Best Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia
Randall M. Kessler
Child Custody Lawyer
In 1991, Randall M. Kessler founded the law firm now known as Kessler & Solomiany, LLC, a 30 person family law firm in Atlanta. He is the author of many family law books including Divorce: Protect Yourself, Your Kids and Your Future, The GA Library of Family Law Forms, and How to Mediate a Divorce. He is an adjunct professor of Family Law Litigation at Emory Law School. Mr. Kessler has served as the Chair of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.
Mr. Kessler has represented some of the highest profile clients in the country including judges, national and local politicians, professional athletes, TV Stars and other celebrities, entertainers and artists.
Born in Gainesville, Florida, raised in New Orleans and having attended college at Brandeis University near Boston, MA, Randall M. Kessler came to Georgia in 1985 to attend Emory Law School. He has over 35 years of experience in Domestic Relations and Family Law matters including divorce, custody, paternity, prenuptial agreements and child support. He founded KS Family Law in 1991 after practicing for years at other family law boutique firms. Mr. Kessler teaches family law jury trials at Emory Law School and taught Family Law at John Marshall Law School from 2005 – 2019. He has lectured for the ABA, AAML, AICPA, NACVA, IAAR, NFLPA, NBPA, the Georgia Psychological Association (GPA), the Georgia Society of CPAs, the Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb and Atlanta Bar Associations and others all over the country and in fact, all over the world. Mr. Kessler is the Editor Emeritus of the Family Law Review for the State Bar of Georgia. He is proficient in both Spanish and Hebrew.
Joi Fairell
Child Custody Lawyer
As a child, in my generation the “go to” answer when asked what you wanted to be when you grew up was always a doctor or a lawyer. I had settled in my kid-like mind that I would be a doctor. I never knew a doctor nor had I ever looked into what it took to be a doctor until I actually got to college. It was then that I realized I wanted nothing to do with being a doctor, after all I hated math and the thought of blood was nauseating. By the time I finished my freshman year at Georgia Southern University, I had changed my major from pre-medicine to undeclared. I really did not know what to do. I had my mind set on doing something in broadcasting or journalism but the thought of that career did not move my soul.
As I started my sophomore year I was getting concerned that I did not have a plan for my life. It was then that I sought out God’s guidance. I decided that I would be silent until God ordered my steps for what was next. The entire first semester went by and nothing sparked my soul. One Saturday morning, I got a random phone call from a distant family friend.
We chatted very briefly but in that conversation he said something about me being called to be a Lawyer. I remember turning my nose up to the thought of wanting to be what everyone wanted to be. As a child that was expected but I was an adult now. I liked to be different, I was a born leader not a follower.
I prayed about this whole Lawyer revelation a few more weeks and God just kept confirming that this was it, this is what he was calling me to do. I knew it was right and from God because I felt a big tingle in my heart. I only had one really big problem. I needed to find out how someone becomes a Lawyer! I had never even met a Lawyer. I literally started with a google search “how to become a lawyer.”
V. Joy Edwards
Child Custody Lawyer
V. Joy Edwards is the Managing Partner and Owner of The Edwards Law Group. From a young age, Ms. Edwards had the drive and desire to contribute her help to others in the legal arena. Ms. Edwards attended high school at Mount Alvernia High School in Jamaica where she was an avid member of the debate team. Her team made it to the National Competition in 1988 and placed second nationwide. Ms. Edwards received her Bachelor of Arts from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1996, where she graduated as a Pre-Law Major and a Political Science Minor. After college, Ms. Edwards continued on her path to becoming an attorney by attending Rutgers University – School of Law in Camden, New Jersey, where she graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 1999.
After graduating from Law School, Ms. Edwards was employed at a firm in Marietta, Georgia practicing Family Law. Ms. Edwards quickly fell in love with the field and has since dedicated her professional career to obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to best represent her clients in every aspect of their case.
Ms. Edwards is a well-known experienced Atlanta divorce attorney and an excellent litigator. This means if your case calls for aggressive litigation skills, Ms. Edwards is the perfect advocate for you. Ms. Edwards spent three years as the Staff Attorney for two judges in the State Court of Cobb County. That experience has been invaluable in helping her hone her litigation skills and courtroom decorum. It is not often that you can find an attorney to represent you who has had experience from both sides of the bench.
Janice F. Alfred, Esq.
Child Custody Lawyer
Ms. Alfred obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Hamilton College located in Clinton, NY in 1998. After taking two years off to work at a large law firm in New York City, she enrolled at the New York Law School in 2000.
In 2002, Ms. Alfred became an editor of the New York Law School Journal of Human Rights and published a note titled “Denial of the American Dream: The Plight of Undocumented High School Students Within the U.S. Educational System” and an article titled “The 4th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: Gender Discrimination and the AIDS pandemic.”
After graduating from law school, Ms. Alfred relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2004. Ms. Alfred moved to McDonough, Georgia in 2018 and enjoys serving the community of Henry County.
DIANE CHERRY
Child Custody Lawyer
I’m not a fan of all the pomp and circumstance that you find in most attorney bios. If you want to read about the stuff that attorneys like to brag about, you can find that below where I have listed “Just the Facts.”
Personally, I think you can learn a lot more about a person by delving deeper into how they view their role as advisors and what their approach is to litigation. You may have heard about lawyers who think they are the smartest people in a room who like to tell you about all of the wonderful things they have done to help the poor, the starving and the needy. I’m not one of those attorneys. I try to demystify the law and make it easy to grasp the process and pitfalls from the beginning to the end of your divorce, custody, modification, adoption or other family law case.
My goal is not to make you look or feel dumb or less worthy than me merely because you are not trained in the law. I know that most of my clients are smarter, faster, more intelligent and better looking than me so I don’t try to outwit them. I simply work hard to make the law understandable to lay persons. I find that once clients understand what we do and how we do it, they are empowered to take control of their own cases and not only become better, more informed clients, but often become better parents and partners in the process.
When you take your case to court, you shouldn’t think of yourself as a Roman gladiator out to slay your opponent. You will find that a kinder, softer and gentler approach works far better than the gladiator thing. When you hire me, I spend lots and lots of time getting to know you and your case so I understand where you are coming from and where you want to go.
Karina Mason
Child Custody Lawyer
When you contact Thomas and Fargione Law, Karina will more than likely be one of your first points of contact. She is the firm’s Legal Executive Assistant, and she will make sure your questions are answered and your needs are taken care of as quickly as possible with her caring and compassionate Nature
Karina is originally from Victoria, Australia. After Graduating high school Karina worked in the banking and finance sector where she gained valuable experience in Customer Service and was promoted to the National Contact Centre Manager, Karina was accepted into La Trobe University, as a mature age student and completed her Bachelor Of Business (Financial Planning) and Later her Advanced Diploma of Accounting.
As a Mom of 6 Children, Karina loves to spend time with her husband and Children in her spare time. She enjoys Dancing, Netball, reading, going for long walks, Bellringing, and watching Netflix. Karina is very excited to be part of The Thomas and Fargione Law Firm’s team and will be here to help you whenever you need it.
Sharon Sweat Jackson
Child Custody Lawyer
Sharon Sweat Jackson earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of South Carolina. She later earned her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Chapman University in San Diego, CA. In 2005, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
In 2005, Sharon Jackson was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia. She is also admitted to practice in the following courts:
- The Superior and State Courts of Georgia
- All lower courts of the State of Georgia
- The Court of Appeals of Georgia
- The Supreme Court of Georgia
- The United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Georgia Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- Gwinnett County Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
ADAM S JAFFE
Child Custody Lawyer
Over the past 23 years, Adam has become the elite of Atlanta and Georgia trial lawyers and litigators. Adam has won major cases in every single area of his Civil and Criminal Trial Practice in Georgia. He has dominated Atlanta and Georgia Courtrooms in the most complex national custody cases to million dollar verdicts to beating the Federal Government in criminal trials. His current practice areas include all simple and complex Georgia family law matters including but not limited to divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, visitation, paternity, prenuptial agreements, mediation, LGBT family rights, division of property, contempt, alimony and spousal support. His past experience, which enhanced his courtroom skills, includes simple and catastrophic auto accidents & personal injury, major medical malpractice, simple and complex criminal defense, and breach of contract. During his 20 year career, Adam has litigated, tried, settled and won thousands of cases to conclusion in Federal, Superior, State and Magistrate courts (both statewide and nationally). With his past jury verdict in the amount of $1,060,000.00, Adam achieved elite status as one of the few lawyers in the State of Georgia who has won major trials in all of his areas of both civil and criminal trial practice.
Adam obtained his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. There, he was President of the Loyola Law School Board of Advocates and was a member of the National Trial Team, where he won the first championship in Loyola Law school history. He also coached and won with the Association of Trial Lawyers of America trial team, and the Louisiana State Bar Trial Team, where he was named champion.
Adam was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He obtained a B.A. in Rhetoric at the University of Georgia. There, he advocated as counsel for the UGA Defender-Advocate Society, where his talent was highly recognized and rewarded. Adam was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa (an elite national leadership honor society) and Leadership UGA (top student leaders). During his studies he was named a Richard B. Russell Leadership Fellow.
200 ASHFORD CENTER NORTH, SUITE 300 ATLANTA, GA 30338
(678) 358-5291
www.atlantatriallawyersgroup.com
Family disputes, particularly those involving child custody, can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. In the heart of the American South, Georgia is home to families facing such issues. In these difficult times, the guidance and representation of the best child custody lawyers in Georgia are essential. This article explores the qualities that set these legal professionals apart and emphasizes their pivotal role in preserving the well-being and interests of children during custody battles.
Link to the United States Supreme Court: Supreme Court Website
Understanding the Role of Child Custody Lawyers:
Before we delve into the attributes that define the best child custody lawyers in Georgia, it’s important to understand their crucial role in family law:
- Legal Advocacy: Child custody lawyers serve as advocates for parents or legal guardians involved in disputes over the care, custody, and visitation of children.
- Legal Expertise: They possess specialized knowledge of Georgia’s family laws, child custody statutes, and relevant legal procedures.
- Mediation and Negotiation: Child custody attorneys facilitate negotiations and mediation to help parents reach amicable custody arrangements outside of court.
- Litigation Experience: In cases where agreements cannot be reached, the best lawyers are prepared for court hearings and trials, representing their clients’ interests before judges.
- Child’s Best Interests: The primary focus of child custody lawyers is to ensure the best interests of the child are upheld throughout the legal process.
Qualities of the Best Child Custody Lawyers in Georgia:
What sets the best child custody lawyers in Georgia apart from the rest? Let’s explore the key attributes and qualities that define these legal professionals:
- Expertise in Family Law:
- The best child custody lawyers have extensive knowledge of Georgia’s family laws, custody regulations, and a deep understanding of various family dynamics.
- Experience Matters:
- Years of experience handling child custody cases is a crucial indicator of an attorney’s proficiency. These lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in similar situations.
- Local Knowledge:
- Familiarity with Georgia’s legal landscape, local family courts, judges, and child custody mediators is a significant advantage. The best attorneys understand the nuances of the state’s unique legal environment.
- Effective Communication Skills:
- Clear and effective communication is paramount in child custody cases. The best attorneys can explain complex legal matters in plain language, ensuring their clients understand their options and strategies.
- Negotiation Skills:
- Many child custody disputes can be resolved through negotiation. The best lawyers excel in negotiations, striving to reach fair and favorable custody arrangements for their clients.
- Litigation Experience:
- While not all cases go to court, the best lawyers are prepared for litigation and are known for their adeptness in representing their clients’ interests in the courtroom.
- Client-Centered Approach:
- Top child custody lawyers prioritize their clients’ interests and well-being. They listen to their clients’ concerns, address their questions, and tailor their strategies to the unique circumstances of each case.
- Track Record of Success:
- Look for attorneys with a history of securing favorable custody arrangements, whether through agreements, court orders, or mediated settlements, in cases similar to yours.
- Transparent Fees:
- The best child custody lawyers are transparent about their fees and billing practices, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
- Empathy and Compassion:
- Child custody disputes can be emotionally charged. The best attorneys approach their clients with empathy and compassion, recognizing the stress and anxiety involved.
How the Best Child Custody Lawyers Can Help:
Now that we’ve outlined the qualities of the best child custody lawyers in Georgia, let’s explore how they can assist parents and legal guardians facing custody disputes:
- Child Custody Agreements:
- Child custody lawyers help parents or guardians negotiate and draft child custody agreements that address visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and other custody-related matters.
- Modification of Custody Orders:
- They assist clients in seeking modifications to existing custody orders when significant changes in circumstances warrant adjustments to custody arrangements.
- Enforcement of Custody Orders:
- Attorneys represent clients in cases where one party is not complying with a court-ordered custody arrangement, working to enforce the court’s orders.
- Relocation Issues:
- Child custody lawyers address relocation disputes, helping parents navigate the legal process when one parent intends to move with the child.
- Grandparent Visitation Rights:
- They advocate for grandparents seeking visitation rights with their grandchildren when such rights are in the child’s best interests.
- Emergency Custody Orders:
- Attorneys assist clients in obtaining emergency custody orders in situations where a child’s safety or well-being is at risk.
Conclusion:
In the heartwarming state of Georgia, the best child custody lawyers are dedicated to safeguarding the interests and well-being of children caught in the midst of custody disputes. Their expertise, experience, and unwavering commitment to preserving family bonds and the best interests of children make them indispensable allies in the pursuit of fair and just custody arrangements. Whether through negotiation, mediation, settlement, or courtroom representation, the best child custody lawyers in Georgia tirelessly work to ensure that children’s voices are heard, their needs are met, and their futures are protected during challenging times of family transition.