The Waldrop Firm
Family Law and Estate Planning Law Firm in Germantown
We Help Germantown Families Protect Their Families, Assets, And Futures
Our Core Specialties
Legal transitions are rarely easy, but you don’t have to face them alone. We provide the strategy and advocacy you need to secure your finances and start your next chapter with confidence.
We create personalized plans for all clients, ensuring their assets and legacy are secured.
Most Popular Services We Provide
Ending a marriage never comes easily, but we make it as manageable and stress-free as possible.
Trusts can be one of the most powerful tools in estate planning to avoid probate and protect both your assets and your family.
A personalized will ensures your loved ones don’t run into confusion after you pass, and that your wishes are honored.
Life can be unpredictable. A power of attorney gives someone you trust the ability to act on your behalf when you can’t, keeping your affairs 100% protected.
A process that keeps you in control
01
Tell Us About Your Situation
We’ll listen to you and start thinking about your situation in building out a strategy.
02
We Start Creating Your Plan
We map out exactly what we'll do, how long it will take, and what it will cost. You'll understand every step before we take it.
03
We Finalize and Execute it
When we're done, you'll walk away with everything in order and nothing left to wonder about.
What our clients say
Hi, I’m attorney David Waldrop
Legal problems never wait for a good time to show up. If you’re facing an estate planning or family law problem, such as custody or divorce, you’re most likely feeling overwhelmed right now and are browsing your options. We are here to take the legal load off your back and provide you with the relief and satisfaction you deserve.
Our founding attorney, David Waldrop, has been practicing family law and estate planning for 37 years across Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas. Before he was an attorney, he was a Germantown firefighter. He knows the local landscape, and he has dedicated himself to supporting families within it.
Our family law and estate planning attorney in Germantown is here to help you steadily, through each step, towards a brighter future.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions
Does Shelby County probate court require all estates to go through probate?
Not always. Small estates in Tennessee under $50,000 may qualify for a simplified affidavit process under § 30-4-102, avoiding full probate in Shelby County entirely. Whether you qualify depends on how your assets are titled and structured—something worth reviewing before it becomes your family’s problem to sort out.
How is child custody determined in Shelby County family court?
Tennessee courts operate under the best interest of the child standard per § 36-6-106, weighing factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, stability of the home, and willingness to co-parent. Germantown families go through Shelby County Circuit or Juvenile Court, depending on the circumstances, and having local counsel who knows those courtrooms matters.
Will a will help my family avoid probate?
A will still goes through probate, but it makes the process dramatically faster and smoother. If skipping probate entirely is a priority, we can talk about whether a trust fits your situation better.
I already have a handwritten will. Is that good enough?
Tennessee recognizes handwritten wills in some cases, but they’re risky. They’re easier to contest and often miss important details. A professionally drafted will gives your family much stronger protection.
How does Tennessee handle property division in a divorce?
Tennessee follows equitable distribution under § 36-4-121, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. The court weighs factors like length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and contributions made. Without an attorney, you may walk away with far less than you’re entitled to.
Don’t see your question here? A free consultation is the right place to ask.