Avondale Estates Family Lawyers

Tyler Carey grew up in Athens, Ohio and moved to Augusta, Georgia for college where he attended and graduated from Augusta University. During his undergraduate studies, Tyler was a member of the Student Conduct Board, as well as awarded the Who’s Who Among American College Students from Universities. After Augusta University, Tyler moved to Loganville to attend Emory University’s School of Law.

During Tyler's first year of law school, he interned for Bryan Frost which sparked his desire to help those overwhelmed by the legal system.

During his time at Emory, Tyler helped write am amicus curie brief to the United States...

I am an attorney as well as a divorced father of two young children and I specialize in all aspects of family law including divorce, child custody, child support, modifications of custody and support, paternity, legitimation, temporary protective orders, contempt of court orders, parental rights, adoption, and more. My unique background as a single father gives me a great understanding of my clients and the challenges they face. I know what they are going through and how they feel because I've been through it, as well, and I inherently understand the necessity of being a caring, expert advocate for others...

Rebekah A. James serves as an Attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia and earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law. During her undergraduate career, Rebekah maintained the HOPE Scholarship, was a member of both the University of West Georgia Honors College and Sigma Kappa sorority, and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). In law school, Rebekah worked as a Student Practitioner at the Wilbanks Child Endangerment & Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Clinic for two semesters and one semester at...

Practicing general civil law for over 30 years, now specialized in uncontested divorces and low-conflict divorces, designed to deliver maximum value to my clients. Excellent reviews on Avvo for my personalized, efficient service. 13 years of experience mediating family law cases; conducted Cobb County sponsored family law workshops. Member of the Cobb County Family Law Section.

Hello! I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia. I have a passion for justice and dedication to educating and effectively guiding clients through the complex legal system is unsurpassed. Clients can expect the professional skills of an attorney that is willing to listen, qualified to counsel, and ready to serve. I completed my undergraduate studies at Emory University and obtained my law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But enough about me. Let's talk about what you can expect from me and...

Esther Vayman is a native of Alpharetta, Georgia and a graduate of Milton High School in 1995. In 1999, Ms. Vayman received her B.B.A. from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and her J.D. from the Georgia State University College of Law in 2005.

I graduated summa cum laude from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice before relocating to Norman, Oklahoma to attend school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. I began my legal career as a volunteer at the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office in 2010, and in 2011, I became licensed as an intern and immediately practiced in the courtroom. I received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and became licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma in 2012. After law school, I continued with the DA's Office...

Prior to attending law school, I served in the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. I served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Mortar Platoon Leader, Instructor, Battalion Staff Officer and an Infantry Rifle Company Commander. I began practicing law in Canton, Georgia in 1993. After obtaining a Master of Laws concentrating in litigation, I logged several thousand hours in the courtroom developing a practice in domestic relations, criminal law and commercial litigation. In 2007 I was certified as a mediator, using my years of courtroom experience coupled with alternative dispute resolution training to help people resolve...

Justin devotes his practice primarily to the areas of divorce, custody, and parental advocacy in DFCS matters. As an advocate for the rights of parents, Justin has realized his lifelong passion for helping others in their time of need. Through seven years of practice, Justin has represented a variety of clients in various matters throughout our legal system. He finds great satisfaction in seeing his client’s cases through to a successful resolution, regardless of the challenges that may exist with any particular case. Among his peers, Justin is well known to be a compassionate advocate for...

Melissa L. Bowman is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and works primarily out of the firm's Johns Creek office. Melissa was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2016 and has focused solely on family law. She strives to provide exceptional counsel and support to clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding areas who are going through a divorce or have some other serious legal issue affecting their families. Melissa understands that the divorce process is challenging and emotional, and is passionate about helping her clients move through the process with confidence and understanding. Melissa delivers the highest level of representation possible...

Attorney Jason G. Smith of Southern Piedmont Law PC has been practicing more than 18 years specializing in family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption. The firm prides itself on delivering personal attention and cost effective, quality representation. Recently Attorney Smith has been in the national news winning a landmark case that made legal history.

Alexa Dato is an associate attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Political Science as well as a master's degree in Public Administration. At Alabama, Alexa gave tours of the university as a member of Capstone Men & Women, and she served as Personnel Chair of Chi Omega sorority. Following her family's move from Memphis, TN to Alpharetta, GA, Alexa attended law school at the University of Georgia. Alexa became interested in working with families after spending three semesters with UGA Law's Family...

Jason Karasik is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Jason obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in 2008. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he began work as a policy fellow for Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. Jason worked with the House Education Committee and the Senate Education and Youth Committee while doing education policy research. Additionally, he worked closely with the Governor's Policy Director in providing solutions for Georgia's education issues. Jason obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. While in law school, he received the Dean's Scholarship and was an Executive...

Michael is the only all family law attorney to win unanimous decisions before both The Supreme Court of Georgia and The Supreme Court of Georgia. In addition, Michael has won before The Supreme Court of Costa Rica. He is admitted to practice in all Georgia courts and federal courts in the Northern and Middle District of Georgia, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. With over 25 years of experience, he has successfully represented thousands of family members in state, federal and international family law cases including divorce, custody, parental kidnapping, paternity, legitimation,...

Our objective is to set a new standard for quality, affordable legal services, by extending an exceptional level of experience, personal attention and timeliness, at a price that cannot be matched by large or specialized boutique firms. We refer to this as "The Cherry Law Firm Difference," and it is our duty to ensure that our clientele experience and benefit from our pledge to quality assurance, without compromise based on compensation.

Mark Hill has an energetic passion that allows him to get things done in the Family Law / Divorce / Domestic relations area of law and also the Criminal Justice System that seem like magic.

Mark uses his nearly 30 years of legal experience to assist clients in Gwinnett County with their domestic relations.

Mark has friendly relationships with all the right people in many of the counties and courts. He uses several strategies to get your charges reduced, minimize probation or fines, or even have your charged DISMISSED!

Call now for a Free Consultation with Mark or a member...

Ms. Johnson is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Florida in 2012, and a law degree from Howard University School of Law in 2017. During her time in law school, Ms. Johnson was the Co-Captain and Business Manager of the Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team, President of the Education Law Society, and the Founder and Coach of a debate team at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since beginning her legal career, Ms. Johnson has litigated education, child welfare, and family law cases....

I was born in Madison, MS, and grew up in Rock Hill, SC. I completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama Honors College, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Communicative Sciences. I then pursued my Juris Doctor at Georgia State University. During my time in law school, I volunteered at AVLF's Safe Families Office, where I drafted temporary protective orders for clients facing intimate partner abuse. I also took on the role of president of the Public Interest Law Association, where I organized large fundraising events that successfully raised about $30,000 annually to support the public...

I am a solo attorney. Therefore, when you hire my firm, you can be sure that you’ll work directly with me and that I will personally handle your case. More than just doing the legal work, however, I am invested in your personal story and will strive to find a successful resolution to your family law matter. Although I am the firm’s only attorney, I don’t work alone. My dedicated staff members are equally committed to making clients feel welcome and seeking successful outcomes on their behalf. Because of our dual focus on professionalism and personal connection, the firm is...

Darryl graduated from the University of Georgia in 1986 with a degree in accounting. While at UGA, he was a member in the Golden Key, Phi Eta Sigma, and Gamma Beta Phi honor societies and the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. After graduation, he worked for two years at a tax law boutique firm that served ultra-high net worth clients before entering Emory School of Law. At Emory, he focused on litigation and served on the Moot Court Board of Directors and Moot Court Special Teams. He earned membership into the exclusive Order of Barristers and won the prestigious International Academy...

Chadwick D. Plumley is a native of Paulding County, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 with a B.A. in History and received his law degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Chad graduated from law school cum laude in 1997, and served on the Mercer Law review for two years. He is a member of both the Tennessee bar and the Georgia bar. Chad served as an Associate Magistrate Judge for Paulding County from 2003-2010, and has served as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Hiram since 2011. He...

Patrick B. Evans is an attorney at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Patrick graduated with a BS in Social Science from the University of North Georgia in 2002. Following his graduation Patrick received an ROTC Commission from the United State Army and served as an officer in the 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment out of Ft. Lewis, WA. Following his time in the Army, Patrick decided to continue his education earning both a Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Georgia and a Juris Doctorate from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Patrick has been a member of the Georgia...

Chris P. Ramsay is an Associate Attorney at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. He transitioned to family law after spending over a decade practicing as an eDiscovery attorney handling multinational mass tort and environmental civil cases. Chris is an alumni of the University of Georgia where he majored in International Business with a minor in Spanish. He received an M.B.A. from Kennesaw State University while working in procurement and logistics for an international engineering firm prior to earning his Juris Doctorate at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Chris is a native of Clemson, South Carolina, but has lived in Georgia for over...

I was born in Stockbridge, Georgia, April 4, 1972: admitted to the bar 2004, State of Georgia. Education: University of West Georgia (B.S.Ed. 1990); Georgia State University College of Law (J.D. 2004); Atlanta Law School Full Scholarship Recipient; Received Honors in Litigation; Moot Court Qualifier; Phi Alpha Delta (Marshal); State Bar of Georgia; Secretary, Douglas County Bar Association; Former Instructor, National Rifle Association. PRACTICE AREAS: Family Law; Juvenile Law; Criminal Law; Adoption; Wills; Civil Litigation.

I pride myself on being an aggressive, understanding, and effective legal advocate for my clients.

Aliyah Berry is an Attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia State University, earning a dual degree in Philosophy and Political Science, before earning her Juris Doctorate from Duke University School of Law. Aliyah's passion for family law and advocacy began during her undergraduate studies, where she served as a victim advocate with Mosaic Georgia, a Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center, providing emotional support to survivors and victims of sexual violence. Her dedication extended to her work with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, where she assisted clients on various projects, including the Estate...

Diana Whipkey Young is a lifelong resident of Marietta, where she has been passionately practicing law since 1983 and has earned the respect of judges and fellow attorneys. Ms. Young developed a solid foundation in the courtroom when she began her career as a prosecutor in the Cobb County Solicitor’s Office. During this time, she gained valuable insight into the courtroom process. Accordingly, Ms. Young’s ability to offer a prosecutor’s perspective compliments her legal knowledge and enhances her understanding of criminal law and how to effectively advocate on her client’s behalf. Diana Whipkey Young’s decades...

Shani Reid is an Associate with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC who practices family law. In 2012, Shani began practicing Social Security Disability with the largest disability provider in the United States, a practice which allowed her travel around the United States as well as Puerto Rico. After the illness of her mother, Shani focused her practice to the Atlanta Area and began advocating for parents and students as a Special Education attorney. Shani's advocacy eventually led her to into the area of family law where she feels particularly called to help families in transition. In her free time Shani enjoys zumba...

Patricia migrated from Jamaica to Atlanta, Georgia in 1990. She later graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in 1997. Patricia gained significant technical customer relations and public records experience before enrolling at NSU College of Law, in Davie Florida, in the fall of 2004. She graduated in 2007 and returned home to the Atlanta area where she established her practice. Prior to joining Meriwether & Tharp, Patricia's solo practice, of over ten years, focused on Immigration and Family Law. She understands the complexities surrounding the intersection...

William C. King is an associate attorney for The Manely Firm, P.C., an all family law firm serving clients all around Georgia and all around the world. William works directly on litigation matters, counseling and representing men, women, and children in state, interstate, and international family law matters. His practice includes divorce, marital property, custody, child support, alimony, and adoptions. William also leads the Firm's estate planning and probate law branch. William has served as a student intern, runner secretary, receptionist, office clerk, paralegal, and law clerk for The Manely Firm, P.C. As a law clerk, William assisted on a number...

Our moto here at the firm is “Choose Experience, Get Resolution”. Since 1988, Mary Stearns-Montgomery has had tremendous success and a stellar reputation as a family law attorney. The practice began to grow almost immediately and now encompasses 4 office locations all over the Atlanta metro area. The main office in Marietta provides a comfortable and safe place for the firms client’s and their opponents to come together to work on a resolution. In 2010, Mary added Ryan Proctor as a partner. Then in 2013, Ryan moved his main office to the Buckhead location. ...

Mr. Rowsey’s practice focuses on family law, divorce, criminal defense and personal injury law. With over 25 years of experience serving clients in Georgia, his ability to successfully handle various legal matters has earned him an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating conferred by this nationally recognized and respected directory of lawyers and law firms, and is based upon direct feedback from legal professionals. His recognition not only reflects competence with regard to astute legal skills, but also speaks to his client communication and ethical standards as well.

Leslee Hungerford was raised in Columbus, Georgia and earned her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Auburn University. Leslee attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University where she graduated cum laude and in the top 8% of her class. While in law school, she served as Articles Editor for the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, President of the Georgia Student Bar Association, and was honored as an Abraham Caruthers Legal Writing Teaching Fellow. Leslee has focused her practice in the areas of civil litigation, domestic relations, and wills and estates. Leslee is additionally a trained Guardian Ad Litem and...

Lauren joined Meriwether & Tharp in 2022 after graduating from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Prior to law school Lauren attended Kennesaw State University and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. During her time in law school, she participated on the Moot Court Team, served as a Peer Mentor, and worked as a Teacher's Assistant in the Legal Writing and Research department. Throughout her time in law school, she interned at Charlton & Glover where she developed her passion for family law and desire to give clients the best possible...

Gina Grady started her legal career as a Walton County Assistant Public Defender, representing clients who couldn't afford an attorney. She has extensive experience in a number of legal practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, and general civil litigation. "I wanted to focus on family law, and my family was moving to Marietta so it was a great time to make a change," Gina commented. "I was immediately attracted to everyone's positive attitude and willingness to work as a team for our clients." The one word used most often to describe Gina is "focused." She will find the right solution to...

Solving your legal problems without judgment. I help people obtain favorable results through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

I have been representing persons accused or suspected of criminal wrongdoing since 2010. I have been featured in television news stories with Randy Travis’ Fox 5 Atlanta I-Team Investigations, and CBS-46 investigations into the Walton County Sheriff’s Department corruption and drug investigations. I am a guest lecturer for the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Gwinnett County Bar Association.

I have spent 22 years in the courtroom both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. ...

Keesha was admitted to the New York bar in 2016, and the Georgia bar in 2021. She now dedicates her practice and passion to family law cases exclusively. Keesha has represented clients in hundreds of cases that include Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, separate maintenance, divorce (contested and uncontested), asset division, alimony, child custody, child support, legitimation, Temporary Protective Orders, as well as contempt and modification cases. She is a skilled litigator with years of courtroom experience from making daily court appearances while practicing before the Supreme Court of New York, to handling hundreds of family law cases in various jurisdictions...

The Stewart Law Office offers Experienced, Dedicated, and Caring Representation on all family law and divorce matters. Serving Walton, Newton, Oconee, Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Morgan, Greene and Rockdale counties.

Ms. Oliver began her legal career in 2009. Since that time she has helped hundreds of families through the unpredictable landscape of divorce and custody litigation. She is dedicated to providing a personalized approach to each and every client and his or her family law matter; whether that is an aggressive advocate preparing for trial or an informative counselor assisting in settlement.

Call or email today to schedule a consultation. 770-709-6050; amber@oliverhughesllc.com

Melaniece Bardley McKnight is a native of Gary, Indiana, and began her path to a legal career at Southern Illinois University. She attended school on a full basketball scholarship and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in political science. Following undergrad, Melaniece attended North Carolina Central University School of Law and graduated with her juris doctor degree in 2003. Melaniece soon founded Bardley McKnight Law Divorce Lawyers and leads the litigation team at the firm. Her favorite place to be is the courtroom, and Melaniece loves few things more than putting a well-executed trial strategy to work for her clients. Divorce and...