How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Tennessee typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Franklin?

David is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new child custody clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David W. Garrett, Child Custody Attorney in Franklin, Tennessee

Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatGarrett Talley & Thorington

Franklin, TN

Practicing child custody in Franklin since 1988.

38+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Family Law Prenup

Are you David W. Garrett?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

David W. Garrett is a member based in Franklin, TN. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Garrett Talley & Thorington. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Franklin, TN
Experience: over 38 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Franklin, TN.
Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on child custody, divorce, family law, and prenup. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Franklin, Tennessee

David takes child custody matters in Franklin, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Franklin, Tennessee

David takes divorce matters in Franklin, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Franklin, Tennessee

David takes family law matters in Franklin, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Prenup cases in Franklin, Tennessee

David takes prenup matters in Franklin, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David W. Garrett — child custody lawyer in Franklin

David W. Garrett is a highly respected family law attorney with nearly four decades of experience in Middle Tennessee. Renowned for his handling of complex, high-asset divorce cases—including those involving business valuations and clients from the entertainment sector—David is also skilled in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, as well as child custody matters. As a Rule 31 listed mediator, he assists parties in resolving disputes outside of court. David has twice chaired the Nashville Bar Association’s Continuing Education Committee and is a frequent speaker at family law seminars. His achievements have earned him an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition on the Mid-South Super Lawyers list. A dedicated Franklin native and graduate of Battle Ground Academy, David holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, where he was honored as a Torchbearer, and a law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He is also committed to community service, notably through his longstanding leadership with the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, where he has led major restoration and development initiatives. David and his wife, Vivian, are proud parents to a son, a University of Virginia graduate and systems engineer.

David's approach to child custody cases

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in Franklin and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
J.D. · 1988
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
B.A. · 1985

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

Tennessee
1988 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and B.A. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

David W. Garrett's office in Franklin

David's primary office is at 109 Jennings Street, Franklin, TN, 37064. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Garrett Talley & Thorington

109 Jennings Street

Franklin, TN 37064

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David W. Garrett — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Franklin.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David W. Garrett claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David W. Garrett — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Franklin, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David W. Garrett

How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Franklin?
David is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new child custody clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Franklin, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

David handles child custody matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Franklin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.