Family Lawyer in Franklin

Support For Your Family Law Matter In Franklin

If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or a change in child support in Franklin or the rest of Williamson County, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The decisions you make now can affect your children, your finances, and your future for many years.

I am Julia E. Stovall, a family law attorney who has served this community for more than 30 years. I help clients work through divorce, parenting plans, and support issues with a practical approach that combines clear guidance, strong advocacy, and respect for your goals. My focus is on protecting what matters most to you while keeping the process as manageable as possible.

As a Certified Rule 31 Mediator, I work to resolve family disputes through fair negotiation when that is the right path, and I am prepared to present your case in court when needed. If you are ready to talk about your situation, I offer free consultations and flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends, so you can get answers on a schedule that works for you.

Get answers about divorce, custody, or support—schedule a free consultation with a Franklin family lawyer online or call (615) 239-1374 today.

Why Work With My Franklin Practice

When you trust someone with your family’s future, experience and judgment matter. I have practiced law in Williamson County for more than three decades and have handled thousands of cases during that time. Many of those matters involved divorce, custody, and related family issues that required both legal skill and careful attention to sensitive family dynamics.

Practicing in the same community for this long means I am familiar with the expectations and procedures of the Williamson County Circuit Court and Chancery Court in Franklin. I understand how judges in these courts typically handle parenting plans, support issues, and contested hearings. This local insight helps me give you realistic guidance about possible paths forward, rather than distant theories that do not fit what actually happens here.

My work has been recognized by independent organizations, including my selection as a “Family Law 10 Best Female Attorney” in Tennessee. That type of recognition reflects years of advocating for clients and staying dedicated to high standards of professional conduct. I use that experience every day when I help you weigh options and make decisions that affect your children and your financial stability.

Accessibility is also a core part of my practice. Legal problems rarely fit neatly into business hours, so I make myself reachable and offer weekend appointments when needed. I want you to feel that you have a family attorney you can contact when questions arise, not someone who is hard to reach at critical moments. When you call my office, you can expect personal attention and clear communication about where your case stands.

Family Law Issues I Commonly Handle

Family law covers a wide range of situations, and no two families look exactly alike. Whether you are ending a long-term marriage, dealing with parenting time for very young children, or returning to court to modify an older order, my goal is to understand your specific circumstances and concerns. I then work with you to develop a plan that fits your life, your children’s needs, and your long-term goals.

Over the years, I have represented clients in many different types of family matters. These often involve questions about where children will live, how decisions will be made, and how financial responsibilities will be divided. I also frequently help people with matters that overlap with other areas of law, such as cases involving allegations of abuse, criminal charges, or serious financial disputes. My broader background provides additional perspective in these more complex situations.

Here are examples of family law matters I commonly handle:

• Divorce and legal separation, including contested and uncontested cases
• Child custody, parenting plans, and visitation schedules
• Child support and post-divorce support obligations
• Alimony and spousal support questions
• Modifications of existing custody, support, or visitation orders
• Enforcement of court orders when one party does not comply
• Issues involving protection-from-abuse orders that affect parenting or contact

In each of these areas, I work to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Tennessee law and how those laws are applied in the local courts. From there, we can decide together whether a cooperative approach, such as mediation, is likely to serve your interests or whether stronger litigation steps may be required to protect your position.

How I Guide You Through A Case

The legal process can feel confusing, especially if you have never been involved in court before. I believe that one of the most valuable things a family law lawyer can offer is a clear explanation of what to expect. When you know the steps ahead, you can focus more on making thoughtful decisions and less on worrying about unknowns.

Our work usually begins with a free initial consultation. During this meeting, I listen to your story, ask questions about your goals and concerns, and review any documents you bring, such as existing court orders or financial information. I will explain the general options available in a Tennessee family law case and outline how cases are typically handled in Franklin and Williamson County. By the end of that discussion, my aim is for you to have a better sense of where you stand and what next steps may look like.

If you choose to move forward, I help you navigate each stage of the process. Depending on your situation, this may include preparing and filing the initial petition, responding to papers you have already received, requesting temporary orders, and exchanging necessary information with the other party. Many cases also involve mediation, which courts in this area frequently encourage before scheduling a final trial.

As a Certified Rule 31 Mediator, I understand how mediation works from both sides of the table. I use that knowledge to help you prepare for mediation sessions, to evaluate settlement proposals, and to decide whether an agreement is in your best interest. When an agreement cannot be reached, I am prepared to present your case in court and advocate for your position before a judge.

Throughout your case, communication is a priority. I work to return calls promptly, explain developments in plain language, and make sure you understand the choices in front of you before important decisions are made. My role is to provide legal guidance and to support you as you decide what is right for yourself and your family.

To make the most of your first meeting, it can help to:

• Gather recent financial records, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and major bills
• Bring any existing court orders or written agreements related to your children or property
• Write down your main questions and your top priorities for your children and your future
• Consider what arrangements might be workable for parenting time and household finances

Even if you do not yet have all the information, we can start where you are. My goal as a family law attorney is to meet you at your current stage and give you a clearer path forward.

Local Insight For Williamson County Families

Family law is deeply affected by local practice. Cases in this area are typically heard in the Williamson County Circuit Court or Chancery Court, both located in Franklin. Having appeared in these courts for many years, I understand how hearings are scheduled, how judges manage dockets, and what documentation they generally expect to see in family cases.

This practical knowledge matters when we discuss timelines and options. For example, the time it may take to finalize a divorce or obtain a hearing on a custody motion often depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the issues involved. Because I regularly work in these courts, I can give you a grounded sense of how long certain steps may take and how we can prepare for them.

Local insight also shapes how I approach parenting plans and settlements. In Franklin and across Williamson County, courts focus on the best interests of the children, including stability, meaningful time with each parent when appropriate, and cooperation in decision making. Understanding these expectations helps us craft proposals that are both realistic and aligned with your children’s needs.

Living and working in the same community where my clients are raising their families also gives me a long view of how legal decisions play out over time. I have seen many clients move from crisis to stability and watched their children grow up under the orders we worked hard to establish. That perspective guides me as I help you think not only about immediate concerns, but also about how today’s decisions may affect your life in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce usually take in Franklin?

The length of a divorce in Franklin depends on factors such as whether children are involved, how quickly financial information is exchanged, and whether an agreement can be reached. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer if issues are strongly disputed.

Will I work directly with you on my case?

Yes, when you hire my office, you work directly with me as your attorney. Staff may assist with scheduling or paperwork, but I handle your legal strategy, communication about key decisions, and appearances in the Williamson County courts on your behalf.

Can you help us resolve things through mediation?

I frequently use mediation to help families reach agreements without a trial. As a Certified Rule 31 Mediator, I understand how to prepare you for the process, evaluate proposed terms, and work toward a fair outcome. Mediation can reduce conflict and often gives parents more control over the final parenting plan.

What should I bring to our first meeting?

It is helpful to bring any court papers you have received, prior orders, recent financial records, and a list of your main questions. If children are involved, notes about their schedules and needs can also help. If you cannot gather everything, we can still start the conversation.

How do you charge for family law cases?

I offer a free initial consultation so you can learn about your options without cost. After that, fees are generally based on the time spent on your case. During our first meeting, I will explain my billing structure and answer your questions openly so you know what to expect.

Talk With A Franklin Family Lawyer

If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or support issue in Franklin or the surrounding areas of Williamson County, you do not have to navigate it alone. With more than 30 years of practice here, I understand how these cases move through the local courts and how stressful they can be for you and your children.

A conversation can help you move from uncertainty to a clearer plan. I offer free consultations, 24/7 accessibility for urgent concerns, and flexible appointment times so you can speak with a family attorney when it fits your life. There is no obligation to move forward after we talk, and the goal is simply to give you information that helps you decide your next step.

Talk to a Franklin family lawyer today—schedule your free consultation online or call us at (615) 239-1374 and get the guidance you need.