Divorce Attorney in Sevierville
Guiding You Through Divorce With Clarity & Care
When a marriage ends, it is not just paperwork. It is your children, your home, your savings, and your daily routines all at once. If you are facing separation or divorce in Sevierville, you may feel exhausted, uncertain, and worried about what comes next.
At Held Law Firm, we help people in this situation every day. Our divorce attorney team has more than 50 years of combined family law experience, and we focus on both the legal steps and the personal impact of divorce. We work to protect what matters most to you and help you plan for a more stable future.
Facing a divorce in Sevierville? Talk with a trusted divorce lawyer to understand your options and schedule a free consultation online or by calling (865) 685-4780.
Why Our Divorce Team Is Different
Choosing the right divorce lawyer is about more than who can file forms. You need a team that understands Tennessee family law, knows the local courts, and respects the emotional toll this process takes. Our attorneys focus their work on families, and we are committed to standing up for what is right for you and your children.
When you hire us, you do not just get one attorney. You get a collaborative team of fearless trial lawyers and meticulous staff who all support your case. This means more eyes on your file, more ideas for strategy, and more people making sure you are informed about what is happening.
Our firm is led by Margaret Held, whose tenacity and passion for justice shape how we approach every case. Under her leadership, we take on complex and high-conflict matters while still guiding clients toward solutions that keep as much control in their hands as possible. Whether your case is straightforward or involves significant assets, business interests, or difficult parenting disputes, we are prepared to advocate firmly for you.
What truly sets Held Law Firm apart is our holistic approach. We do not see your divorce as a single court date. We see it as one part of your life story. Our goal is that you leave this process with more confidence, more knowledge, and a clearer vision for your future here. We work to help you make decisions that support your long-term wellbeing, not just short-term relief.
How Divorce Works In Tennessee
Understanding the basic steps of divorce can reduce some of the fear you may be feeling. While every case is different, Tennessee has common patterns that apply to many families who file in Sevier County. We walk you through these steps and help you understand how each choice might affect your children and your finances.
Most cases begin when one spouse files a complaint for divorce. Tennessee allows both fault-based and no-fault grounds, and we help you decide which approach fits your circumstances. After filing, the other spouse responds, and the court may be asked to put temporary arrangements in place, such as who stays in the home or how parenting time will work while the case is pending.
From there, divorce cases typically move into a phase of gathering information and attempting to resolve disagreements. This can involve exchanging financial documents, valuing assets, and working on parenting plans. Tennessee courts often encourage mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both spouses and their lawyers explore settlement options. Many families reach agreements at this stage, which can reduce stress and cost.
If agreements are not reached on all issues, the court will schedule hearings or a trial. That usually means appearing in a local trial court, where a judge will hear testimony and review evidence before making decisions. We prepare our clients for each step, including what to expect in the courtroom and how to tell their story clearly and respectfully.
Some of the most important issues in a Tennessee divorce include parenting plans, property division, and support. Parenting plans set out where children live, how time is shared, and how major decisions are made. Property division addresses how assets and debts are allocated. Support may include child support and, in some cases, spousal support. Our attorneys help you understand how state law and common court practices influence these decisions.
Throughout this process, our team stays focused on communication. We explain each stage in plain language, outline your options, and give you space to ask questions. Our goal is that you never feel lost about where your case stands or what happens next. We want you to see the path forward, not just a stack of legal documents.
Planning For Your Life After Divorce
Divorce is not only about ending a marriage. It is also about building the next chapter of your life. In a close-knit community like Sevierville and the rest of Sevier County, your decisions today can affect your relationships, finances, and routines for years. We help you think beyond the immediate conflict and plan for the future you want.
For many clients, this means taking a careful look at housing, income, and parenting schedules. You might be wondering whether you can afford to keep the family home, how to budget on a single income, or how to handle parenting exchanges around local school schedules and work. We help you identify what is realistic and what is most important to you, then align your legal strategy with those priorities.
Our office is located in a historic Victorian home, which reflects how we want you to feel when you walk in. Divorce conversations are hard, and a warm, comfortable space can make them easier. We strive to create an environment where you can talk openly about your fears and hopes without feeling judged. That atmosphere supports the legal work we do together.
As we work through your case, we focus on more than just the next hearing. We talk about how you will communicate with your former spouse, how to handle school events for your children, and how to set healthy boundaries. We want you to leave the process with tools to manage conflict and protect your well-being.
Here are some themes we often discuss as you plan for life after divorce:
- Building a realistic budget that fits your income and expenses after separation
- Thinking through parenting schedules around local schools, activities, and your work hours
- Deciding which assets matter most to you, such as retirement accounts, the home, or a business
- Planning how to communicate with your former spouse about children in a calm, businesslike way
- Identifying emotional supports, such as counseling, faith communities, or trusted friends
Our role is to help you see the bigger picture and make choices that support a stable, hopeful future in this area. When you know where you want to go, we can better design a legal path to help you work toward that outcome.
What To Do If You Are Considering Divorce
If you are thinking about divorce, you may feel pulled in many directions. Part of you might want to act quickly to escape conflict, while another part worries about money, children, and what friends or family in Sevierville will think. Taking a few careful steps now can protect you, whatever you decide later.
Some people contact us before they have even mentioned divorce to their spouse. Others call after an argument, a separation, or being served with papers. Wherever you are in the process, we work to meet you there and give you clear, practical guidance.
Here are some steps you can take before and during your first meeting with our team:
- Gather recent financial documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account summaries
- Write down your main concerns about children, housing, and debts, so you do not forget them during a stressful conversation
- Think about safety if your spouse has been controlling or abusive, and consider where you could stay if you needed space
- Avoid signing agreements or moving large amounts of money without understanding the legal impact
- Keep a simple calendar of parenting time, school events, and who covers key expenses for the children
- Schedule a free Zoom or phone consultation with our attorneys to learn your rights before making binding choices
Talking with a divorce attorney early does not force you to file. It simply gives you information. During your consultation, we listen to your story, ask focused questions, and outline possible paths. We also talk honestly about costs and ways to keep fees as manageable as possible. Many clients tell us that just knowing their options makes them feel less overwhelmed, even if they are not ready to take the next step right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost with your firm?
Costs depend on how complex your situation is and how much conflict there is. During your free consultation, we discuss fees, the likely work involved, and ways to control costs. We aim for cost-effective solutions, such as settlement or mediation, whenever those approaches make sense for you.
Will my divorce have to go to court?
Not every divorce ends in a trial. Many families in Sevier County reach agreements through negotiation or mediation. If your case does need court hearings, our trial attorneys are prepared to represent you. We explain what to expect and help you prepare for each appearance.
How will your team keep me informed?
We believe steady communication is essential. Our attorneys and staff update you about filings, court dates, and offers, and we explain your options in plain language. Because we work as a team, there are multiple people available to answer questions and make sure you are not left in the dark.
What if my spouse is very controlling?
High-control or high-conflict spouses are a reality in many divorces. We talk with you about safety, documentation, and boundaries, and we design legal strategies that reduce opportunities for manipulation. Our team works to empower you so you can make decisions from a place of strength, not fear.
How long does a divorce usually take here?
Timeframes vary based on court schedules, how quickly information is exchanged, and whether you can reach agreements. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer. We help you understand common timelines in this area and keep you updated if delays occur.
Talk With Our Team About Your Next Step
You do not have to sort through this alone. If you are facing divorce in Sevierville or elsewhere in Sevier County, our attorneys are here to listen, explain your options, and help you plan a path forward that protects your children, your finances, and your peace of mind.
During a free phone or Zoom consultation, we will answer your immediate questions, outline possible approaches to your case, and discuss how our collaborative team can support you. There is no obligation to move forward, and you decide what happens next.
Speak with an experienced divorce lawyer today—schedule your free consultation online or call us at (865) 685-4780 to discuss your next steps.
Testimonials
Hear About Former Clients' Experiences
At Held Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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After being married for over 40 years, I was at a point in my life that I no longer wanted to take care of every aspect of being in that situation. I felt it was time for me to start thinking more about my life and how I wanted to spend my remaining time that I have left. It was time for me to take care of ME. Thru a friend, I talked to a lady that works in family court and knows a lot about these matters. She gave me a list of 3 lawyers and Melanie's was the first on her list. I did talk to all 3 of them and Melanie was the one I felt the most comfortable with. She was very understanding of my situation and was easy to talk to. She explained things and answered my questions in ways that were easy to understand. My husband tried his best to talk me out of the divorce and tried to ignore the situation all together. With Melanie's help, I kept things moving along and was able to the divorce. Since he didn't contest any aspects of the divorce, Melanie made sure all my desires and needs were met and granted by the judge. She is very professional and responds in a timely manner. She also is a very nice person with a good sense of humor. I highly recommend Melanie and the staff of Held Law Firm. C. White- C. White
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We live in California and needed a law firm to help us get custody of our 2 young (9 and 12 yo) grand nephews after their mother passed away. Held Law Firm, Chelsea and Abigail, in particular were our warriors! They did not give us false hope and kept things in perspective though out the entire process. We had to fight for those boys and that's where the warrior part comes into play. The attorneys and support staff are really amazing! Keeping us informed and helping us to stay on task. It was difficult to be so far away but we finally went to court and we have been granted custody. WARRIORS! I highly recommend Held Law Firm! TB Northern California- TB Northern California
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Held law firm went above and beyond to help me with a case they don't normally do. I appreciate how dedicated they are to helping make sure the case goes well. I couldn't have had a better attorney helping me close my mom's estate. Thank you for all your hard work.- J.A.
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Newer to the Knoxville area and looking for a law firm to help us set up our will. Melanie Hogg, with Held Law Firm, came highly recommended and have to say the reviews were right. Melanie was responsive, patent with all our questions, and expertly walked us through getting all the documents we needed in order. Felt like we were in great hands with someone with lots of experience in this area of law. Would definitely recommend you reach out to Held Law Firm for all your legal needs and if you have the pleasure of working with Melanie you won't be disappointed.- A. Witte
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Margaret and her staff make you feel very welcome from the beginning. Everyone in the office makes a difficult process a lot easier to go through. She and her staff are kind, thoughtful, patient, brilliant, and incredibly good at what you hire them to do! I highly recommend Held Law Firm!- J.W.
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After interviewing almost every attorney in downtown Knoxville and finding them to minimize and plan to use a cookie cutter approach to my case I was deeply relieved to find Held Law Firm. They are the only legal team in the entire East Tennessee area that is attuned to the dire circumstances that are unique to divorcing a person with unresolved mental health issues. Trust me, I looked really hard. The team has been unfailingly supportive as they were dragged into the DCS allegations and custody drama that is too common when a diagnosed narcissist is a factor. Margaret Held and Chelsea Price even personally came to the scene of a mid divorce homicide attempt to speak directly with officers. I wouldn’t have gotten a badly needed Order of Protection without Held Law Firm being aggressive and taking my defense personally. Honestly, you cannot defend yourself from a narcissist without help. You cannot defend yourself against agencies without help. Held Law is local, women-owned, experienced, diverse, and supportive of your civil rights to their last breath. They are the team you need.- L. F.
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Margaret Held was excellent help with obtaining information on my divorce. She knew exactly what she was talking about and I feel confident that they are one of the best lawyer offices in Knoxville!- K. M.
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Short Version: Melanie and Chelsea are a force to be reckoned with and thank God they were on my side. Do yourself a favor and go with them. **Worth the read if you are searching for a Lawyer** Long Version: Melanie: I usually dread dealing with lawyers because of some bad experiences that I have had in the past. We have been taken advantage of, judged, and left with incomplete service before, and it is enough to leave a bad taste in anyone mouth when it concerns the legal system and lawyers in general. Then one day I had a trusted friend tell me about how they (and their friends) had great luck out of Held Law Firm. As much as I was nervous, I reached out to them, and to my surprise, a lovely, kind voice picked up the phone and listened to all my questions and got a consultation scheduled. I had dealt with a bunch of lawyers and never once did i see anything near the level of professionalism I experienced with Melanie. She was polite, kind, sympathetic, and made me feel welcome. We decided to go through with her, and she guided us each step of the way and the pricing was reasonable and we didn't feel any pressure at all. Melanie was so professional and organized that it was a landslide victory. -Melanie. You are awesome! Thank you so much! Chelsea: We had a 2 kid step-parent-adoption that needed to be done and we obviously were going back to Held because of the 10/10 service. Melanie suggested (Not forced, she said she could take the case if we really wanted to stay with her. They are NEVER pushy) that we go through Chelsea because she was very experienced and literally just got done with a very similar case. I took her advice, because I trust her. We got the pleasure to sit down and talk with Chelsea who was eager to work with us and help us get our problem fixed. She (like Melanie) was so wonderful to work with. She was so sweet to us and our children. She is very well spoken and gave us very clear instructions and worked with us every step of the way. I was so scared that the adoption wouldn't go through, and my kids wouldn't be safe, even though she was reassuring us the entire time. The entire thing went just like she said it would from day one. My gosh I have never seen a court case so one sided. She was so insanely organized that she had papers and forms ready to go 5 steps ahead of time. The judge was even impressed and complimented her for "really being on top of everything." Her foresight saved us from 2 more court appointments and 6 months of waiting. To beat it all this entire court session only lasted for about 10 minuted after we went up. I thank GOD that I have had Held Law Firm in my time of need. Who knows what would have happened with my kids if I didn't. My kids have been bragging to everyone that will listed about their new names. -Chelsea, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!- R. F.
Why Hire Held Law Firm?
"There isn't a better group in Knoxville"
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When You Hire One Attorney, You Hire the Entire Firm
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A True Passion for Standing Up for What's Right
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Our Goal Is for Every Client to Leave on Cloud 9
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Actively Involved in Improving Our Local Community
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A Team of Fearless Trial Attorneys
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Over 50 Years of Experience in Family Law