$ 300-345 per hour
I went to law school to help make people's lives better and practicing family law has been one of the most rewarding ways in which to do that. Divorce and child custody issues involve some of the most emotionally charged and traumatic events people encounter. I enjoy (for the most part) helping folks see the light at the end of the tunnel and helping them find ways to make the best of an otherwise terrible time in their lives.
While the "law" certainly is a critical part of practicing family law, my own personal experience during my divorce and subsequent custody battles (the divorce took four years to obtain and the custody battles took place about every two years for well over a decade) give me ground level experience about the emotional trauma that goes along with these types of cases. I have to say that I finally got wise and married my best friend from high school and have been happily married to him for almost 20 years. We have lots of kids (only a few of which I actually birthed - the rest came over to eat dinner and never really left) and a very firm belief that it is possible to create your own family, regardless of blood ties. (We were the "Blind Side" long before the movie came out, just for the record.)
On the other hand, I served as General Counsel for a multinational corporation prior to practicing family law, so I have a strong business background and understand where the money can sometimes go in family owned businesses. I can comfortably track assests and income streams from many sources and understand how division of marital busineses can alter the business valuations.
Going to court is my work version of chocolate. I absolutely love it and it has the added benefit of being fat free.
$ 300-345 per hour
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Chat withState: Georgia
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
11475 Great Oaks Way, Suite 125, Alpharetta, GA, 30022
410 Peachtree Pkwy., Bldg. 400, Ste. 4245, Cumming, GA, 30041
Five Concourse Park, Ste. 3000, Atlanta, GA, 30328
6465 East Johns Crossing, Ste. 125, Johns Creek, GA, 30097
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
Joann is incredible. Although my situation did not fall in line with the area she currently works on, she provided me with direction to help resolve the issue at hand. She also referred me to an incredible attorney within the practice!
Posted by Timmothy | November 6, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
Thats all I can say. You saved me THOUSANDS of dollars by sharing with me it was not economically fesible to pursue litigation. I was honestly ready to cut you a check for the amount of the retainer but you explained that while I may have won the battle I would have lost the war. Thank you for your f...
Posted by Latonia | October 13, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
I spoke with Joann yesterday on an issue that nearly ripped my heart out; a divorce decree...(now, I needed help with an appeal...FAST!) Before speaking with her I thought, "There's NO HOPE...that's it, I'm screwed..." But she was compassionate, knowledgeable and above all "HONEST". She didn't su...
Posted by Keith Dorsey | August 4, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
Great speaking to you this morning your interest was saving me money and spending my time more wisely. You are good lawyer. Most lawyer are to busy spending time trying to get money out your pocket. Instead of address your concerns and needs. I would recommend her anytime!
Posted by Jacob | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Wow! Joann jumped on board to help with my particularly “arduous” divorce after about a month in. Over the next 16 months, Joann proved to be not only an exceptional family law attorney, but also a tremendous person. I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable and compassionate justice-seeker....
"I had a divorce case against Joann several years ago. She was a very capable and knowledgeable advocate for her client. She zealously represents her client's position and effectively communicates with opposing counsel, mediators and Guardians Ad Litem. I highly recommend her as an attorney for clients involved in divorce and family law cases. It is my pleasure to endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joann has a genuine love for the law. She is a constant learner. She brings that same passion to her individual cases and clients. Couple that with her experience in the Courtroom and you have a powerful combination. She knows when, however, to tell her clients that they need to seriously consider settlement. She does not allow her love for the Courtroom to shade her judgment. I am happy that she is on our team."
"Joann is not only a zealous advocate for her clients, but she is also extremely kind and caring. She is the kind of lawyer that we should all inspire to be and I am so pleased to be able to call her not only a colleague but a friend."
"Joann was born to be a lawyer. She has an instinct about cases that is uncanny. She is extremely intelligent and a very hard worker. It has been such a pleasure working with her, learning from her, and getting to know her. I highly endorse Joann."
"I have known Joann for 20+ years. Recently, I have had the pleasure of her joining our law firm and working together on cases. She is extremely diligent, passionate about her clients, and always looking to improve her skill sets as an attorney."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016 - Present
Partner, Meriwether & Tharp, LLC
2013 - Present
Attorney, Meriwether & Tharp, LLC
2011 - 2013
Managing Partner, Brown Williams, LLC
2007 - 2011
General Counsel, Textile Management Associates
2004 - 2007
Attorney, Krevolin & Horst,Llc
2002 - 2004
Assistant Attorney General, Georgia Department Of Law
1998 - 2002
Attorney, Neal Howard & Associates
2014 - Present
District Court of South CarolinaMember
2012 - Present
Tennessee Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Tennesee Supreme CourtMember
2012 - Present
Tennessee Court of AppealsMember
2002 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh CircuitMember
2000 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of GeorgiaMember
2000 - Present
United District Court for the Southern District of GeorgiaMember
1999 - Present
Georgia State Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Supreme Court of GeorgiaMember
1999 - Present
Georgia Court of AppealsMember
1999 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of GeorgiaMember
1998 - Present
South Carolina Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
Supreme Court of South CarolinaMember
1998 - Present
South Carolina Court of AppealsMember
Juvenile court was reversed and Father was awarded custody of the child.
We received a six figure jury verdict.
We prevailed at summary judgment and on appeal.
We received a six figure jury verdict.
1998
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
Masters
1989
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
Alternative Lifestyles: Social & Legal Implications in Family Law,
2016
Alternative Lifestyles: Social & Legal Implications in Family Law,
2016
Legal Implications of Alternative Lifestyles: Adoptions, Dependency & Delinquincy
2014
Tort Settlement and Recoveries in Marital Property in the Context of Divorce
2014
English
Legal Answers
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