Avera Divorce Lawyers

After 20 years of leading a successful litigation firm, Stacy Snyder Garguilo has joined the Law Firm of Daniels & Taylors. Stacy knows that adversity touches us all. More often than not it arrives at the most inopportune period of life.

Stacy came to Daniels & Taylor to focus specifically on her clients and their needs during their most testing moments. These stressful situations require the guidance of an objective expert, familiar with the most effective path to successful legal closure. Stacy Garguilo has the essential expertise to assist in critical legal matters. She has a track record of unyielding dedication...

Joshua Brownlee is a native of Georgia. Mr. Brownlee received his B.A. from Georgia State University and his J.D. from John Marshall Law School. While at John Marshall, Mr. Brownlee was a member of the school's mock trial team. Mr. Brownlee was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Judge Harold R. Banke Advocacy Award for outstanding performance on the mock trial team. Throughout law school, Mr. Brownlee dedicated himself to protecting indigent rights by volunteering at both the Metro Conflict Defender Office and DeKalb County Public Defender's Office. During this time, Mr. Brownlee had the opportunity to sit...

Megan graduated in the top quarter of her class from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School in 2013. Upon graduating, she received awards for pro bono service and the honor of the AJMLS Excellence in Appellate Advocacy Award. Megan's past legal work includes family law representation, traffic and criminal court representation, and insurance defense. As a family law attorney, Megan handled matters as simple as uncontested divorces and name changes through more complex litigation such as grandparent custody cases. As a public defender for the City of Atlanta, Megan handled hundreds of cases working with people cited for traffic offenses, criminal offenses,...

When facing a divorce, child custody dispute or other family issues, you need an experienced firm that will be on your side. We will listen to you and help protect what is most important to you. Whether its custody of your children, getting enough alimony or palimony, keeping your house, or keeping your business, we can help you understand your rights and help you get what you want and deserve. My clients' testimonials speak wonders: "Uber 'Super' Lawyer"; "Top Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia!"; "She Fiercely protects and promotes her clients' best interest;" "Attorney Fodor has unprecedented legal ability!"...

I am Ryan R. Shafer, a partner at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Before joining this firm, I gained considerable experience in family law litigation as an associate attorney at Ferguson Law Firm, P.C. in Jonesboro, Georgia. My litigation experience spans across divorce, modification, child support, legitimation, and contempt cases in various counties including Fulton, Clayton, Henry, Fayette, and Spalding. I was born and raised in Florence, New Jersey. In 2008, I graduated from La Salle University with a degree in Mathematics and later earned my law degree from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School in 2013. During my first year of law...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

Melissa, “Missy” Strickland is the founder and principal attorney at Buckhead Family Law, serving clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding communities in divorce and other important family law matters. After years of practicing family law as an attorney with larger law firms, Missy decided to open her own firm to be able to provide more customized representation to her clients. She has practiced family law at some of Atlanta’s top firms since 2006, and handles a full range of domestic relations matters including divorce in Atlanta, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child custody, child support, alimony, contempt actions, paternity and legitimation. After graduating...

Brooke believes in solution-focused advocacy and employees it in all of her cases. She works closely with her clients to reach a resolution as Brooke strongly believes mediation results in the best outcome in the majority of family law cases – particularly those in which children of any age are involved. She is a civil mediator, a domestic relations mediator, a domestic violence mediator and an arbitrator. She is a registered neutral with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Brooke understands that not all cases can resolve in that manner and she is a fierce advocate for her clients when...

Drew Winslett is an associate attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. A Georgia native, he graduated from Mercer University in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Political Science and Law, Public Policy & Ethics, with a minor in Economics. Drew was inducted into the inaugural class of Phi Beta Kappa and was recognized with a "Mercer Bear" award for outstanding contributions to the university during his four years. Following graduation, Drew moved to Winston Salem, NC where he attended law school at Wake Forest University. During law school, Drew worked in the Elder Law Clinic, helping seniors navigate important decisions regarding...

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...

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.

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...

Joseph Preston “Pete” Strom, Jr., the managing partner at Strom Law Firm, L.L.C., has been fighting for justice since 1984. Born in Columbia, South Carolina in 1959, Pete attended the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts. While attending the University of South Carolina, Pete served as President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Pete attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where he graduated with a J.D. in 1984. After graduating from law school, Pete served as law clerk to the Honorable Frank Eppes, a South Carolina...

Melaniece Davis, founder of Better Law Divorce Attorneys, is a trusted family law attorney serving Marietta and the Atlanta area. With a passion for helping good people through challenging times, Melaniece provides strategic legal representation in divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property and debt division, military divorce, LGBT family law, and pre/postnuptial agreements. She understands the emotional and financial complexities of family law and is dedicated to protecting her clients’ children, assets, and future. Whether navigating a contentious divorce or seeking a Temporary Protective Order, Better Law Divorce Attorneys delivers compassionate and results-driven legal advocacy. A native of...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Managing partner Nathan Taylor Williams devotes 100 percent of his practice to litigation and is known throughout Georgia as a premier litigator. He is admitted to practice law in all Georgia courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit.

Nathan brings a tremendous amount of experience to his practice. As a former assistant public defender, city attorney, and municipal court judge, he has an extensive knowledge of both civil and criminal matters. He is also a committed public servant, having volunteered his legal knowledge on behalf of...

At Knight & Associates, we practice all areas of uncontested and contested divorces involving child custody, alimony, formal separations, child support and visitation. Our focus involves uncontested divorces at flat rate fees of $750. We are proven fighters for your legal rights. We have settled bodily injury claims for millions of dollars over the years, and would be happy to settle any collision claim that you may have. Please contact us direct. We return all calls 24 hours a day. We look forward to hearing from you. rubyknight@att.net

Samuel J. Siemon is the founding partner of The Siemon Law Firm, P.C. Sam, an experienced litigator, practices in the areas of family law and criminal defense. Sam received his Business Degree from Flagler College in Florida and his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Sam is a member of the Georgia State Bar, the Atlanta Bar Association Family Division, Lanier Forsyth Rotary, Lanier Jaycees, was recently elected as the President of the Forsyth County Bar Association, served as the Vice President of the Forsyth County Bar Association (2007-2008) and as the Secretary/Treasurer (2006-2007). In addition, Sam volunteers...

Handling Family Law and Divorce cases across the greater Atlanta metro area.

Maggie Heim represents clients in complex litigation matters in both the Federal and State court systems. She has earned a reputation as a skilled advocate who is unwilling to accept less than the best result for her clients. Maggie has been recognized for excellence in the practice of law by numerous independent attorney rating services, including Super Lawyers, the Daily Report, Martindale-Hubbell, Legal Elite, and Avvo.

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...

With years of experience in the field of family law, Attorney Wallace approaches each case with a sense of eagerness and determination. Her top priority is to treat each client as an individual, with respect, honesty, and empathy. She understands that going through a family law case can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life and she is dedicated to being a supportive part of her client's team. Attorney Wallace has a special passion for cases involving children as she believes they are the most important people to consider when a family breaks up. In addition to...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Colleen is a native of Detroit, Michigan but has spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Georgia. Colleen graduated from Georgia State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She subsequently attended The University of Mississippi School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2018. Colleen also spent her final year of law school at the University of Miami School of Law, where she simultaneously obtained her Master of Laws degree in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law in 2018. Having witnessed family and friends throughout her life navigate the various challenges...

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. ...

Sharon Jones is an Atlanta native who has practiced law for over thirty years in courtrooms throughout Georgia. Prior to joining Meriwether and Tharp's Savannah office, Sharon owned a general practice law firm, where she focused on family law. Sharon has handled a variety of civil legal matters, including real property disputes and closings, probate, contracts, and personal injury. She is proud to have represented the interests of children as guardian ad litem in private custody cases, as well as guardian ad litem and child advocate attorney in Juvenile Court. While a litigator and fighter at heart, Sharon is happy to...