Marlene Eskind Moses
Founding Partner
Problems created in families need someone who can provide creative and highly desirable solutions. Marlene Eskind Moses is uniquely qualified to be that problem solver. With a Masters in Social Work, in addition to her law degree, Marlene understands the importance of protecting children, protecting or acquiring wealth, and planning for the future.
Clients appreciate the customized approach Marlene utilizes with each challenge presented. Listening, understanding, and achieving each client’s desired result is of the utmost importance.
Marlene, founding Manager of MTR Family Law, PLLC, has long been recognized as an outstanding family law practitioner. She has received an “AV” rating, the highest available, in the Martindale Hubbell Legal Dictionary, a nationwide publication which independently rates lawyers on the basis of their peers’ opinions and she has received the highest rating possible by AVVO, which also rates lawyers by their peers, clients, and industry advisors.
She is Board certified as a Family Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The Best Lawyers In America has included her in its publication as a specialist in family law. She has named as a Mid-South Super Lawyer since 2011 and has been in the Tennessee Top 100 and the top 50 women in the Mid-South. In June 2020, she was named President of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. A certified Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and past President, she met the stringent requirements of membership. The approximately 1,600 AAML Fellows across the United States are recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill, and integrity. Marlene is one of only 100 members across the country who was selected as a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers and she serves as Secretary and on its Executive Committee. Serving as Vice-President and Past President of the US Chapter of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Marlene’s practice is international, as well.
“
My experience with Ms. Moses has been great. Very professional, in all senses of the word. She has taken my needs to heart and provided excellent counsel. Highly recommended.
- Keith
This law firm helped me through the hardest time in my life. Each one of the folks I worked with there cared about me individually as well as provided superb legal guidance. I am forever grateful to Marlene and her team.
- Anonymous
Mrs. Moses was fantastic. She always gave excellent advise and made sure to look out for my best interests while also keeping everyone comfortable. I would recommend her to anyone in need of family law advice and counsel.
- Anonymous
Preparatory and Legal Education
- Nashville School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1980
- Tulane University, Master of Social Work, 1973
- Tulane University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1972
Bar Admissions
- Supreme Court of the United States, March 24, 2004
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, April 30, 1982
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, December 9, 1981
- State of Tennessee, April 11, 1981
Private Practice
- Principal, MTR Family Law, PLLC
- Areas of practice include Family Law Litigation, Mediation, Arbitration, and Collaborative Law
Awards
- Newcomb College of Tulane University, Distinguished Alumna Award 2012
- Mid-South Super-Lawyers 2011, 2012, Tennessee The Top 100 and Mid-South The Top 50 Women
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, Super Lawyer, 2006-present
- Martindale-Hubbell, Awarded the Highest Rating (AV) for Attorneys
- Nashville Business Journal, Women of Influence Award, 2009
- The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyer in America in the category of Family Law, 2006 through 2020
- YWCA, Athena Award Nominee, 2002
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Outstanding Fellow of the Year Award, 2001
- Nashville School of Law, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2001
- YWCA, 10th Annual Academy for Women of Achievement Nomination, 2001
Certifications and Training
- Collaborative Law
- Trained in Collaborative Law, August, 2009
- Mediation
- Certified Rule 31 Listed Family Law Mediator
- Trained Mediator, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1996
- Tennessee Supreme Court Approved Mediator, Certified Rule 31 Listed Family Law Mediator trained
- Arbitration
- Trained Arbitrator, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1995
- Family Law Specialist
- Board Certified as a Family Law Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Executive Committee Member, 2003 - 2012
- President, 2009-2010
- President-Elect, 2008-2009
- Vice-President, 2003-2008
- Parliamentarian, 2002-2003
- Board of Review Committee, 2001-2002, 2007
- Board of Governors, 2001-2003
- Chair of Cohabitation Agreement Committee, 2011-2013
- Chair of Continuing Legal Education Committee, 2000-2001
- Liaison to the Changing American Family Committee, 2000-2001
- Ad Hoc Member of the Executive Committee, 1998-2004
- Membership Committee Chair, 1998-2003
- Membership Committee, 1997-2003
- Continuing Legal Education Committee Member, 1995-2001
- Legislative Committee Member, 1994-1998
- Best Practices Committee, 2008-2013
- Collaborative Law Committee, 2009-present
- Fellow,1994-present
- Nomination Committee Member, 2014
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation
- Vice-Present, 2005-2007
- Legal Counsel, 2007-2009
- Secretary, 2005-2006
- Treasurer, 2003-2005
- Board Member, 2001-2009
- American Bar Association
- Child Custody Pro Bono Project Advisory Committee, 2001-2005
- Family Law Section, Family Courts Committee, 1993
- Law Practice Management Committee,1993
- Fellow, March, 2016-present
- American College of Family Trial Lawyers
- Executive Committee Member 2012 to present
- Diplomate, 2003-present
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
- Member 2012 to present
- Board of Professional Responsibility
- Hearing Committee Member, 1992-1999
- Harry Phillips American Inns of Court
- Master Emeritus status, 2008-present
- Recorder, 1994-2007
- Member, 1992-2008
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Member, 2010-present
- International Academy of Family Lawyers
- President since June 2020
- International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- President Elect 2018
- Vice-President, 2010-present
- Website Subcommittee Chair, 2010-to present
- International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, USA Chapter
- U.S.A. Chapter President 2015
- U.S.A. Chapter President-Elect 2014
- U.S.A. Chapter Vice-President , 2005-2007, 2013-2014
- Board of Managers, 2004-2007
- Parliamentarian, 2002-2003
- Fellow, 1998-present
- International Network of Boutique Law Firms
- Firm membership, 2009-2013
- Lawyers Association for Women
- President, 1996-1997
- President-Elect, 1995-1996
- Secretary, 1994-1995
- Member, 1982 - present
- Leadership Nashville Alumni 2015 - present
- Participant, September 2014 to May 2015
- Middle Tennessee Collaborative Alliance
- Founding Member, 2010-to present
- Chair of the Protocols Committee, 2012, 2013
- Nashville Bar Association
- Member of the Board of Directors since June 2020
- First Vice-President, 1993
- Domestic Relations Committee , Former Chair
- Administration of Justice Committee, Former Board Liaison
- Nashville Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Former Committee Member and Former Board Liaison
- Member, 1981-present
- Nashville Bar Foundation, Fellow, 1993-present
- National Board of Legal Specialization Certification/National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Vice President, 2009-2010
- Executive Committee Member, 2006-2009
- Board Member, 2000-2010
- Tennessee Bar Association
- Family Law Code Commission, 2000-2009
- Family Law Section Chair, 2001-2002
- Family Law Section Vice-Chair, 2000-2001
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee,1995-2010
- Family Law Section Member, 1982-present
- Tennessee Bar Association Foundation, Fellow, 2001-present
- Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
- President, 2003-2006
- Member, 2001-2012
- Tennessee Advisory Board Member, 2011-present
- Tennessee Justice Center Advisory Board Member, 2011-present
- Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women, Member, 1982 - present
- Tennessee Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Former Committee Member
- Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society
- President, 2009-2010
- President-Elect, 2008-2009
- Board Member, 2004-Present
- Founding Member, 1996
- Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Family Law Section Vice-President , 1994
- Nashville Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education, "Collaborative Family Law Practice: The Alternative to Divorce Litigation", co-presenter, May 2013
- Nashville School of Law, Continuing Legal Education, "How and Why Permanent Parenting Plans can be Changed", April, 2013
- Family Law Conference for Tennessee Practitioners, “Modification of Permanent Parenting Plans,” December 2012
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, “The Role of Psychology in Family Law Over the Past Fifty Years,” November 2012
- Nashville Bar Association, 2012 Practice Institutes Seminar, “Collaborative Divorce Practice: The Movement Away From Traditional Divorce Practice,” October 4, 2012.
- TAM CLE Seminar, “Providing for the Paramour in Parenting Plans,” December 1, 2011.
- Nashville School of Law, “Discovering Hidden Assets in a Divorce Case,” September 21, 2011.
- TAM Family Law Conference, “Discovering Hidden Assets in a Divorce Case,” December 3, 2010.
- Family Law Conference for Practitioners, “Advocacy in Family Law Mediation,” December 4, 2009
- Tennessee Bar Association Family Law Forum, “Practicing Divorce Law in the Midst of Economic Turmoil,” May 21, 2009
- Tennessee Association for Justice 2009 Domestic Law Forum, Professionalism in Domestic Law, “Dealing With Grandparents and What is New on Grandparent Visitation,” April 16, 2009
- Lawyers Association for Women (L.A.W.) Mentoring Program, Panel Discussion at the Nashville School of Law, April 16, 2008
- All About Women Annual Symposium, “Family Law Highlights,” September, 2005
- Summit Divorce Planning, Financial Advisory Group, “Family Law Highlights,” September 2005
- Tennessee Bar Association, “Understanding the New Child Support Guidelines,” December, 2004
- Tennessee Bar Association, “Preventing Legal Malpractice and Ethics Complaints,” December, 2002
- Tennessee Bar Association, “Bridge the Gap,” November, 2002
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, “Ethics Jeopardy,” November, 2002
- Board of Professional Responsibility, “Ethics Workshop,” September, 2000
- Nashville Bar Association, Emerging Trends and Issues Seminar, “The Voices of Children and When They Should be Heard,” February, 2000
- Tennessee Bar Association
- “How to Handle Custody and Child Support Across State Lines,” December, 1998
- “Preventing Legal Malpractice Claims,” May, 1995
- “Seven Areas of Ethical Consideration,” 1994 (two sessions)
- Mediation Association of Tennessee, “Family Law in Tennessee,” May, 1995
- Nashville Bar Association
- NBA Ethics in Family Law, September, 1995
- NBA Convention, 1992
- NBA Probate Seminar, 1992
- National Business Institute, Family Law, 1991 and 1992
- Clerks of Tennessee Courts
- Southeastern Paralegal Institute, Prior Family Law Instructor
- Family Law Conference for Practitioners, “Advocacy in Family Law Mediation,” December 4, 2009
- Marlene Eskind Moses & Manuel Benjamin Russ, "Vaccinations and Parental Decision Making," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 57, No.1, Jan-Feb 2021
- Marlene Eskind Moses & Manuel Benjamin Russ, "International Prenuptial Agreements," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 56, No. 5, May 2020
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Ethics in Family Law Mediation" , Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2019
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "C hanging a Life Insurance Beneficiary in Violation of an Injunction", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 54, No. 9, September, 2018
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Merger Doctrine in Family Law", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 54, No. 5, May 2018
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Elimination of the Alimony Deduction: A Tax Break for some, a Hike for Others", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 54, No. 1, January 2018
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Modifications to Child Support Laws in 2017", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 53, No. 9, September 2017
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Redefining Relocation ", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol 53, No. 5, May, 2017
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Inconvenient Forum", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 53, No. 1, January 2017
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Finding and Defining Incom e Available for Support", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 52, No. 9, September, 2016
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "QDRO and State/Local Government Pensions", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 52, No. 5, May 2016
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Recent Recalculation of Retirement: Employment Benefits as Separate Property," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 52, No. 1, January 2016
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "What Obergefell v. Hodges Means for Tennessee," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 51, No. 9, September 2015
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Perfecting Protection", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 51, No. 5, May 2015
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Can Criminal Contempt Create Compliance", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 51, No. 1, January 2015
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Forced Marriage", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 50, No. 9, September 2014
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Electronic Surveillance in Family Law", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 50, No. 5, May 2014.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " The Art of Having Three Biological Parents", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 50, No. 1, January 2014.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "The Role of Psychology in Family Law over the Last 50 Years", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 49, No. 9, September 2013.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Modifying Permanent Parenting Plans in Tennessee", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 49, No. 5, May 2013.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Helping Children Endure Divorce", Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 49, No. 1, January 2013.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Uncovering Hidden Assets in Divorce: Secret Closets and Covering Your Bases," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 48, No. 9, September 2012.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Parenting Coordinators: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 48. No. 5, May 2012.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Recent Evolution of the 'Paramour Provision' History," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 47, No. 9, September 2011.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "Parental Alienation in Child Custody Disputes," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 47, No. 5, May 2011.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, " Divorce Planning in Tennessee: Pre-Nuptial, Post-Nuptial Agreements and Trusts," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 47, No. 1, January, 2011.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "An Overview of Tennessee's Burgeoning Alternative Dispute Resolution Process: Collaborative Law," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 46, No. 9, September, 2010.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, "The Current Status of Tennessee ' s Grandparent Visitation Law," Tennessee Bar Journal, Vol. 46, No.l , January, 2010 reprinted in The Verdict, 2010.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, as 2009 President-Elect of the AAML lead a committee for preparation of, " What Should We Tell the Children?...A Parents' Guide for Talking About Separation and Divorce", 2009.
- Marlene Eskind Moses, James R. Everett, Jr., and Ronald K. Nevin, " Guardianship and Conservatorship," Tennessee Practice Series, Legal Forms, Chpt. 48, Vol. 15 (Supp.1993).
- Probate Section of Tennessee Practice Series (prior edition).
Community Involvement
- American Jewish Committee
- Vice President, 1998
- Secretary, 1996-1998
- Board Member, 1992-1999
- Conservancy Gala 2013- Aphrodite Committee
- Dinner Committee Member for the Anti-Defamation League, 1995-1996
- ECON Club
- Board Member, 2020-present
- Family and Children's Service
- President of the Board, 2020-present
- Vice-President 2017-2019
- Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign, 2014-present
- Board Member, 2012-present
- Family Support Program, Treasurer, 1993
- Girl Scout Leader, 1994-1996
- Hamilton Gayden for Judge Campaign Committee, 2014
- Harding Academy Parents' Auxiliary Board Member, 1994-1995
- Harding Academy Annual Campaign, Grandparent’s Chair 2018-2019
- Harpeth Hall School
- Annual Campaign Chair, 2001-2002
- Board Secretary, 2000-2001
- Board Member, 1998-2004
- Harpeth Hall School Parents' Association, 1994-1996
- Board Member, 1995-1996
- Harpeth Hall Parents Together, 1994-present
- Chair of Graduation Celebration, 1997-1998
- Chair for 12th grade, 1997-1998
- Healthy Nashville 2000 Committee Member, 1995-1996
- Hillsboro High Advisory Council, 2000-present
- League of Women Voters, Former Member
- Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
- Chair of the Annual Campaign, 1998-1999
- Community Advisory Board Member, 1997-2001
- Co-Chair of the Small Office Division, 1996-1997
- Linda Eskind Rebrovick for Mayor, Finance Committee, 2015/li>
- Montgomery Bell Academy
- Board Member of the Mothers' Club, 2000-2003
- Room Mother, 1998-1999
- Nashville Agenda Networking Liaison, 1993
- Nashville Ballet
- Ballet Ball Auction Committee, 2009-2010
- Patron Committee Member of the Masked Ball, 1995-1996
- Mother's Committee Advisory Council, 1994-1996
- Nashville Symphony, Symphony Ball Legal Counsel, 2005-2006, 2010-2011, 2011- 2012
- Northwestern University Parents' Council, 2002-2006
- Northwestern University Parents' Annual Fund Committee, 2002-2007
- Outlook Nashville
- Secretary of Board, Nominating Committee, 1985-1988
- Board of Directors, 1984-1989
- Patron Committee Member of the Masked Ball for the Nashville Ballet, 1995-1996
- Phil Smith for Judge, Finance Committee, 2009, 2014
- Phil Robinson for Judge, Finance Committee, 2012, 2014
- Ross Alderman for Public Defender, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2005-2008
- Treasurer
- Rotary Club of Nashville, Member, 2016-present
- Second Harvest Food Bank, Patrons' Committee Member, 1996
- Sophia Crawford for Judge, Finance Committee, 2014
- St. Luke' s Community House Board of Directors, 2004-present
- Swan Ball, Auction Committee Chair, 1998
- Swan Ball, Auction Committee, Advisory Committee, 2011, 2012
- Tulane University Parents' Council, 1998-2002
- Tulane University President' s Council, 2003-present
- US Friends of the Hague Convention Foundation
- Member of the Board of the Directors, 2017-present
- Founding Member
- Women In The Nineties, Member
- YWCA Academy of Achievement, Steering Committee Member, 1997
- YWCA, Fund Raising Campaign Committee, 1999-2000
Put Our Experience On Your Side
Skilled attorneys and a reputation for success have made MTR Family Law, PLLC one of the most respected family and divorce law firms in Tennessee. This recognition is built on decades of experience in the areas of complex marital divorce and family law matters. MTR Family Law, PLLC is known, not only for its successful litigation outcomes, but for desirable negotiated settlements. Lawyers in the firm are also trained mediators and collaborative law practitioners. MTR Family Law, PLLC utilizes state of the art technology and cost effective methods to provide services in a timely, client oriented manner in an ethical, friendly, and professional environment. Our approach focuses on each client's background, needs, and goals. We are committed to keeping our clients informed.