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Joann Brown-Williams

Divorce and separation Attorney at Alpharetta, GA

5.0   18 reviews
  • State Years
    Georgia - GA 24 years
    South Carolina - SC 25 years
    Tennessee - TN 10 years
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State SC
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 10 years
    State TN
    Acquired 2013
    Status
    Suspended No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Joann

Learn Joann’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    50%

  2. Child custody
    30%
    Joann has worked with issues involving child custody in a number of contexts from divorce actions, to grandparent custody suits, to matters in juvenile courts.

  3. Alimony
    10%
    Joann handles all aspects of family law, including issues involving questions of alimony.

  4. Child support
    10%
    Child support is a critical aspect of any divorce or custody situation involving minor children and Joann has extensive experience in determining "income" for purposes of determining child support.

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.

Photos and videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lathQqdtZBY
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Contact Joann

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thankful for Joann
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
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you
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 frankness.
Posted by Latonia | October 13, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
SUPER NICE AND EXTREMELY HELPFUL!
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 sugar-coat anything, she gave it to me straight, she spoke to me like a real person; (NO BS!) and she told me during our phone consult, "whatever concerns you have is fine, we'll walk through it; I'll stay on the call as long as you need me". She laid out the best options for my situation and I ended the call feeling empowered...hopeful and ready to fight a VERY WORTHY FIGHT. Some attorney's tells you what you want to hear, ---Joann told me what I needed to know; (TO FOCUS ON THE FACTS). Now, what I need done is VERYYYYYYYYYY expensive but if anyone can get it done and get it done right....(MY GUT) tells me that Joann IS that person. *(Updates will follow on the results if I'm able to retain her.)
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Posted by Keith Dorsey | August 4, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Good morning conversation
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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional attorney and person!
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. She’s mastered every facet of family law; from custody to finances, to case law, examination, and the list goes on. I was never left without answers and was always provided excellent guidance. Divorce is not simply getting what you think you deserve. None of us do. While Joann helped me to maintain healthy optimism throughout, she made it clear that in the end, one person will decide what the outcome is. Despite the incredible difficulties and emotional ride that the divorce threw my way, Joann assisted me by not only paving the way for an equitable outcome, but she helped to lay the foundation for emotional recovery along the way. Joann understands the psychology behind family law and her comforting support is equally as strong as her legal prowess. She dealt with my emotional ramblings and was always patient and positive in her responses. Having her as a steady, compassionate, and (uncommonly) brilliant attorney was essential to a just outcome. An interesting tidbit is that she’s the only person that I’ve ever seen to have the ability to track and write about different topics ambidextrously at the same time! I will be forever grateful for the exceptional representation and compassion shown during my lengthy divorce. I obviously highly recommend Joann Brown Williams.
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Posted by Carolyn | June 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child custody
My grandson was being taken away from my son by his paternal grandparent. If it had not been for Mrs. Joann Williams taking our case we would have lost custody and all contact with him. Mrs Williams and my son had to file an appeal because a Judge gave my grandson away. Mrs. Williams won that appeal she is a great lawyer and me and my son will be eternally grateful for what she did for us.
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Posted by Cheryl | May 9, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consultation for a pending custody case
I spoke with Ms. Williams for over an hour. My son has a custody case against the paternal grandmother in Cobb County. I wanted to speak with Ms. Williams to discuss a strategic plan just in case the Judge gave custody to the grandmother and my son would move forward with an appeal (my son's current Attorney doesn't do appeals - hence, why I'm looking at other Attorneys). First, Ms. Williams explained the appeal process and then she gave amazing legal advice and provided questions that my son's current Attorney should ask the GAL during cross examining. She explained that there would be certain things in the transcript that would make his case easier. Ms. Williams was extremely passionate about the Law and I would hire her in a minute if the current case is won by the Grandmother.
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Posted by Shaun B. | December 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joann is the best!!! Easy, Painless, and worth every penny.
I would like to say that Joann is an awesome lawyer who made my complicated divorce and all the legal speak easy to understand and follow. She always kept the best interest of my kids and I in mind. She is very straight to the point and will go to bat for you and your cause. My case was not that big but is was mine and Joann made it hers and I appreciate all of her experience in the process. Her knowledge and prior relationships with the relevant involved parties allows her to navigate smoothly and precisely to go for the best outcome for her clients. All you have to do is follow her guidance and direction and she will bring you through your case. Thanks Joann. Job well done. Shaun B.
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Posted by Bridgette | September 30, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Child custody
There is not enough space here to express how greatful I am for Mrs. Joann Brown Williams. Mrs. Wililams takes time with you and explains everything about your child custody case, I was never rushed great bedside manners I love that. I've spoken with many attorneys and never before have I felt so special, I said oh my a professional cares for my family and I. Thanks so much Mrs. Williams for your honestly and help you are truly heaven sent.
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Posted by Dakysha | September 14, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Silver-Lining during a Stormy (Custody Battle)
After being blind-sided my ex-husband who currently resides in another state and petitioned for a modification of custody while the children were visiting him during the summer vacation; I quickly had to gain legal representation and counsel within three weeks as a court date was scheduled to modify the custody. As fate would have it, I was able to Google search attorneys in Atlanta GA. Meriwether & Tharp, LLC was the first search result, after a five minute conversation with a representative from Meriwether & Tharp a free consultation was set up. After traveling to Georgia, I was able to sit down with my attorney, Joann Williams. Joanne’s legal mind and presentation is simply breathe- taking, she is professional, empathetic and highly effective and efficient all wrapped into one complete legal package! Her direction and advise was highly needed and necessary to me, without these unique qualities I would have not been able to endure the vigorous torment of the court proceeding. I had lost both verbal and physical contact of my children for the entire summer, and the court hearing was the first time I had seen my children in months. Joanne’s preparation and legal direction was instrumental in this hearing. Joann and Todi Hedrick, (Certified Paralegal) make a tremendous team. Todi is patient and highly detailed as she was able to explain each court document and reason why the documents needed to be submitted to the courts. If I had to best describe this team as Super Hero’s , I would choose “Bat-Woman and Robyn”! They are phenomenal. The hardest thing I had to do as a mother was fight for the best interest of my children in a court of law; this is a storm that no one person could ever prepare for. If it were not for Joanne and Todi being the “silver lining to the cloud” in this storm; I would not have been able to endure this heart breaking experience without the legal, emotional, and mental support of this team! This team is amazing and highly recommended to any person who needs the silver lining, and glimpse of hope during a life changing event.
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Posted by Ric | July 23, 2015
Joan Brown-Williams - Trust Her! Hire Her!
I can't imagine a better lawyer than Joann. Divorce, by itself, has been a difficult thing to go through, and Joann made the business-side of the ordeal--well, easy. She was with me at every turn and always looked out for my best interest--especially pointing out things I didn't even know I needed to be aware of in order to protect the interests of my kids and me. Joann was diligent, thoughtful, attentive, and a pleasure. While my divorce was pretty amicable and uncontested, I know that if necessary she would have gone to the mat for me. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone I know in need of representation.
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Posted by anonymous | June 4, 2014
Joann Brown-Williams (Meriwether & Tharp) ... Amazing attorney. Do yourself a favor by meeting her.
While David Beaudry (of Meriwether & Tharp) was initially representing me, due to scheduling conflicts, David was kind enough to ask Joann Brown-Williams to fill in for him at my first court appearance rather than postponing it. (Thank you, David.) While I was very skeptical of Joann, being that we had never previously met, she rose to the occasion and knocked the ball out of the park! She was assigned my case on a Thursday, just a few days before the first scheduled court appearance, studied my case over the weekend and was able to strike an acceptable deal on the following Monday morning, the morning of my court case, thus saving me an arduous and expensive trial. She is truly a practical genius and very passionate in the representation of her clients. I cannot say enough good things about her. Kudos to Joann Brown-Williams, David Beaudry and his entire team at MW&T including Scarlett Wolf, their paralegal. Scarlett's knowledge and professionalism equals that of an attorney. Scarlett was able to do much of the footwork, thus saving me expense. I am eternally grateful to all of you. If I have but one piece of advice for those behind me... those needing exceptional representation in a divorce or those unsatisfied with their current representation, do yourself a favor and call Joann or David at Meriwether & Tharp (678-879-9000) for a complimentary consultation. For me, in hindsight, it was the best decision I could have made.
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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2014
Wonderful attorney
Joann helped me through my divorce process which was very emotionally draining. She, literally, held my hand every step of the way and was a very calming and reassuring presence. She made sure I was informed at every turn and did her best to expedite the entire thing. I highly recommend her and her firm.
Posted by Ravi | November 10, 2013
Joann Williams - the best lawyer on the planet!!
Joann has represented my for more than 10 years in both corporate and family law matters. She is by far the best attorney I know. Her understanding and application of the law is superior to any lawyer I know or know of. Joann is well known for offering the best advice and works tirelessly to resolve cases with the utmost of ethical conduct. Joann is 100% trustworthy, responsive and knowledgeable. She has often responded to my requests during evenings and weekends and is always just a phone call away. If you have a case and need the best lawyer walking the planet today, call Joann. You will be happy you did!!
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Posted by Tonya | September 30, 2013
Excellent customer service
Joann is insightful. She was of great assistance when I needed help the most; no question is a crazy question. She is awesome! Thanks a Million !
Posted by Grateful Client | September 25, 2013
Joan Brown-Williams, Julie D. Korzenko, and Carol Hollister @ Meriwether & Tharp LLC - #1Choice to Call...Guaranteed
If you are in need of a Divorce Lawyer I HIGHLY recommend working with the team of Meriwether & Tharp LLC. Joan Brown-Williams, Julie D. Korzenko, and Carol Hollister were amazing! I do not come from a background of divorce. I had no idea what questions to ask and yet this amazing team was there leading and guiding me every step of the way. As an A type administrative assistant I had PLEANTY of questions, and these women never missed a beat. I highly recommend them to anyone who reads this review. Thank you again Joan Brown-Williams, Julie D. Korzenko, and Carol Hollister you made what society calls a stressful and financially draining process bearable and affordable. You and your team were so helpful and accommodating.
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Posted by Scott | September 8, 2013
JOANN, IS THE ONE TO CALL
When you need a lawyer in a challenging situation Joann is the one to call. Joann acted quickly from the moment she received my call, was always fully prepared, and kepted me informed every step of the way. Joann treat treats her clients with respect and we worked together as a team to get the best results possible. As a lawyer myself who has also had the pleasure of being a client of Joann's I can say without hesitation Joann is an EXCELLENT ATTORNEY!
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Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2013
Great lawyer
Joann is the lawyer you want tough situations. Her level of preparation for my hearing was evident. I was very satisfied with the results. I would recommend her to anyone that needs an honest lawyer.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-345 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Meriwether & Tharp, LLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Meriwether & Tharp, LLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Managing Partner
  • Brown Williams, LLC
  • 2011 - 2013
  • General Counsel
  • Textile Management Associates
  • 2007 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • Krevolin & Horst,Llc
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Assistant Attorney General
  • Georgia Department Of Law
  • 2002 - 2004
  • Attorney
  • Neal Howard & Associates
  • 1998 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • University of South Carolina
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • Auburn University at Montgomery
  • Masters
  • 1992
  • Emory University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1989

Legal Cases

  • In the Interest of GRB
  • Juvenile court was reversed and Father was awarded custody of the child.
  • Garner v. Stone, DeKalb State Court (1999)
  • We received a six figure jury verdict.
  • Ledford vs. Smith, 249 Ga. App. 719 (2005)
  • We prevailed at summary judgment and on appeal.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • District Court of South Carolina
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Tennessee Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Tennesee Supreme Court
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Tennessee Court of Appeals
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • United District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • Georgia State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • South Carolina Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Supreme Court of South Carolina
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • South Carolina Court of Appeals
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2006

Publications

  • CLE Proving Damages
  • Tort Settlement and Recoveries as Marital Property in the Context of Divorce
  • 2014

Speaking Engagements

  • Georgia Spring Continuing Judicial Legal Education Seminar: Superior Court Law Clerks
  • Alternative Lifestyles: Social & Legal Implications in Family Law,
  • 2016
  • Georgia Spring Continuing Judicial Legal Education Seminar: Superior Court Judges
  • Alternative Lifestyles: Social & Legal Implications in Family Law,
  • 2016
  • Georgia Spring Continuing Judicial Legal Education Seminar: Juvenile Court Judges
  • Legal Implications of Alternative Lifestyles: Adoptions, Dependency & Delinquincy
  • 2016
  • CLE Proving Damages
  • Tort Settlement and Recoveries in Marital Property in the Context of Divorce
  • 2014
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (2)
Endorse Joann
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"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."
Family Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Co-worker
"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."
Family Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"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."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Co-worker
"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."
Family Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"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."
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