The Waldrop Firm, P.C.

Family Law and Estate Planning Law Firm in Germantown

Serving Shelby County residents for over thirty seven years

Expert Legal Guidance for Family and Estate Matters

Legal problems rarely show up at a convenient time. Whether you’re facing a divorce, working through a custody or child support dispute, or finally putting a will or trust in place, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Waldrop Firm is an estate planning attorney and family law attorney serving Germantown, Collierville, and clients throughout Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas. For over 30 years, we’ve helped families navigate these exact situations with honesty, hard work, and a steady hand — and we’re ready to help you too.

Whether you’re facing a divorce, wanting to provide for your family’s future, or finally getting around to creating an estate plan, you don’t have to go about it alone. We’ve handled exactly what you’re dealing with for over 30 years. We can help you handle your situation, too.

Hard situations deserve steady hands.

Why Choose The Waldrop Firm?

With over 37 years of experience, David Waldrop has handled the exact situations you’re facing — divorce, custody, wills, trusts, and probate — across Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas.

You'll Always Know What's Next

From your first consultation through the final resolution, you'll understand every step — what we're doing, how long it will take, and what it will cost — before we take it.

A Plan Built Around You

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.

Honest, Straightforward Guidance

We won't overcomplicate your case or overpromise an outcome. You'll get clear, honest advice about your options, the process, and what to realistically expect.

Rooted in This Community

Before David was an attorney, he was a Germantown firefighter, and he's served as Chairman of the Collierville Planning Commission. We're not just practicing law here — we live here.

Our Estate Planning Services

Every family’s situation is different, so we take the time to understand yours — building an estate plan that protects your assets, provides for your loved ones, and reflects exactly what you want your legacy to look like.

Wills

Life brings change, and your will should keep up with it. We help Memphis-area families draft clear, legally sound wills that name guardians for minor children, distribute assets the way you intend, and hold up under Tennessee probate law — giving you and your loved ones real peace of mind.

Trusts

A well-built trust can help your family avoid probate, protect assets, and pass on wealth privately and efficiently. Whether you need a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust for asset protection, or a trust designed around a specific family need, we design the structure that fits your goals.

Powers of Attorney

Illness or injury shouldn't leave your finances or medical care in limbo. A durable power of attorney lets you choose, in advance, who can make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf — so your family isn't left guessing, or facing court, during a crisis.

Probate

Losing a loved one is hard enough without navigating Shelby County probate court alone. We guide executors and families step by step through the probate process — inventorying assets, handling creditor claims, and resolving the estate — so you can focus on what matters.

Medicaid Planning

Long-term care costs can quickly erode a lifetime of savings. We help Tennessee families structure assets and income ahead of time to help qualify for Medicaid benefits while preserving as much of the estate as possible for the next generation.

Special Needs Planning

A loved one with a disability deserves a plan that protects their future without jeopardizing essential government benefits. We help families establish special needs trusts and supplemental planning that provide lasting care and financial security.

A process that keeps you in control

Every situation is different, and every plan should reflect that. Here’s what to expect by working with us:

Tell Us About Your Situation

We’ll listen to you and start thinking about your situation in building out a strategy.

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.

We Finalize and Execute it

When we're done, you'll walk away with everything in order and nothing left to wonder about.

Our Family Law Services

Divorce, custody, and other family matters are rarely simple — we help Memphis-area families navigate them with clear guidance and a steady hand, so you can move forward with confidence.

Divorce

Ending a marriage affects your finances, your home, and your family's day-to-day life. We help clients through every stage of divorce — from property division to negotiating a fair settlement — with practical advice focused on protecting your interests.

Adoption

Growing your family through adoption should be a joyful process, not a confusing one. We guide parents through the legal steps required in Tennessee, helping finalize adoptions smoothly so you can focus on welcoming your child home.

Child Support

Child support should reflect what's fair for your child and workable for your family. We help parents establish, calculate, and modify support orders under Tennessee guidelines, whether you're seeking support or responding to a request.

Child Custody

Few decisions matter more than your children's care after a separation. We help parents pursue custody and parenting-time arrangements that protect their relationship with their kids, and we work to keep the process as low-conflict as possible.

Father's Rights

Fathers deserve an equal seat at the table in custody, visitation, and support matters. We advocate for dads throughout Shelby County who want a meaningful, legally protected role in their children's lives.

Alimony

Spousal support can significantly affect both parties' financial futures. We help clients pursue or contest alimony awards, using a clear picture of income, need, and the marriage's circumstances to argue for a fair outcome.

Meet 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.

Here From Our Past Clients

Estate planning and family law are personal, and choosing the right attorney often comes down to whether you trust the person across the table. These are the words of families we’ve worked with across Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville — the best sense we can give you of what it’s like to work with us before you ever pick up the phone.

    
 
 
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   Richard Wilcher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with David M. Waldrop and his assistant, Andrea Underhill. They  helped my mother in November 2025 with her will and power of attorney, and the entire process was handled with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. David took the time to clearly explain every step, making sure my family fully understood our options and that we felt confident in our decisions. Andrea was equally helpful—responsive, thoroughly organized, and always willing to answer questions clearly and promptly. What stood out most was their patience and compassion for my elderly parents. Estate planning can be a sensitive topic, but they made the experience smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their dedication and would HIGHLY RECCOMEND their services to anyone in need of estate planning assistance or for any legal matter.
  
 
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   Eric Stone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Despite the situation, Mr. Waldrop and Ms. Andrea were terrific. Particularly in having to deal with a very aggravating opposing counsel. Because of them, I feel that I got through my divorce on very favorable terms and I remain grateful for that.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Benjamin T Hester 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David’s diligence, persistence and professionalism were greatly appreciated during my case. Additionally his support staff, in particular Andrea, helped ease a lot of my frustration with her attention to detail and responsiveness. I thank them both for all their hard work!
  
 
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   J Green 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were meeting with our attorney today and the a/c had gone out of the building. It is literally about 100 degree weather right now! David Waldrop was nice enough to let us meet with our attorney in his nice, cool, building. Thank you so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
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   LS F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great advice and guidance on a tough situation I’m dealing with! Thank you !
  
 
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   Jessica Cannon-Macklin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Waldrop & his staff were very friendly, prompt, & explained everything in detail to our family throughout our estate planning process. I would recommend his firm to anyone!
  
 
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   Delores Grandberry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am looking forward to working with Waldrop Firm, P.C. This Firm work with difficult cases. an my case is difficult. I have only seen 5 stars behind their belt. Thank you David Waldrop  for accepting  my case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people come to us having never worked with an attorney before, and they usually arrive with the same handful of questions. Here are straight answers to the ones we hear most — and if yours isn’t covered below, we’re happy to answer it in a free consultation.

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.

Legal Insights for Tennessee Families

Estate planning and family law come with a lot of questions, and most of them deserve a clearer answer than what you’ll find in a search result. Our attorneys write about the issues we’re asked about most — from what happens in Shelby County probate court to how Tennessee calculates child support — so you can walk into your first meeting already knowing where you stand.

When Should You Get an Estate Plan in Tennessee?

David Waldrop August 28, 2026

a happy family talking in the livingroom after hiring an estate planning attorney

What Does Estate Planning Mean?

David Waldrop August 10, 2026

Estate Planning for Married Couples in Germantown, TN

David Waldrop July 13, 2026

a family gathered around a kitchen table in a comfortably lived-in Germantown home, looking at estate planning documents

Estate Planning Documents: What Tennessee Families Need to Know

David Waldrop June 26, 2026

multi-generational family on the porch of their well-maintained, comfortable suburban home

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning?

David Waldrop June 8, 2026

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or working through a difficult family matter, the first step is a conversation. We’ll listen to your situation, explain your options in plain language, and tell you honestly what to expect — at no cost and with no obligation. Call us or fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch shortly.