Sandy Springs Family Lawyers

The Law Office of Gina Smalley is a full service family law firm providing exceptional representation to individuals and families. At The Law Office of Gina Smalley, we pride ourselves on our proven record of thorough, diligent and exemplary representation. We are skilled and experienced litigators who will fight for our clients every step of the way. We are also cunning negotiators with the ability to avoid emotionally draining litigation for those in search of a less adversarial approach. At The Law Office of Gina Smalley, we not only provide family law services, but also offer ancillary services such as...

Trinity Hundredmark heads the domestic relations division for Andersen, Tate, & Carr, P.C., while also working within the criminal practice division. She is considered a leader in the southeast in both family and criminal law related matters, and can often be seen in the news media, offering her legal insight on cases in the National spotlight.

Trinity leaves no room for error in her criminal law practice, ensuring the best possible outcome for her clients. She has attained certifications in Georgia for both DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, and is considered by her peers to be a true trial...

Ellaretha Coleman is an accomplished litigation attorney with experience defending the rights and best interests of individuals throughout the Atlanta-metropolitan area, as well as the state of Florida.

Ms. Coleman has substantial experience in the areas of Family Law, Divorce Law, and Custody.

Ms. Coleman has been widely applauded by both clients and peers for her written and oral advocacy skills, but it is her genuine and personable approach towards client relationships which has most distinguished her. A talented and business-savvy entrepreneur, Ms. Coleman continues to diversify her practice to ensure the fulfillment of every client's needs. Ms. Coleman...

As a child, my generation's default answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was often a doctor or lawyer. I initially settled on being a doctor, though I had never met one and hated math and blood. By the end of my freshman year at Georgia Southern University, I abandoned pre-med for an undeclared major, unsure of my path. After seeking God’s guidance during my sophomore year, I received a call from a family friend who suggested I become a lawyer—a notion I initially resisted. However, through prayer, I felt a calling to pursue law. Starting...

I am a founding partner of Meriwether & Tharp LLC, where we have been helping clients through difficult times for over 20 years. In my current role as a managing partner, I can assist more clients through our team of over thirty divorce attorneys in Georgia. We know that obtaining a divorce can be a difficult process. Not only do you have to navigate the legal complications surrounding equitable division, child support, alimony, and child custody, but you also have to deal with the emotional toll a divorce places on you and your family. Many of you have...

Family law cases are inherently stressful, complex, and can become quite costly. I always advise my clients to settle any areas of agreement with their spouse whenever feasible. This approach not only gives you more control over the outcome but also helps in saving on legal fees. However, reaching an agreement isn't always possible. If it were, you likely wouldn't need my services. Over the past few decades, I have focused on representing individuals in high-conflict family law cases. These include intense custody disputes, intricate jurisdictional matters with parties residing in different states or countries, and complex financial issues. Such...

Tessie D. Edwards is an attorney that fights to find the right solutions for families in crisis. With her years of experience as a prosecutor, attorneys respect Tessie as an aggressive advocate who knows how to achieve clients’ objectives in and out of the courtroom. Clients see her compassionate side, where she and her team take the time to listen to gain a full understanding of the situation. With a passion for justice, Tessie started her career in criminal law, serving as an Assistant Solicitor General in Clayton County and an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County. She prosecuted over 2,000...

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...

EXPERIENCE: For nearly 13 years, I have focused on representing clients in a variety of complex cases involving immigration law, criminal defense and family law. I have successfully helped thousands of clients over the years with extremely difficult cases.

RESULTS DRIVEN: Our goal is always to get you the best result possible. We don't make guarantees of a particular outcome, but what we do guarantee is that we will aggressively pursue every legal avenue possible as we fight for you.

OUR DIFFERENCE: I take pride in every person that entrusts me with their legal matter. For that...

I was born and raised in the Island of Jamaica. I moved to the United States at sixteen years old and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami where I was on the Provost Honor Roll. I received my Juris Doctorate from Jacob D. Fuchsberg, Touro Law School in 2000 and passed the bar in the same year. I was an Editor on the International Law Review Journal, where I published "Organ Donation and Incompetents, can they consent? Comparative Analysis of American and Canadian Laws of Consent and brain death determination." Touro International L.R. Vol...

Daesik Shin was born in South Korea and later moved to California with his family when he was about ten years old. He went to elementary, middle, and high school in California, and then moved back to Korea with his family. He finished high school and majored in Biochemistry at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He also served as a Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, specializing in interpretation/translation, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Daesik is fluent in both English and Korean. He graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. Daesik has a significant amount of courtroom experience...

I joined the Woodstock office of Meriwether & Tharp, LLC in January 2016, after having my office in Cobb County since 1996. My practice area has always included all counties in the North Metro Atlanta area, as well as Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. I do my best to represent my clients in a diligent and professional manner. I do this by providing them with my best advice for their particular situation, based upon my knowledge of the law and my many years of experience in Divorce and Family Law. All cases are different,...

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...

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.

Daria F. Wise, the founding partner of the Wise Law Firm, has over sixteen years of experience as a trial and family law attorney. Mrs. Wise has successfully handled hundreds of cases from mediated settlements to trial litigation. She is known for accomplishing client objectives in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner possible. She is a knowledgeable, compassionate and aggressive advocate who prioritizes her client´s concerns and goals to ensure the best possible outcome. Mrs. Wise is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate their way through the often complex and difficult issues associated with family law matters.

Ms. Wise was...

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....

In addition to practicing law since 1980, and having a perfect 10 excellent ranking on AVVO, Glen Ashman has been a municipal judge since 1988. The combination of judicial and legal experience has trained Glen well to help his clients. Glen has since 2002 been teaching Georgia judges at seminars and by writing the annual Municipal Court Benchbook, used by Judges across Georgia. Glen offers compassionate experienced help at very reasonable fees and personal service you do not get in big firms. Glen is an honors graduate of Mercer Law School.

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...

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...

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...

Quinton G. Washington is a seasoned trial attorney, former judge, and founding partner of Washington Legal Group—a premier Atlanta-based law firm representing individuals, families, and municipalities throughout Georgia. With more than 20 years of courtroom and leadership experience, Quinton has earned a reputation as a fearless, compassionate, and highly strategic legal advocate—especially in the realms of family law, criminal defense, and complex municipal matters. Quinton has been honored as a Georgia Super Lawyer for eight consecutive years (2018–2025)—a recognition reserved for no more than 5% of practicing attorneys in the state. More notably, for the past three years, he...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Narissa Juitt-Jackson has a solid reputation as an experienced Divorce & Family Law Attorney who effectively advances the interests of every client. She is committed to the success of every case she takes on. She welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and answer any questions regarding your legal situation. ?Narissa is a passionate and driven lawyer who represents a variety of clients in the Atlanta area. Knowledgeable and detail-oriented, Narissa Juitt-Jackson consistently delivers results in the best interests of her clients. Narissa is a great resource to turn to, especially if you are currently dealing with high-stakes family law matters....

Charlotte R. Ruble is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and practices family law. Mrs. Ruble has gained considerable experience litigating family law cases since her admittance to the Georgia Bar in 2011. She began practicing law under the Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Mrs. Ruble has legal and community ties to Cherokee and Forsyth County Georgia. She has litigated divorce, contempt, family violence, modification, and adoption cases in Forsyth, Hall, and surrounding Northeastern counties of Georgia. Mrs. Ruble earned her Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing from Mercer University...

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...

Larry Tatum has been successfully assisting clients with their legal issues for over 2 decades. Prior to obtaining a law degree, he worked in the private sector for many years and applies his "real world" experience to your case. Providing personalized service, your case is never just another file folder to us. He is experienced, thorough and desires to help each client achieve the best outcome for their individual legal situation.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...