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

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Columbia?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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

Is Michael accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Stuart Saylor, Child Custody Attorney in Columbia, Tennessee

Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce

PartneratFort, Holloway, & Saylor, LLC

Columbia, TN

Practicing child custody in Columbia since 2010.

16+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Divorce DV Defense Elder Law Family Law

Are you Michael Stuart Saylor?

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

Michael Stuart Saylor is a partner based in Columbia, TN. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce. Michael has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fort, Holloway, & Saylor, LLC.

Based in: Columbia, TN
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce matters from Columbia, TN.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Stuart Saylor

Michael concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, divorce, dv defense, and elder law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Columbia, Tennessee

Michael takes child custody matters in Columbia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Columbia, Tennessee

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Columbia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Columbia, Tennessee

Michael takes divorce matters in Columbia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Columbia, Tennessee

Michael takes dv defense matters in Columbia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Columbia, Tennessee

Michael takes elder law matters in Columbia, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Stuart Saylor — Over 16 years of Tennessee child custody experience

Michael "Stuart" Saylor, a partner at Fort, Holloway & Saylor, LLC, is a seasoned trial lawyer dedicated to guiding clients through family law, criminal defense, orders of protection, and guardianship matters. Raised in Franklin, he prioritizes accessibility and practical advocacy for middle Tennessee residents. In family law he addresses custody, parenting plans, support, asset valuation and division, premarital agreement issues, and post-judgment modifications—seeking efficient settlements but prepared to litigate aggressively when needed. A former prosecutor and Air Force JAG officer, Stuart has tried numerous cases before judges and juries and deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 as the senior legal advisor to a Special Operations Task Force. That background enhances his criminal defense work across charges from DUI and theft to serious violent offenses, and informs his skilled handling of orders of protection—both obtaining protection for victims and defending clients wrongly accused. He earned his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

How Michael handles child custody matters

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and divorce matters in Columbia and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Michael Stuart Saylor's legal education and bar admissions

University of Tennessee College of Law
J.D. · 2010

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Tennessee
2010 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michael Stuart Saylor's office in Columbia

Michael's primary office is at 103 Berrywood Drive, Columbia, TN, 38401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fort, Holloway, & Saylor, LLC

103 Berrywood Drive

Columbia, TN 38401

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Stuart Saylor

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Stuart Saylor — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Columbia, 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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael Stuart Saylor

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Columbia?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new child custody clients right now?
Michael'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 Columbia, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

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