Smith Gregory D

Navigating the deeply personal and often emotionally challenging waters of family law requires more than just legal expertise; it demands a compassionate understanding of the human element involved. For residents across Tennessee facing divorce, child custody disputes, or other domestic legal matters, finding an attorney who can provide both sharp legal acumen and empathetic guidance is crucial. In Nashville, one legal professional stands out for his extensive experience and profound commitment to family law, particularly in complex and high-stakes situations: Gregory D. Smith. This article will provide an in-depth look at his practice, his location, the specialized services he offers, and why he is a highly recognized choice for locals seeking expert legal guidance during these sensitive times.

Gregory D. Smith is a distinguished attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee, where he is a highly respected Member and former Office Executive Member of the prominent law firm of Stites & Harbison, PLLC. With over 37 years of experience, Mr. Smith's practice is primarily dedicated to complex and difficult disputes between spouses and former spouses. He leads a dedicated team that handles everything related to family law, from sophisticated financial issues involving the valuation and distribution of businesses, real estate, and retirement accounts, to divorce and post-divorce matters concerning children, alimony, and other forms of spousal support. For families in Tennessee, these legal challenges can be overwhelming, and Gregory D. Smith's role is to provide clear, strategic advice and robust representation, always with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome.

Mr. Smith's approach is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of the financial and emotional complexities inherent in family law cases, and a steadfast commitment to his clients' well-being. He is a seasoned litigator with extensive trial and appellate experience, having handled numerous appeals, including a significant Tennessee Supreme Court case that set the standard for subject matter jurisdiction in child support cases. His expertise extends to highly specialized areas such as international child abduction cases, governed by the Hague Convention, demonstrating his broad capabilities. The numerous accolades and peer recognitions he has received underscore his standing as a leader in the family law community, making him a trusted resource for anyone in our state facing critical decisions in their domestic lives. While one client review mentioned disappointment with the final result and time spent in mediation, it is important to note that mediation outcomes can be influenced by many factors beyond the attorney's control, and Mr. Smith's widespread recognition by peers and legal directories speaks to a consistent pattern of excellence and effectiveness in his field.

Gregory D. Smith’s office is conveniently located within the central business district of Nashville, Tennessee, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients across the state. His practice is situated at the esteemed law firm of Stites & Harbison, PLLC, at the following address:

401 Commerce St # 800, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

This prime downtown Nashville location offers significant advantages for individuals and families seeking legal assistance. Commerce Street is a well-known thoroughfare in the city, making the office easy to find. Being on the 8th floor of a prominent building like Truist Plaza (as indicated by Super Lawyers profile for the same address) signifies a professional and established environment for legal consultations. For those traveling by car, various parking options are typically available in the immediate vicinity of downtown Nashville, although it’s always advisable to confirm parking arrangements before a visit. The central location also means that the office is well-served by Nashville’s public transportation network, offering convenient alternatives for those who prefer not to drive. Furthermore, the firm's proximity to key judicial centers and other legal institutions within Nashville allows for efficient handling of complex family law matters. For locals dealing with sensitive and often time-critical family legal issues, the ease of access to such an experienced attorney is a considerable advantage.

Gregory D. Smith's legal practice at Stites & Harbison, PLLC, is highly specialized and focuses primarily on complex family law matters. His comprehensive range of services is designed to assist individuals and families navigating challenging domestic disputes. Key areas of his expertise include:

• Divorce and Post-Divorce Matters: Providing robust legal representation in divorce proceedings, including complex issues such as asset valuation and distribution, spousal support (alimony), and property division for high-net-worth individuals and those with sophisticated financial portfolios. He also handles post-divorce modifications and enforcement.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Guiding clients through the intricate process of establishing or modifying child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities, always with a focus on the children's best interests.
• Child Support: Assisting with the determination, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.
• Sophisticated Financial Issues: Specializing in cases involving the valuation and distribution of complex assets such as businesses, professional practices, real estate holdings, stock options, and retirement accounts.
• International Child Abduction (Hague Convention Cases): Providing unique expertise in cases involving the international abduction of children, where federal and international laws (specifically the Hague Convention) apply. This is a highly specialized area requiring particular knowledge and experience.
• Creditors' Rights and Commercial Litigation: While his primary focus is family law, Mr. Smith also has experience handling creditors' rights and commercial litigation matters in both Tennessee state and federal courts, demonstrating a broader litigation background.
• Appellate Advocacy: Representing clients in appeals related to family law decisions, including issues concerning alimony modification, child support, and jurisdictional disputes in child custody cases.
• Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Facilitating out-of-court resolutions through mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate, aiming for fair and sustainable solutions.

Gregory D. Smith is exceptionally recognized in the legal community for numerous distinguished features and accolades, reflecting his extensive experience and expertise in family law:

• Extensive Experience: With over 37 years of experience in family law, Mr. Smith brings a deep understanding of the intricacies of domestic disputes.
• Highly Recognized in "Best Lawyers in America®": He has been consistently listed in "Best Lawyers in America®" for Family Law since 2008 through 2025, a testament to his sustained excellence.
• Multiple "Lawyer of the Year" Awards: Mr. Smith has received the prestigious "Nashville Area Lawyer of the Year" award for Family Law multiple times (2016, 2018, 2022, 2024), indicating his standing as a top family law attorney in the Nashville market based on peer review.
• Chambers High Net Worth Recognition: He is consistently ranked by Chambers High Net Worth for "Family/Matrimonial for USA: Tennessee" (2021-2024), one of only a few attorneys in the state to receive this honor, recognizing his work with high-net-worth individuals. Chambers describes him as a "vastly experienced family lawyer" who "practices at a high level."
• "Mid-South Super Lawyers®" Honoree: He has been selected to "Mid-South Super Lawyers®" from 2008-2024 for Family Law, and has been recognized in "Top 50 Nashville Lawyers" (2018, 2019, 2020) and "Top 100 Tennessee Lawyers" (2018, 2019, 2020).
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers: He is a Fellow with the American College of Trial Lawyers, North America's preeminent organization of trial lawyers, underscoring his exceptional litigation skills.
• Frequent "Best of the Bar" Winner: Mr. Smith has received the "Best of the Bar" award from the Nashville Business Journal on numerous occasions (not less than 10 times for family law), showcasing consistent recognition by the business community.
• Expertise in Complex Financial Issues: His practice includes sophisticated financial matters in divorce, such as business valuation and distribution.
• International Custody Experience: Notably, he handles complex international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention.
• Appellate Work: He has significant appellate experience, including a Tennessee Supreme Court case setting standards for child support jurisdiction.
• Leadership Roles: He previously served as the Office Executive Member for Stites & Harbison's Nashville and Franklin offices from 2015-2024 and chairs the firm's Domestic Service Group.
• Community and Pro Bono Involvement: Mr. Smith has been active in the Nashville Bar Association, including serving on its Board of Directors, and received the Joseph G. Cummings Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year award in 1996.

Based on the available public information for Gregory D. Smith and Stites & Harbison, PLLC, specific general promotions or special offers are not explicitly detailed. However, for a highly experienced attorney specializing in complex family law, the approach to client engagement typically involves:

• Initial Consultations: For sensitive and intricate family law matters, the firm generally conducts detailed initial consultations. While these consultations may not always be free, they are crucial for prospective clients to discuss their specific circumstances, understand the legal complexities involved, and assess Mr. Smith's strategic approach. This allows for a thorough evaluation of the case and a determination of how his expertise can best serve the client's needs.
• Tailored Fee Structures: Legal fees for complex family law cases, especially those involving significant assets or international elements, are typically structured to reflect the complexity, time commitment, and specialized nature of the legal work. This usually involves hourly rates, retainer agreements, or other customized arrangements depending on the case.

Prospective clients interested in engaging Gregory D. Smith's services for family law matters are strongly encouraged to contact his office directly to discuss their particular legal needs, inquire about the consultation process, and understand the firm's approach to fees for the services required. This direct communication will provide the most accurate and personalized information.

For individuals and families in Tennessee seeking expert legal counsel in complex family law matters, Gregory D. Smith can be reached at:

Address: 401 Commerce St # 800, Nashville, TN 37219, USA

Phone: (615) 782-2266

Mobile Phone: +1 615-782-2266

Email: gregory.smith@stites.com

These contact details provide direct avenues to connect with a highly respected and experienced family law attorney in Nashville.

For individuals and families across Tennessee, especially those in the Nashville metropolitan area, Gregory D. Smith stands as an exceptionally suitable and advantageous choice for legal representation in family law matters. His profound understanding of Tennessee's legal landscape, coupled with his deep roots and active involvement in the Nashville legal community, ensures that clients receive advice that is not only legally sound but also deeply informed by local judicial practices and community dynamics.

One of the most compelling reasons for locals to choose Gregory D. Smith is his extraordinary level of expertise and recognition. His consistent listing in "Best Lawyers in America" since 2008 and his numerous "Nashville Area Lawyer of the Year" awards for Family Law speak volumes about his preeminent standing among his peers. For Tennesseans navigating the often-distressing complexities of divorce, child custody, or sophisticated financial divisions, having an attorney who is not just competent but truly a recognized leader in these specific fields provides a critical advantage and peace of mind. His specialized knowledge in high-net-worth cases and international child abduction underscores his capability to handle even the most challenging family law scenarios that local residents might encounter.

While a single review mentioned disappointment with mediation and time spent, it's crucial to weigh this against the overwhelming professional accolades and long-standing recognition Mr. Smith has garnered. Legal processes, especially mediation, involve multiple parties, and outcomes can be influenced by various factors. The fact that he is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and consistently ranked by Chambers High Net Worth for family/matrimonial law in Tennessee signifies that his peers and prominent legal directories acknowledge his exceptional skill and dedication. For Nashville residents seeking a family law attorney who combines vast experience, strategic insight, and a recognized ability to handle the most intricate cases, Gregory D. Smith offers the comprehensive and authoritative representation needed to navigate sensitive legal journeys successfully. His local presence and commitment to the Tennessee legal community further solidify his position as a trusted advocate for locals.