your lifetime | After a death |
| Who is involved | You, your attorney, and the people you name (executor, trustee, agents) | The executor or administrator, heirs and beneficiaries, creditors, and the probate court |
| Typical legal issues | Choosing guardians, avoiding probate, planning for incapacity, blended families | Validating a will, inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, resolving disputes among heirs |
| How they connect | A good plan can simplify probate or avoid it for some assets | Without a plan, Tennessee’s intestacy law decides who inherits |
Is mediation required in a Tennessee divorce?
In most contested Tennessee divorce and custody cases, yes. Tennessee law generally requires parents who can’t agree on a permanent parenting plan to attend mediation with a Rule 31 mediator before trial, and courts often order mediation for other contested divorce issues too. There are exceptions. Where there is domestic violence or an order of protection, mediation can only go forward with the victim’s agreement and with a mediator trained in domestic violence.
| Factor | Mediation | Litigation (court) |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | You and the other party, with a neutral mediator’s help | A judge, based on evidence and Tennessee law |
| Level of conflict | Usually lower; built around negotiation | Often higher; each side argues its position |
| Privacy | Confidential sessions | Filings and hearings are generally public record |
| Cost | Often lower when both sides negotiate in good faith, but not guaranteed | Usually higher, driven by discovery, motions and trial preparation |
| Flexibility | Solutions can be tailored to your family | Limited to what the court can order |
| May fit when | Both sides can communicate safely and share information honestly | Safety is at risk, one side hides assets, or agreement isn’t possible |
Many cases use both: mediation first, court only for what remains. Read more about mediation vs. litigation in a Nashville divorce.
How Working With Our Firm Works
Here’s what to expect from your first call to the end of your case:
Schedule a consultation
Book online or call 615-428-7345. Tell us briefly what's going on and whether anything is urgent, such as a court date or safety concern.
Meet with an attorney
In a 1-hour consultation, we review your documents, answer your questions and explain your options under Tennessee law.
Get a plan and a clear fee
If you hire us, we outline the strategy and agree on a retainer that fits what your case needs.
Stay informed
We keep you updated at each stage, whether your matter settles, goes to mediation or needs a court hearing.
Experienced Representation for Family Law, Estate Planning, and Probate Matters in Nashville
Navigate Life’s Legal Matters with Confidence with Hairston & Associates
Whether you are facing a family law dispute, planning for your family’s future, or handling the estate of a loved one, experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference. Hairston & Associates provides practical legal advice and personalised representation to clients throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Comprehensive Legal Services
Family Law
Family law matters involve our most important relationships. How we move forward in these critical times can have a lasting impact. That’s why our firm assists and focuses on providing sage advice and zealous advocacy for clients disputes involving divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, adoption, and post-divorce modifications. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and put a plan in place to get the best possible outcome no matter what.
Estate Planning
A comprehensive estate plan helps protect your family, preserve your assets, and ensure your wishes are carried out. Hairston & Associates assists clients with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and other estate planning tools tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Probate and Estate Administration
After the loss of a loved one, families are often faced with important legal and administrative responsibilities. Our firm guides clients through the probate and estate administration process, helping ensure that assets are properly managed, debts are addressed, and estates are distributed according to Tennessee law.
What You'll Get
Here’s our promise to every client:
Experience
When you trust your case to Hairston & Associates you’re in good hands. With more than 10 years experience and dozens of 5-star client satisfaction ratings, you can be confident that you’ve selected the right partner to represent you.
Peace of Mind
With Hairston & Associates handling your case, you can be sure that you have someone who will provide zealous and effective representation at a fair price. Their team will keep your case moving forward and make sure you stay informed.
Results
Every case receives a customized gameplan from start to finish. This strategic approach helps set cases up to resolve faster and with better results.
Get In Touch
How Can We Help You?
Legal issues often arise during some of life’s most important and stressful moments. Whether you are navigating a family law dispute, planning for the future through estate planning, or handling a probate matter, Hairston & Associates is committed to providing practical guidance and straightforward legal advice.
Clients work directly with an attorney throughout their case. From the initial consultation through resolution, our firm takes the time to understand each client’s goals, explain available options, and develop a strategy tailored to their specific circumstances.
We believe effective representation begins with communication, preparation, and personal attention. Every matter is unique, and we strive to provide the individualized legal services our clients deserve.
Some legal matters can be resolved quickly, while others involve significant disputes, complicated financial issues, or sensitive family concerns. In these situations, experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference.
Hairston & Associates assists clients with a variety of family law, estate planning, and probate matters. Whether negotiating a resolution or advocating for a client in court, our firm focuses on practical solutions that protect our clients’ interests and long-term goals.
Through careful preparation, clear communication, and attention to detail, we help clients navigate difficult legal situations with confidence.
Clients choose Hairston & Associates because they receive direct attorney involvement, clear communication, and practical legal advice. We understand that legal matters can be stressful and often involve significant personal and financial concerns. Our goal is to provide knowledgeable representation while helping clients make informed decisions at every stage of their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m thinking about divorce, or I’ve just been served. What should I do first?
Talk to a family law attorney before you sign anything, move out, or file papers. If you’ve been served with a divorce complaint in Tennessee, you generally have 30 days to respond, so don’t wait. Read the court notice that comes with the papers; it limits things like moving the children or selling marital property while the case is open. Then book a consultation so we can explain your options.
How much will my case cost?
Cost depends mainly on how many issues are disputed and whether the other side is willing to agree. Agreed cases cost far less than ones that go to trial. Straightforward pricing is a core value for us: after your consultation, we give you a game plan and a retainer that matches what your case needs. Call 615-428-7345 to ask about consultation fees before you book.
How long will my case take?
It depends on the type of case and whether you and the other side can agree. In Tennessee, a divorce can’t be finalized until 60 days after filing, or 90 days if you have minor children. Agreed divorces often finish not long after that, while contested cases can take many months. Probate usually stays open at least several months, because creditors are given time to file claims. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
You’re not legally required to have one, but a review is often worth it. Your marital dissolution agreement and parenting plan become binding court orders. Mistakes about retirement accounts, the house, or the parenting schedule can be hard to undo later. Some clients hire us just to draft or review the paperwork. Learn about our divorce services.
My ex isn’t following our custody or support order. What can I do?
You can ask the court to enforce the order, and courts take violations seriously. Keep a written record of missed visits, late or missing payments, and messages. Don’t hold back parenting time or support in return; that can hurt your own case. We can help you decide whether to resolve it informally or file a petition to enforce the order.
Can custody or child support be changed later?
Yes, if circumstances have changed significantly since the order was made. Examples include a job loss, a move, or a change in the child’s needs. Until a court approves a change, the existing order stays in force, even if you and your ex agree informally. Ask us whether your situation qualifies.
I’m unhappy with my current lawyer. Can I switch?
Yes. You can change attorneys at any point in your case. Your new attorney files the paperwork with the court and gets your file from your previous lawyer. Many clients come to us mid-case when things have stalled. A consultation can help you decide whether switching makes sense.
What if I’m worried about my safety or my child’s safety?
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Tennessee courts can issue an order of protection, and the rules for custody and mediation change when domestic violence is involved. Tell us about safety concerns when you call so we can prioritize your matter.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. What you tell an attorney in a consultation is protected, even if you don’t hire us. Please don’t send private details through the website form.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any court papers, recent pay stubs and tax returns, bank and retirement statements, existing wills or trusts, written agreements, and your questions. If you’re unsure what to bring, call us.
A family member has died. What do I need to do about their estate?
First, find out whether there’s a will, and don’t distribute or sell their property yet. If there’s a will, the named executor usually asks the probate court to open the estate. If there isn’t one, the court appoints an administrator, and Tennessee law decides who inherits.
See how probate works.
When should I create or update my estate plan?
Now, if you don’t have one. Update it after major life events: marriage, divorce, a birth, a death in the family, or a big change in your assets. After a divorce, also update your beneficiary designations, since they pass outside your will.
Start your estate plan.
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