How much does it cost to hire Diane for a alimony case?

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

Does Diane offer a free consultation?

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

How long do alimony cases in Tennessee typically take?

Simple alimony 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. Diane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Diane take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?

Diane 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 — Diane 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 Diane?

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. Diane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Diane accepting new alimony clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Diane Messer, Alimony Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AttorneyatSobieski, Messer & Elledge

Knoxville, TN

Practicing alimony in Knoxville since 1986.

40+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law Paternity

Are you Diane Messer?

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

Diane Messer is an attorney based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Diane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sobieski, Messer & Elledge. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Knoxville, TN
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: Alimony · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Knoxville, TN.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Diane Messer

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

Alimony cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Diane takes alimony matters in Knoxville, 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Diane takes child custody matters in Knoxville, 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Diane takes child support matters in Knoxville, 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Diane takes divorce matters in Knoxville, 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Diane takes family law matters in Knoxville, 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 Diane agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Diane Messer — Over 40 years of Tennessee alimony experience

Order of the Coif; Phi Kappa Phi. Recipient: American Jurisprudence Award in Contracts; Judge John W. Green Academic Scholarship. Author: "An Overview of Timesharing and The Tennessee Timeshare Act," Tennessee Law Review, 1986. Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Adult and Child Protective Service Worker, Ethics Hearing Officer, Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. Associate Attorney, Baker, Worthington, Crossley, Stansberry & Woolf, 1986-1993. Department of Human Services, Servier County, Tennessee, 1981-1983.

How Diane handles alimony matters

Who Diane represents

Diane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, child custody, and child support matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Diane Messer's legal education and bar admissions

University of Tennessee
J.D. · 1986
Tusculum College
B.S. Psychology · 1978

Jurisdictions

Diane's state bar admissions

Tennessee U.S. Distr
1986 · ACTIVE

Diane studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. Psychology in Tusculum College.

Law school and academic background

Diane completed J.D. in University of Tennessee and B.S. Psychology in Tusculum College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Diane runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Diane Messer

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Diane's professional memberships and bar associations

Knoxville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women East Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women
membership

Locations

Diane Messer's office in Knoxville

Diane's primary office is at Truist Building, 900 S. Gay Street, Suite 600, Knoxville, TN, 37902-1603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sobieski, Messer & Elledge

Truist Building, 900 S. Gay Street, Suite 600

Knoxville, TN 37902-1603

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Diane Messer — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Diane Messer — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Diane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane'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; Diane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony 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 Diane

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony 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. Diane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Diane Messer

How much does it cost to hire Diane for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Diane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Diane offer a free consultation?
Diane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Diane's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Diane's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple alimony 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. Diane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Diane take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Diane 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 — Diane 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 Diane?
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. Diane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Diane accepting new alimony clients right now?
Diane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Alimony attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

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

More counsel

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