Carley Darby
Carley's practice focuses on guiding individuals and families through difficult transitions. She works closely with clients to provide practical legal solutions while protecting what matters most to them.
Carley Darby is a partner at Byars, Darby & Damas and focuses her practice on family law and client advocacy throughout Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland region. She is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate difficult personal situations with clear guidance, thoughtful strategy and strong legal representation.
A Cookeville native, Carley graduated from Cookeville High School before attending Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude with highest honors in 2016. During her time at Lee University, her passion for advocating for others continued to grow as she explored the legal field through internships and experiences that ultimately confirmed her path toward becoming an attorney.
Carley went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law. While in law school, she received two Top Performance Awards and earned her limited law license, allowing her to gain courtroom experience early in her legal career. During that time she completed juvenile trials and provided legal service through Habitat for Humanity by helping prepare wills for homeowners.
Throughout law school Carley worked full time, gaining valuable experience in family law and working within the Rutherford County Clerk and Master's Office. In 2019 she returned to Cookeville to begin her legal career and build her practice in the community she calls home. After graduating in 2020, she immediately began practicing under her limited license while awaiting bar results.
Carley's practice today centers on helping clients navigate family law matters with preparation, compassion and strong advocacy. She understands that many of her clients are facing some of the most personal and stressful moments of their lives and focuses on providing clear guidance so they can make informed decisions about their future.
Outside the office, Carley enjoys spending time with her husband Josh, their dogs and their friends and family throughout the Upper Cumberland.
Family Law
Carley helps clients navigate divorce, custody and other family law matters with a focus on protecting families while creating practical long-term solutions.
Divorce
She works with clients to understand their options, protect their interests and move through the divorce process with clarity and confidence.
Child Custody
Carley advocates for parenting plans and custody arrangements that support stability and protect the best interests of children.
Child Support
She assists clients with establishing, modifying and enforcing child support orders so families can move forward with workable financial arrangements.
Meet Our Full Legal Team
Jessica Shanks
Lucero Ramirez
Rosaura Mejia
Barbara Kinnard
