Memphis · TN · Vetted Directory

Top Divorce Lawyers in Memphis

If you are facing divorce in Memphis, the first thing to know is that Tennessee has a mandatory waiting period — 60 days with no minor children, 90 days if you have children — before a divorce can be finalized. Most Memphis divorce lawyers charge $210–$400 an hour, and a truly uncontested divorce often runs a flat $1,500–$3,500. Your case is filed in Shelby County Circuit or Chancery Court. Below are vetted Memphis family-law firms, from quick uncontested filings to high-conflict custody and property fights.

60-90 days
Waiting Period
$210-$400
Per Hour, Typical
$1,500-$3,500
Flat Uncontested
Shelby Co.
Where You File

Updated February 19, 2026

When you need a Memphis divorce lawyer

If you and your spouse agree on everything and have no children or property to divide, you may be able to file an uncontested divorce with limited help. Most people benefit from a Memphis divorce lawyer when:

  • You have minor children and need a parenting plan, which Tennessee requires.
  • There is a home, retirement account, or business to divide.
  • Your spouse has hired a lawyer, or you expect the divorce to be contested.
  • There are concerns about hidden assets, alimony, or relocation.
  • There is any history of domestic violence and you need protective orders.

What a Memphis divorce costs

Cost depends almost entirely on conflict. An agreed, uncontested divorce is the cheapest path; a contested case with custody and property disputes costs far more.

$210-$400
Hourly rate, typical
$1,500-$3,500
Flat-fee uncontested
$2,500-$5,000+
Typical retainer, contested
60-90 days
Minimum waiting period

Tennessee is an equitable-distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily 50/50. The court looks at the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and earning capacity. For the national picture, see our divorce guide, or browse all Memphis lawyers.

How long a Memphis divorce takes

  • Uncontested, no children: after the 60-day waiting period, often final in two to three months.
  • Uncontested, with children: at least the 90-day waiting period, plus time to finalize the parenting plan.
  • Contested: typically 9-18 months in Shelby County, depending on custody and property disputes and the court's docket.
  • Mediation is commonly ordered before trial and can shorten a contested case.

Memphis firms that handle divorce and family law

1

Miles Mason Family Law Group, PLC

MemphisBoutiquedivorce, custody, complex property

A Memphis firm focused exclusively on family law, known for divorce, custody, and complex-asset cases including business valuation and forensic accounting issues. A strong fit when a divorce involves significant property or a closely held business. See costs and reviews on its profile.

Free ConsultationRetainer + hourly
2

Rice Law (Rice, Caperton, Rice PLLC)

MemphisBoutiquedivorce, custody, family law

A Memphis family-law practice handling divorce, custody, and support across Shelby County. Known for steady, client-focused representation in both agreed and contested cases. A good general choice for a Memphis divorce.

Free ConsultationRetainer + hourly
3

The Jones Law Firm

MemphisBoutiquedivorce, family law

A Memphis firm representing clients in divorce and family-law matters, with experience guiding people through uncontested filings and contested disputes alike. A reasonable fit for a straightforward divorce that still needs experienced hands.

Free ConsultationRetainer + hourly
4

Balestrini, Barnes, Jaber & Wood, PLLC

MemphisMid-sizedivorce, custody, family law

A Memphis firm handling divorce and family-law cases, including custody and support, with a team approach to contested matters. A fit when a case may benefit from more than one attorney's involvement.

Free ConsultationRetainer + hourly
5

Butler, Sevier, Hinsley & Reid, PLLC

MemphisMid-sizedivorce, family law, mediation

An established Memphis firm whose practice includes divorce, family law, and mediation. Recognized for experience on both the litigation and settlement sides. A good option when mediation may resolve a contested divorce.

Free ConsultationRetainer + hourly

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 divorce lawyers in Memphis guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

Talk to a Memphis divorce and family law lawyer — free.

Tell us briefly what's going on. We route a confidential request to a best-fit Memphis firm in this directory.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Divorce in Memphis — FAQ

How long does a divorce take in Memphis?
Tennessee requires a waiting period of 60 days if you have no minor children and 90 days if you do, measured from filing. A truly uncontested divorce often finishes shortly after the waiting period, while a contested Shelby County case commonly takes 9 to 18 months depending on custody and property disputes.
How much does a Memphis divorce cost?
Most Memphis divorce lawyers charge $210 to $400 an hour. A genuinely uncontested divorce is often handled for a flat $1,500 to $3,500. Contested cases usually start with a retainer of $2,500 to $5,000 or more and run higher as conflict increases.
Do I have to prove fault to divorce in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee allows a no-fault divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences, which requires a written agreement on the terms. Fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty exist and can matter for issues like alimony, but most divorces proceed without proving fault.
How is property divided in a Memphis divorce?
Tennessee is an equitable-distribution state, so marital property is divided fairly rather than automatically in half. The court weighs the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions and earning capacity, and separate property each person brought in. A lawyer helps document and value assets so the split is fair.
Who decides custody in Memphis?
Custody and a required parenting plan are decided based on the best interests of the child. Shelby County courts look at each parent's relationship with the child, stability, and ability to co-parent. Parents are usually directed to mediation before a judge decides a contested parenting plan.

Related on LawFirmSquare