Areas of Practice

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the management and disposal of that person's estate during the person's life, in the event the person becomes incapacitated and after death.

Divorce

The terms "divorce" and "separation" are often incorrectly used interchangeably. A separation is when marriage partners sever their financial relationship without the intent of ending the marriage. However, in a divorce, the court actually orders the termination of the marriage, thus permitting individuals to legally remarry.

There are two kinds of divorces: (1) Contested Divorce, and (2) Uncontested Divorce.

Pre-nuptial Agreements

Although previously considered with much controversy, prenuptial agreements (often referred to as "prenup" agreements) are becoming more commonplace in Nashville and surrounding areas. They offer couples who are getting married the security of an agreement regarding such topics as child custody, spousal support, and property distribution in the case of a divorce or the death of one spouse..

Spousal Support & Maintenance

Spousal support is a key part of any divorce or legal separation. In a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce, this issue will need to be addressed.

In the state of Tennessee, the courts can award maintenance to one spouse. Maintenance, also referred to as "alimony" and "spousal support,” is presented in the form of a monetary payment from one spouse to another.

Either spouse, male or female, can be ordered to pay maintenance to their spouse by the court. The monetary payment can be awarded over time or in one large sum.

Child Visitation

Visitation rights will typically depend upon the child custody arrangement. When parents have joint physical custody, visitation is not an issue as the child or children will live with both parents. When one parent has sole custody, however, the non-custodial parent will have visitation rights. There is no set rule regarding visitation, and the terms or schedule of visitation may be determined by the parents, or if they cannot agree, by the Court.

High Net Worth

Whether going through a contested divorce or uncontested divorce, when a great deal of assets or property are involved, a lawyer will play a crucial role in helping to protect his or her client's assets. High net worth cases don't have to take so much time and legal counsel as to exhaust part of the income/assets you have worked so hard to earn. Ellen Taylor Turley has the experience and expertise to provide knowledgeable legal counsel that can avoid unnecessary time and expense.

Mediation

Mediation is an informal process where a mediator helps people with a dispute to reach agreement. The mediation process identifies important issues, clarifies misunderstandings, explores solutions, and negotiates settlement.

The mediator is not a judge and does not make a decision or impose a solution on the dispute. Rather, the mediator helps those involved in the dispute talk to each other, thereby allowing them to resolve the dispute themselves. The mediator manages the mediation session and remains impartial.