Divorce and family law are two of the most sensitive types of legal practice. When a family is experiencing tough times, it needs an experienced attorney. Rhonda R. Crabtree is one of the country's leading family and divorce attorneys with over 20 years of experience. She also worked in the mental health space before practicing law, making her an ideal choice for complex family situations. Crabtree is the type of attorney that families can trust when they feel vulnerable.
Crabtree's Background and Experience
Crabtree's practice is based just outside Nashville, Tennessee, in Ashland City. Her background naturally led her to family law, a field she was not initially interested in. "I did not choose initially to go into family law; it kind of chose me," she says. "As I have two graduate degrees in psychology and worked in mental health for 12 years, it chose me. I enjoy my work and fighting for my clients' rights." Her knowledge of mental health is a tool she often draws upon in her law practice. Crabtree has also worked as a mediator, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges of working with divorcing couples.
"Do not put your opinion into mediation," she advises other mediators. "It is easy as a mediator attorney to think you would handle the case differently but we hope that the attorney on the case knows the case specifics and can do what is best for their client. Also, help the client be realistic on their expectations in court and in mediation. Sometimes the attorney needs help bringing their client down to earth."
Advice for Families
After twenty years of practicing divorce and family law, Crabtree is well-versed in what makes a case run smoothly and how to come out on top. She says planning is the best way to start for anyone going into a divorce case. "You have to begin gathering information such as incomes, tax returns, credit card bills, retirement accounts," she says. "Get copies of the statements. Think about your personal property such as pots and pans and sheets. It is easy to say you will replace them but it gets really expensive."
Since money is a big part of divorce and family cases, Crabtree understands that the cost of hiring an attorney is often the first thing on the client's mind. "I have seen bills from attorneys where it seemed the attorney billed if they breathed on the case. Everyone has a budget, and running up the bill so the client has no choice but to settle is not beneficial to our clients," she remarks. "I understand that everything is expensive today, and overbilling my clients will not help them pay the bill."
Changes in Legal Practice
Over the years, Crabtree has seen many changes in her field, but the most significant is fathers' rights. "The Courts are typically much more likely now to grant Father's primary custody and 50/50 parenting time. However, the laws for fathers who are not married to the mothers but are on the birth certificate have not progressed with the times," Crabtree notes. "They have an obligation to pay support but no rights." One of Crabtree's goals is to change this. "Unwed fathers who are on the birth certificate should have equal rights with the Mother just like parents who are married to each other," she states.
Crabtree's pursuit of her clients' rights is commendable and makes her an example of a fair, firm attorney. She is ready to fight for her clients and balance the scales of justice in the world.
