Joshua A. Wallis

Family Law Attorney

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For the majority of his legal career, Joshua A. Wallis has worked exclusively on domestic and family law cases, including cases involving divorce, child custody, child visitation, alimony, child support, protective orders, termination, adoption, and child relocation.

Before that, he worked at an insurance defense firm, handling personal injury and subrogation litigation defense. Although originally from Missouri, Josh has spent most of his life in Memphis and loves this city.

He enjoys traveling with his husband and family, their dogs, movies, and eating meals prepared by others because he cannot cook to save his life. Before attending law school, he worked as a professional actor and performed in numerous theater companies, including in the Northeast and Midwest.

Josh Wallis is the former chair of the Memphis Bar Association LGBTQ+ & Ally Section and previously served on the Executive Committee for the LGBTQ+ Section of the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA).

Josh also previously chaired the CLE Committee for the Memphis Bar Association for two years, served on the TBA’s Diversity Task Force, and chaired the board for the Family Law Section of the Memphis Bar Association (2011-2013).

He has been elected to the board of the Memphis Bar Association twice and served on its Executive Committee.

Education

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theater Performance) from The University of Memphis in 2000 (magna cum
    laude).
  • Juris Doctor from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2008 (cum laude).
  • National Institute for Trial Advocacy Trial Skills training in June 2024

Positions Held

Board Member of Friends of Georges.

Barrister Member of the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court (2020 – 2024).

Outstanding Barrister 2022-2023

Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law (TBALL) Class of 2018.

Law Clerk for the Honorable Donna M. Fields, Judge of Division Seven of the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the Thirtieth Judicial District (2007 – 2008).

Associate Editor of the “The University of Memphis Law Review” (2006 – 2008).

Presented numerous CLEs on subjects including family law and laws affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

  • Tennessee Law License: 2008.
  • Mississippi Law License: 2014.
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi: 2021.

Associations and Memberships

  • Memphis Bar Association.
  • Tennessee Bar Association.
  • Mississippi Bar Association.
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Practice Areas by Josh

Child Adoption
Adoption is about more than legal steps — it’s about creating a loving home and building your family’s future with confidence and peace of mind.
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Alimony
Alimony helps provide financial support after divorce, ensuring stability and fairness. Douglass & Runger works to secure a fair arrangement for you.
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Child Custody
Child custody is about creating a stable, loving environment for your child. Douglass & Runger helps you make sure your child’s best interests come first.
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Child Support
Memphis Child Support Attorney assisting parents with child support matters in Tennessee to ensure fair and accurate support calculations in divorce or custody cases.
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Child Support Modification
A Child Support Modification adjusts your existing support order to match life’s changes — ensuring your child’s needs are met while keeping the arrangement fair and manageable for everyone involved.
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Conservatorship
Conservatorship ensures your loved one is cared for when they need it most. It’s about providing protection, stability, and peace of mind for their future.
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FAQs by Josh

Can I still get a divorce in Tennessee if I cannot locate my spouse?
Family Law
In this video attorney Curt Runger answers the question of whether is it still possible to get a divorce in...
Common Mistakes People Make in Waiting too Long to File for Divorce
Family Law
if you're sure your marriage is over, delaying the divorce process can lead to serious problems, particularly if you have...
Do I have to hire an attorney to obtain a divorce?
Family Law
The short answer is NO, you don’t have to hire an attorney. You can technically handle it on your own. But...
How do I file for Divorce here in Memphis?
Family Law
Filing for divorce can feel challenging, but understanding the requirements can clarify things.
How is child support calculated in Tennessee?
Family Law
Understanding how this works can help reduce some of the stress during the divorce process. In Tennessee, child support is calculated
How quickly can I get a divorce in Tennessee?
Family Law
The answer depends on several factors, the biggest of which is whether you and your spouse can agree on the...
How to make an uncooperative spouse pay temporary alimony and child support pending a divorce?
Family Law
In this video attorney Curt Runger answers the question of how to get an uncooperative spouse to pay alimony and...
Overview of Supervised Visitation
Family Law
In this video attorney Megan Wilson explains the process of supervised visitation. View the video below or see the transcript...
What happens to my joint marital residence in a divorce?
Family Law
Dividing a marital home during a divorce? Learn your options, selling, refinancing, or signing a quitclaim deed, and avoid common...
What is a guardian ad-litem?
Family Law
Learn about the role of a Guardian ad Litem in contested divorces with custody disputes. Discover how a GAL helps...
What is a Property Management Plan in a Conservatorship?
Family Law
Learn about the importance of Property Management Plans in Tennessee conservatorships. Find out what these plans include, how they are...
What is the Cost for a Conservatorship?
Family Law
Discover the factors that affect conservatorship costs, including contested vs. uncontested cases and the scope of conservatorship.
What is the Process for a Conservatorship?
Family Law
Navigating the conservatorship process can be complex. Learn the key steps involved in establishing a conservatorship, including gathering information, legal...
What Is The Process Of Obtaining An Uncontested Divorce?
Family Law
Discover the key steps for obtaining an uncontested divorce in Tennessee, whether you have minor children or not. Learn about...

Recent Blogs

Douglass & Runger, PLLC – Bartlett’s Best Family Law Attorneys Honored with 2025 Quality Business Award

Douglass & Runger, PLLC, earns the 2025 Quality Business Award as Bartlett, Tennessee’s top family law attorneys. Discover why their expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence make them the trusted choice for divorce, custody, and family legal matters.

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