Miller Upshaw Family Law PLLC

Miller Upshaw Family Law PLLC represents an exceptional combination of experience, expertise, and genuine commitment to family law excellence. Founded by Karla C. Miller in 1996 and now led by Miller and Partner Rachel Sharp Upshaw, the firm has established itself as one of Nashville's most trusted family law resources. Located at 631 Woodland Street, Nashville, within sight of the courthouse and offering free parking, the firm combines accessibility with over 30 years of combined family law expertise. Karla C. Miller's journey to founding Miller Upshaw Family Law reflects both determination and commitment to legal excellence. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Karla moved to Tennessee in 1986 and enrolled in Nashville School of Law a few years later. Even while in her final year of law school, she demonstrated initiative by clerking for the Honorable Steve Daniel, a professor at the school. Upon graduation in 1996, rather than joining an established firm, Karla opened her own practice. Karla's educational foundation—a B.S. in International Business from Auburn University (1985) combined with her J.D. from Nashville School of Law (1996)—gave her both business understanding and legal expertise. Over nearly three decades of practice, she has devoted her entire career exclusively to family law. This focus and specialization mean clients work with an attorney whose every professional experience relates to the family law matters they face. Rachel Sharp Upshaw joined the firm and became a partner, bringing her own impressive credentials and commitment. Rachel graduated from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law with distinction. During law school, she clerked for the Honorable Judge Karen R. Williams, gaining invaluable judicial perspective that informs her family law advocacy. What's particularly impressive about Rachel is the sustained recognition she has received throughout her career. She was named to the 10 Best List for five consecutive years. More recently, both Karla and Rachel earned selection to the 2025 Mid-South Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers designation is particularly meaningful for family law clients. Super Lawyers selection comes through peer nomination and evaluation, meaning that other attorneys recognize Karla and Rachel as among the very best family law practitioners in the mid-South region. In practice, Miller Upshaw Family Law provides comprehensive representation across the full spectrum of family law matters. Contested divorces receive meticulous preparation and skilled advocacy. The firm understands that contested divorces require thorough case development, careful discovery, strategic negotiation, and if necessary, effective trial presentation. Karla and Rachel bring three decades of combined experience to these complex matters. Uncontested divorces move efficiently while ensuring clients understand their rights and obligations. The firm helps couples who can agree on key issues reach fair settlements. Child custody matters receive specialized attention. Karla and Rachel understand that custody decisions affect children's lives and parents' ongoing relationships with their children for decades. They approach custody work with both legal sophistication and genuine concern for children's welfare. Whether negotiating shared parenting arrangements, seeking primary custody, or responding to modification requests, the firm balances legal strategy with the reality that parenting relationships extend far beyond any court order. Father's rights and grandparent's rights both receive equal advocacy. The firm recognizes that modern Tennessee family law acknowledges multiple parties' legitimate interests in maintaining relationships with children. Fathers seeking meaningful parenting relationships, grandparents seeking contact with grandchildren, and other relatives seeking recognition all receive skilled representation. Alimony and child support calculations benefit from careful financial analysis and proper application of Tennessee law. The firm ensures that support obligations and entitlements are calculated correctly. Property division in divorce can be highly complex in marriages involving substantial assets, business interests, or retirement accounts. Karla and Rachel's experience ensures that community property is properly identified and fairly divided. The firm's services extend to prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, allowing couples to establish clear agreements about property and support. The same-sex divorce and family law services reflect the firm's recognition that Tennessee families now include diverse family structures. Karla and Rachel's willingness to specialize in this practice area ensures clients' rights are protected. Clients appreciate working with Miller Upshaw because of Karla and Rachel's exceptional credentials, their genuine commitment to family law excellence, and their demonstrated success. The convenient courthouse location with free parking makes scheduling accessible. The firm's 30-year history reflects stability and sustained commitment to Nashville's families. Together, Karla and Rachel represent one of Tennessee's premier family law practices.