Best Divorce Lawyers in Atlanta
Randall M. Kessler
Divorce Lawyers
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.
Jim Peterson
Divorce Lawyers
With more than 35 years of legal experience, Jim focuses his practice on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, support modifications, as well as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Prior to founding The Peterson Firm, Jim worked for a large Atlanta law firm handling complicated corporate litigation cases. This invaluable experience provided Jim the knowledge and skills necessary to handle complex divorce cases involving significant assets and family businesses.
Jim has extensive trial experience (both jury and non jury) and argued numerous landmark cases before the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Most of Jim’s clients come as referrals from other attorneys and former clients who know and respect his professional reputation. Jim’s clients have ranged from stay-at-home parents to attorneys, business leaders, professional athletes, professors, airline pilots and doctors.
Consistently recognized as one of the top 5% of all divorce attorneys in the State of Georgia, Jim has been named to the prestigious Super Lawyers list as published in Atlanta Magazine every year since 2008 and has been named as a member of the “Georgia Elite” by Georgia Trend Magazine every year since 2008.
Jim is an avid cyclist, runner and triathlete, and he has competed in numerous marathons, century bike races, 4 Ironman Triathlons and 3 half-Ironman Triathlons.
Melissa Bowman
Divorce Lawyers
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 to her clients to help them make the best-informed decisions regarding child custody and support, asset division, alimony, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and other legal issues that will affect them and their families for years to come. Known for her compassion and integrity, Melissa delivers the caring counsel her clients need, using her knowledge of the law and creativity to help clients reach the solution that is right for them. Family law cases are not one-size-fits-all, and often present various challenges and unique facts. Melissa enjoys meeting these challenges head-on and working hard to help her clients overcome them, walking them through their cases step-by-step. Melissa is an experienced negotiator and litigator who fights tirelessly for her clients to ensure they are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Melissa graduated from Auburn University in 2011 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Professional Writing and Literary Studies and Theatre. She then attended Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2015.
Michael Shane Welsh
Divorce Lawyers
Education
- Duke University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina
- J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence
- Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts
- Honors: summa cum laude
- Honors: Jolley Scholar, Currant-Garcia Senior Award
- Major: English
Bar Admission
- Georgia, 1993
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, 1993
Past Positions
- Holland & Knight (f/k/a Branch Pike & Ganz)
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Georgia, Member
- American Bar Association, Member
- Atlanta Bar Association, Member
Current Employment Position
- Attorney
Timothy M. Orange
Divorce Lawyers
My approach is one that adapts as the case proceeds. I have the ability to take a gentle approach, or pursue a more aggressive approach, just depending on the needs of the matter and the best strategy to accomplish favorable results. This dynamic approach to practicing family law underscores my unwavering devotion to my client’s well-being. I will always be upfront and honest with my clients about potential outcomes, and I always focus on what I believe is truly attainable. I believe deeply in communication with my client and all sides involved. With that, I pride myself on quickly responding to matters and helping to guide client’s through the process. I know that divorce, child custody and support issues can turn family lives upside down.
Education
- Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Atlanta, Georgia
- J.D.
- Kaplan University
- B.S.
- Major: Legal Studies
- University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
- M.B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, 2022
Honors
- Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award, 2022
Current Employment Positions
- Attorney
Jeanne L. Sacks
Divorce Lawyers
Over the course of her 25-year long legal career, Jeanne has focused on family law. After moving to Georgia in 1995 with her husband and fellow lawyer, Josh, Jeanne began her legal career as a law clerk to the late Hon. Richard S. (Stan) Gault in the Superior Court of Forsyth County, Georgia. Following her clerkship, Jeanne quickly established herself as an effective advocate and litigator in private practice in the complex field of family law. Jeanne took a hiatus from practice beginning in 2009 to stay home with her four children. In 2016, Jeanne returned to the active practice of law to work exclusively as a guardian ad litem for children in family law cases in Forsyth County. Now, Jeanne is excited to join Reese-Beisbier & Associates and to expand her practice once again to all matters of family law.
Jeanne’s own broad life experience contributes to her success in her legal and personal endeavors. She grew up in a small, agricultural town west of Chicago called DeKalb, Illinois. The daughter of two high school humanities teachers, Jeanne traveled extensively with her family while growing up. After graduating valedictorian of her public high school class, she majored in English and French at the University of Iowa. Jeanne then enrolled at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she met her classmate and now husband, Josh. Jeanne excelled in law school, participating in a prestigious moot court competition dealing with International Law. She was also a student research assistant to Professor Neal Devins, a constitutional law scholar.
ELLARETHA COLEMAN
Divorce Lawyers
Ms. Coleman received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Florida and went on to get her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law. While attending law school, she was a member of the Charles Hamilton Houston Moot Court Team, which helped her to hone her oral advocacy skills.
ASSOCIATIONS
Ms. Coleman is admitted to practice law in both Georgia and Florida. She has experience practicing in both state and federal courts and is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia. She is a member of the Family Law and Tort & Insurance Law Sections of the Georgia Bar, the Family Law Section of the Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Tort, and Insurance Section of the American Bar Association, and the Atlanta Bar.
Ellaretha is passionate about helping people through some of the most difficult experiences of their life, which is why she chooses to focus her firm on insurance law and family law. These two practice areas are very personal to her. As a child of divorced parents, Ellaretha is well aware of how a divorce can impact not just the couple but the children as well. She works hard to help parents navigate this difficult time while insulating the children as much as possible.
In addition, while Ellaretha was in law school, her father passed away. While he had planned ahead with life insurance, the insurance company refused to pay out the claim on a technicality. The pain and difficulty of both losing her father and having to fight with an insurance company at the same time helped to motivate her to learn all she could about this area of law.
Hiring the best divorce lawyer in Atlanta, or any location, can provide several advantages when navigating the complexities of a divorce. Here are some reasons why you might consider seeking the services of a top divorce lawyer:
Legal Expertise: Divorce proceedings involve intricate legal processes, paperwork, and regulations. A skilled divorce lawyer who specializes in family law will have an in-depth understanding of the legal framework, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement.
Objective Advice: Divorce can be an emotionally charged process. A top divorce lawyer can provide objective advice and help you make rational decisions, even when emotions are running high. They can help you understand the potential outcomes of various choices and guide you toward the best course of action.
Asset Division: Dividing marital assets and property can be complex, especially when there are substantial assets involved. A skilled lawyer can help ensure that your assets are fairly divided according to applicable laws and regulations.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, their well-being is of utmost importance. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer can help negotiate child custody arrangements and child support payments that are in the best interests of the children while considering your wishes and rights as a parent.
Spousal Support: Depending on the circumstances of your marriage, you might be entitled to or obligated to pay spousal support (alimony). A top divorce lawyer can help you understand the factors that determine spousal support and work to secure a favorable arrangement.
Mediation and Negotiation: While divorce can be adversarial, many cases are resolved through mediation and negotiation. A skilled lawyer can represent your interests during these discussions, aiming for a resolution that is fair and satisfactory for both parties.
Litigation: In some cases, divorce proceedings might need to go to court. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success in court, as they will know how to present your case effectively and navigate the legal process.
Reduced Stress: Dealing with a divorce can be overwhelming, both emotionally and logistically. A skilled lawyer can take care of the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on rebuilding your life and managing your emotions.
Complex Situations: If your divorce involves unique or complex circumstances, such as high-net-worth assets, business ownership, international elements, or prenuptial agreements, a top divorce lawyer with experience in handling these situations can be essential.
Long-Term Implications: The decisions made during a divorce can have long-term effects on your financial stability and personal life. Investing in a skilled lawyer now can help you secure a better future for yourself.
Remember that while hiring the best divorce lawyer can offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to balance their expertise with your budget. Finding a lawyer who is both skilled and affordable is crucial. You can research and interview several lawyers to find one who aligns with your needs and priorities.