Michele McGill Family Law & Civil Litigation

As a divorce attorney in Nashville, Tennessee, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult the process can become when one spouse exhibits high-conflict behaviors. While every divorce comes with its share of emotional and legal challenges, dealing with a spouse who constantly creates conflict can make things feel exponentially harder. I’ve worked with many clients who, after years of enduring narcissistic tendencies, controlling behavior, or outright bullying from their spouse, come to me feeling exhausted and unsure of how to move forward. One of the first things I tell them is this: you cannot control the behavior of your spouse, but you can absolutely control how you respond. Recognizing High-Conflict Personalities: In my experience, the most common high-conflict personality types that appear in divorce cases include: • The Narcissist: This person thrives on being the center of attention and often manipulates situations to maintain control and power. Narcissists are skilled at making thei...

Entering into a second marriage is a beautiful opportunity for a fresh start, but it also brings unique financial considerations. A prenuptial agreement is a practical way to ensure that both partners enter the marriage with clarity and security. While prenuptial agreements often get a bad reputation, they’re really about protecting both parties and fostering open, honest conversations about finances before marriage. In the Nashville and Franklin areas, second marriages often involve blended families, significant assets, or businesses. With a well-crafted prenup, I can help you safeguard your financial future and create a solid foundation for your new life together. Why a Prenup is Important in a Second Marriage 1. Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance One of the most common reasons for creating a prenuptial agreement in a second marriage is to protect the inheritance of children from a previous marriage. Without a prenup, your assets may be transferred to your new spouse in the e...

How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce: Protecting Your Mental Health and Financial Future   Divorce is never easy, but high-conflict divorces can feel like an emotional and financial battlefield. If you’re going through a difficult separation—where child custody, finances, and property disputes are at the forefront—it’s essential to approach the process with a clear strategy. As an experienced divorce attorney in Nashville, I’ve guided many clients through these turbulent times, helping them protect what matters most: their mental well-being and financial future. What Is a High-Conflict Divorce? A high-conflict divorce typically involves intense disputes over critical issues like child custody, division of assets, or even hidden financial resources. These cases are emotionally charged, often requiring more time, patience, and expertise to resolve. Unfortunately, these conflicts can escalate, making it harder to settle disputes amicably. In Nashville, Tennessee, high-conflict divo...

Navigating Divorce After 50 with Grace and Financial Confidence Divorce after 50 has become more common in recent years, and while it’s often referred to as “Gray Divorce,” I prefer to call it "Golden Divorce". This term better reflects the wisdom, experience, and new beginnings that many individuals bring to this stage of life. Divorce at this time can come with complex emotional and financial challenges, but it can also offer the opportunity to craft a future full of potential. For those in the Nashville and Franklin area, divorce after 50 requires special attention to issues like retirement, health care, and long-term financial security. My goal is to help clients navigate these complexities with confidence and a clear plan for the future. What Makes a Golden Divorce Unique? 1. Retirement and Social Security Considerations When divorcing later in life, retirement accounts often represent a significant portion of the marital assets. Whether it’s a 401(k), IRA, or pensio...