Senoia Family Lawyers

State Bar of Georgia, 1980 Member: State Bar of Georgia (Family Law, Fiduciary Law sections) Gwinnett County Bar Association (Family Law and Elder Law sections) Education: University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 1980) University of Georgia (B.A., magna cum laude, 1976); Phi Beta Kappa Publications: Domestic Relations, Annual Survey of Georgia Law, 1979-1980, 32 Mercer Law Review 51 (1980). Domestic Relations, Annual Survey of Georgia Law, 1980-1981, 33 Mercer Law Review 109 (1981).

My focus in representing clients, is to help clients realize the best future for their families. The things that have happened in the past, and that brought you to my office, are important and are important for me to know and understand. However, throughout representation I am going to keep you focused on realizing your best future, and not focusing on the past. I have personally been involved with most types of family law cases. I am divorced, and I have remarried. My husband and I each have children with prior spouses, and have had...

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...

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...

As an athlete for 20 years, Mike recognizes the benefits of hard work, proper training and being prepared for the competition. Today, these traits help him achieve winning results for his clients. A graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, Mike has litigated in a diverse range of law throughout Georgia and has appeared as lead trial counsel in 47 Georgia counties. Mike has served as co-counsel with some of Atlanta's largest firms, and he has also represented family members of some of the best known attorneys in the country. ...

Crystal Wright is a Lawrenceville family law attorney with the experience, depth of knowledge, and compassion clients need when they’re fighting to do what’s best for their families. As the founding partner of Crystal Wright Law she provides unparalleled legal representation to clients in family law disputes involving divorce, child custody, child support and alimony, property division, paternity, and more. Throughout her legal career, which spans more than eight years, she’s also served as an advocate for clients looking to expand their families through adoption. There is not a law firm in Lawrenceville, Georgia better equipped to handle every aspect of...

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.

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 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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Brian A. Ramey was born and raised in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring of 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry. Later, he attended the Florida State University where in the fall of 1998 he obtained a Master’s of Science degree in Biochemistry. From 1999-2000 he was a doctoral student in Biochemistry at the University of Miami, Florida. During this time he discovered that his true passion and goal in life did not lie in the physical sciences, and he made the decision to attend...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

I have personal and professional experience with the aftermath of divorce, and family violence. People are much more likely to hurt those whom they love than to hurt a stranger on the street. It is love that that stirs up into passion and sometimes erupts. I have found that time tends to cool down emotions. Often, people who love one another eventually forgive one another. Other times, splitting up is the only path to find peace.
I'm not here to judge you for who you decided to love. I'm here...

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...

Robert Goff is an Attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and practices family law. Robert has focused on client satisfaction in domestic litigation since his entry to the Georgia Bar in 2015. Since moving to Athens in 2012, Robert has rooted down in the Classic City. He has litigated divorce, custody, and related matters throughout the Athens-Clarke County metro area (Clarke, Oconee, Madison, and Oglethorpe), as well as Barrow, Jackson, and Walton Counties. Robert earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2015. Robert interned with the Honorable David Sweat in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke...

Austin Joseph is an associate attorney at Meriwether & Tharp. He is originally from Waycross, Georgia. In 2018, Austin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in Entertainment and Media Studies. There, Austin served as the Vice President of Membership for the Student Alumni Council and an Ambassador for the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Austin earned the title of "Double Dawg" after he graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2021. While in law school, he served as the Executive Notes Editor for the Journal of Intellectual Property Law. His...

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...

With a diverse background as a former police officer, prosecutor, and insurance defense attorney, I bring a unique perspective to every case I handle. My experience in law enforcement allows me to understand the tactics and methods police use, giving me the ability to identify weaknesses in their investigations and challenge the evidence effectively. Having been in their shoes, I know how officers are trained, what they focus on, and where their shortcomings lie, enabling me to find potential flaws in the prosecution's case with a level of insight that most criminal defense attorneys lack. As a former prosecutor, I also...

An experienced trial attorney, Lauren Deal is dedicated to providing clients with nonjudgmental legal counseling, client education, confident trial presentation, and reliable client communication. Whether you are facing a divorce, a child custody action, or criminal charges, she will take the time to listen to your needs and address your concerns. Lauren’s passion for the law and justice make her a tireless advocate for your rights.

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...

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.

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...

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. ...

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

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...

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.

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...