Joann Brown-Williams

Joann Brown-Williams

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 27 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Alpharetta, GA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Alimony, Child Support

11475 Great Oaks Way, Suite 125, Alpharetta, GA

About Joann

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

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.

30%
Alimony 10%

Joann handles all aspects of family law, including issues involving questions of alimony.

10%
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.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 300-345 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 26 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1999

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in South Carolina for 27 years

State: South Carolina

Acquired: 1998

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Tennessee for 13 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2013

Surrendered

No misconduct found

Location

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

11475 Great Oaks Way, Suite 125, Alpharetta, GA, 30022

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

410 Peachtree Pkwy., Bldg. 400, Ste. 4245, Cumming, GA, 30041

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

Five Concourse Park, Ste. 3000, Atlanta, GA, 30328

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

6465 East Johns Crossing, Ste. 125, Johns Creek, GA, 30097

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Joann Brown-Williams's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (18) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jacob | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

Posted by Cheryl | May 09, 2017 | Child Custody

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 curren...t 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.

Posted by Shaun B. | December 17, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 b...ig 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.

Posted by Bridgette | September 30, 2015 | Child Custody

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.

Posted by Dakysha | September 17, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

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 modif...y 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.

See All Client Reviews

Joann Brown-Williams's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joann
Homer Perry Jordan IV headshot
Homer Jordan

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David A. Canale headshot
David Canale

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

Patrick Lehmon Meriwether headshot
Patrick Meriwether

Family lawyer | 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."

Elizabeth Christen Schneider headshot
Elizabeth Schneider

Family lawyer | 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."

Robin Krystle Love headshot
Robin Love

Unknown lawyer | 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."

Charlotte Rose Ruble headshot
Charlotte Ruble

Family lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Lane Tharp headshot
Robert Tharp

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Andrew James Weegar headshot
Andrew Weegar

Family lawyer

Margaret Eileen Simpson headshot
Margaret Simpson

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2006

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

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

Associations

2014 - Present

District Court of South Carolina

Member

2012 - Present

Tennessee Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Tennesee Supreme Court

Member

2012 - Present

Tennessee Court of Appeals

Member

2002 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Member

2000 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

Member

2000 - Present

United District Court for the Southern District of Georgia

Member

1999 - 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

1998 - Present

South Carolina Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

Supreme Court of South Carolina

Member

1998 - Present

South Carolina Court of Appeals

Member

Sample of 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.

Stewart v. Smith, 291 Ga. App. 86 (2009)

We received a six figure jury verdict.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

University of South Carolina

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Auburn University at Montgomery

Masters

1989

Emory University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

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

2014

CLE Proving Damages

Tort Settlement and Recoveries in Marital Property in the Context of Divorce

Publications

2014

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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