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Personalized
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We Understand
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Atlanta's
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Family Law
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Considering
Divorce

We'll let you know where you stand and what steps you should take to protect your rights.

During The
Process

We guide you and are with you at every step with sound advice and effective representation.

Life
Forward

We work to keep your family relationships intact and productive long after your case is resolved.

Our Areas of Practice
Meet Our Trusted Team

Melissa Davis

Melissa Davis 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, Melissa 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, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child custody, child support, alimony, contempt actions, paternity and legitimation.

Malone W. Allen

Malone W. Allen is an associate attorney at Buckhead Family Law. Malone began his legal career working alongside Missy Strickland at another family law practice in Atlanta. He then spent several years practicing commercial and real estate litigation at a well-known Atlanta law firm, where he worked on litigation matters involving restrictive covenants, trade secrets, intellectual property, employment, contract disputes, and real estate. Malone has extensive experience representing individuals and companies before state and federal courts throughout Georgia.

  • Melissa Strickland
Atlanta Divorce &
Family Lawyer
Our Team is Committed to Protecting You and Your Family

Divorce, child custody and other family law matters have profound and lasting impacts on you and your family relationships. Let us help you protect yourself and those you love while meeting your needs and goals.

learn more about our law firm

Atlanta Divorce Lawyer

Buckhead Family Law is an Atlanta-area family law firm serving clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding communities in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnet and Forsyth counties in the areas of divorce and related family law matters. Our practice spans the range of Georgia family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, alimony, post-divorce modifications, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, paternity and legitimation, and more. Perhaps nothing in life is more important than family relationships. When your family is going through changes, trust Buckhead Family Law to provide the advice, representation and support you need for a successful, effective and lasting outcome.

Our Atlanta family law office is headed by attorney Melissa Davis, an experienced courtroom litigator with a background in big firm, mass tort lawsuits, in addition to her twelve years as an Atlanta divorce lawyer. With this litigation background, you can be assured of strong, effective representation in contested family law matters that require serious litigation to resolve. However, at Buckhead Family Law we never forget that it is you and your family at the center of any representation. After years practicing with other law firms, Melissa opened Buckhead Family Law as a boutique law firm where you get the time and attention you need from a caring attorney with a high-level of experience and training who always keeps your family’s needs foremost in mind.

Atlanta Divorce & Family Law Matters

At Buckhead Family Law, we understand that even after a divorce, family members are still family and will need to continue getting along and interacting with one another for years into the future. We work to keep those relationships in as good a shape as possible, while always focusing on your rights and best interests. Our Atlanta family lawyers will fight to keep you out of court where possible, keep your family intact when called for, and provide the appropriate level of representation necessary to a satisfactory resolution of your case. Call on Buckhead Family Law for help with any of the following in the Atlanta area:

Divorce – We provide all the help you need in contested and uncontested divorces, from drafting and reviewing marital settlement agreements to aggressive representation in divorce litigation.

Child Custody – We help you work out a detailed parenting plan that works for everybody, or litigate issues of physical and legal custody in the best interests of you and your children.

Property Division – Whether looking for a 50/50 split or an unequal yet equitable distribution, we help make sure every marital asset and debt is located, properly characterized and accurately valued.

Paternity & Legitimation – Our knowledgeable family law attorney can walk you through the two-step process of paternity and legitimation to establish or oppose parental rights and responsibilities in crucial areas such as child custody, visitation and child support.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements – Let us draft or review agreements that determine important issues such as alimony and property division in the event of a divorce. Save time, money and conflict down the line by discussing your expectations in a calm and constructive manner.

Modification of Child Support – When the income of the parents or the needs of the kids change, the amount of child support may need to change as well. Whether recalculating the Georgia Child Support Guidelines amount or seeking a deviation, count on our office to build a strong factual case that supports your position.

Modification of Alimony – Changes in income, romantic relationships and other factors may justify a modification or early termination of alimony payments. Whether you are seeking or opposing a modification, having strong, experienced legal representation is essential.

Contempt – Civil contempt proceedings are powerful tools to compel enforcement with court orders regarding the payment of alimony or child support, or compliance with custody exchanges and visitation. Make sure your rights are protected and that you are set up for success by engaging our experienced courtroom litigator to represent you.

Domestic Violence & Protective Orders – If you or your children have been threatened by a spouse, former spouse or their parent, don’t wait for actual violence to occur before taking action. We represent parties in seeking Family Violence Protection Orders and also represent parties challenging an order when they are falsely accused of domestic violence.

Grandparents Visitation – Grandparents have the right under Georgia law to intervene in a divorce or custody modification, or to file an action in court to force visitation. Several factors must be proven to show visitation would not be detrimental to the children but would be in their best interests. Let us represent you when you are seeking or opposing grandparent visitation.

What You Need to Know About Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences a person faces, both emotionally and legally. Whether it is an amicable split or a highly contested case, navigating the divorce process in Atlanta requires careful planning, understanding Georgia’s divorce laws, and making informed decisions about your future. Buckhead Family Law is here to provide guidance and representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Common Types of Divorce in Atlanta

There are several types of divorce that individuals in Atlanta may pursue, depending on their specific circumstances:

  • Uncontested Divorce: This occurs when both spouses agree on all major aspects of the divorce, including property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. Uncontested divorces are typically quicker and less expensive than contested divorces.
  • Contested Divorce: If spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, the divorce becomes contested and may require court intervention. These divorces often involve negotiations, mediation, and potentially a trial.
  • Fault-Based Divorce: Georgia allows for fault-based divorces in cases involving adultery, cruelty, desertion, or other misconduct. Proving fault can impact issues like alimony and asset division.
  • No-Fault Divorce: The most common type of divorce in Atlanta is a no-fault divorce, where a spouse simply states that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” No proof of wrongdoing is required.
  • Mediated Divorce: Mediation allows couples to work with a neutral third party to resolve disputes outside of court. This approach is often less stressful and more cost-effective.
  • Collaborative Divorce: In this process, each spouse retains an attorney trained in collaborative law, and both parties work together to reach a fair settlement without going to court.

Key Considerations During Divorce

Every divorce involves a series of important legal and financial considerations, including:

  • Division of Assets and Debts: Georgia follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. This includes real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, and business interests.
  • Child Custody and Support: Custody decisions prioritize the best interests of the child. Parents can seek joint or sole custody, and child support is calculated based on income and expenses.
  • Spousal Support (Alimony): Alimony is not automatic in Georgia but may be awarded depending on factors such as the length of the marriage, financial need, and each spouse’s ability to support themselves.
  • Legal Fees and Costs: The cost of divorce varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested, and whether expert witnesses, forensic accountants, or child custody evaluators are needed.
  • Emotional and Psychological Impact: Divorce can be emotionally draining. Seeking support from therapists, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial.

What to Do If You Are Considering Divorce

If you are thinking about filing for divorce in Atlanta, taking the following steps can help you prepare:

  1. Consult a Family Law Attorney: Speaking with a lawyer at Buckhead Family Law can provide clarity on your rights, options, and legal strategy.
  2. Gather Financial Documents: Collect records such as tax returns, bank statements, mortgage documents, and credit card bills.
  3. Consider Your Living Arrangements: Decide whether you or your spouse will move out or if both of you will remain in the marital home during the process.
  4. Think About Child Custody Preferences: If children are involved, consider how custody and visitation arrangements might work in their best interest.
  5. Avoid Making Emotional Decisions: Divorce is stressful, but impulsive actions can have long-term consequences. Seek legal advice before making major financial or parental decisions.

The Local Courthouse Where Divorce Cases Are Handled

In Atlanta, divorce cases are typically handled by the Superior Court of Fulton County, located at:

Fulton County Superior Court
185 Central Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 612-0505

If you reside in neighboring counties such as DeKalb or Cobb, you may need to file in those jurisdictions. The courthouse handles filings, hearings, and trials related to divorce, child custody, and support matters.

How Buckhead Family Law Can Help

At Buckhead Family Law, we understand that divorce is more than just a legal process—it is a life transition that requires expert guidance and compassionate advocacy. Our experienced Atlanta divorce attorneys can help by:

  • Providing Personalized Legal Strategies: Every divorce is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your needs and goals.
  • Negotiating Favorable Settlements: We work to achieve fair resolutions in asset division, child custody, and alimony without unnecessary conflict.
  • Litigating Complex Divorce Cases: If negotiations fail, we are prepared to aggressively represent you in court.
  • Offering Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Solutions: We explore alternative dispute resolution methods to help you reach a peaceful agreement.
  • Protecting Your Parental Rights: Whether seeking custody, visitation, or child support, we advocate for the best interests of you and your children.

If you are considering divorce in Atlanta, Buckhead Family Law is ready to stand by your side and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your options and take the next steps toward a new beginning.

Serving Throughout Atlanta

  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Virginia-Highland
  • Inman Park
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • West Midtown
  • East Atlanta Village
  • Grant Park
  • Cabbagetown
  • Decatur
  • Kirkwood
  • Atlantic Station
  • Candler Park
  • Morningside-Lenox Park
  • Castleberry Hill
  • Edgewood
  • Summerhill
  • Reynoldstown
  • Peachtree Hills
  • Brookhaven

Contact A Skilled Atlanta Divorce Attorney At Buckhead Family Law

Nothing is more important than family. Get the time and attention you need for your family law matter from a knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated Atlanta divorce lawyer. Call Buckhead Family Law at 404-390-0000, or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

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3017 Bolling Way NE
First Floor
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-390-0000
222 Cherokee Street
Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30060
404-390-0000
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