Robert Kendall Abbott Jr.

PRO

Robert Kendall Abbott Jr.

also known as BJ Abbott

3.3
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Marietta, GA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody, Child Support

242 Lawrence St. NE, Marietta, GA

About Robert

Biography

We have over 30 years experience and can help you with your family law needs.

We aggressively represent our clients in their divorces to get them the best possible outcome!

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

40%
Family 25%

25%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 15%

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 24 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2001

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Abbott & Abbott P.C.

242 Lawrence St. NE, Marietta, GA, 30060

abbottandabbott.net/

Abbott & Abbott P.C.

181 E Main St., Canton, GA, 30114

abbottandabbott.net/

Robert Kendall Abbott Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.3 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

My review

BJ represented me in my divorce. He was very knowledgeable and compassionate about my situation. Bj was very confident in himself and my case which really put me at ease at such a dramatic point in my life. I heard of abbott and abbott through a friend that highly recommended them. I was very ple...ased with the proceedings and the results. There were no problems that arose that he was not prepared for. His calm confidence really set the tone for the rest of my experience. These are truly good people with your best intrest at heart. A+

Posted by Antonio Bell | July 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Consider Wisely

During one of the worst times of my life I was forced to file divorce and seek legal council when my ex-wife made some false accusations and filed a warrant to be issued for my arrest as well as a TPO. BJ was the first lawyer to call me back and he presented to be a good option for my legal defense a...nd in the beginning he was. During the TPO and Warrant issue he charged a reasonable flat rate and he was amazing in court. He represented me well and was able to assist me in getting both cases dropped. The only complaint I had at that point was the way he would misrepresent information to me. I went 26 days without seeing by daughter and half of that time was because BJ had a conflict and asked for our hearing to be moved. Which may have been fine if he explained it to me prior to making that call and was honest as opposed to telling me that the courts calendar rescheduled my case. The second major issue was when we finally had mediation scheduled for a friday afternoon I believe. Atlanta had been on somewhat of a inclement weather warning for a possible ice storm for the entire week. BJ decided to wait until the morning of to reschedule our mediation and had his secretary tell me that "The courts are closed due to weather" the only problem is that it was 7:00 am and the court doesn't open until 9:00 am. Something just didn't make sense; so I waited until the courts open to give them a call and they were indeed open. Then, I find out BJ doesn't want to go because he doesn't want to get stuck in traffic. I decide to go unrepresented to mediation considering he would not make it and he tries initially to block me from going and refuses to sign off on me going in by myself. Ultimately, after some push back his wife signs off on me going alone. The final straw was when he wanted to have me settle as an every other weekend Dad starting at 3 1/2 when we had discussed I wasn't going for anything less than the 45% parenting time I had already been exercising. Maybe he was tired of my case, had made enough money off of me, or was sick of me in general but I knew then it was time to go in a different direction. I then withdrew as a client and hired a new attorney who was amazing and won me both Joint physical and Legal custody as a dad, about 45-50% parenting time, and a reasonable child support number. As a father I couldnt be happier with this result. Too bad I couldnt do that with the 11,000+ I spent in 10 months with BJ. BJ charges about 450/hr and will charge you for about everything(which wasn't the case for me in the beginning but eventually changed). They charge .6 minutes for every email, phone call, to review your file(which he was to do to familiarize himself with your case), Intraoffice conferences(talking about your case with his staff), talking to the other attorney, and filing all the paperwork. It adds up very quickly. Divorces take at least a year in 9/10 cases and 10,000 dollars equals about 22.2 hours of work which he will certainly spend more time with your case. Find a lawyer that charges a FLAT RATE! In his defense there was some work he did that he didn't charge me for early on. The major issue I had with him was when he decided not to fight for my relationship with my daughter anymore. BJ is very busy and has a lot of clients which takes attention from your case. You can rarely get him on the phone and must come in to speak with him which obviously allows him to bill more( for the "30 min" it takes him to review your file). His office also has a fairly high turnover rate. Which means you will have to familiarize multiple people with your case. Overall I think BJ is a decent guy that wants to make a lot of money(like most of us). I just didn't feel like a priority when I look back on my time with his firm and that shows by the lack of progress with my case during that time. Take your time, research, and count the costs.

Robert Abbott

Replied last July 27, 2016

In response to Mr. Bell's claim, which is completely unfair, there were many hours invested in his case at no charge. Mr. Bell always told me that he had the funds to keep going and he fully understood that until his retainer was paid that my firm was not going to work for free, Mr. Bell decided that he could not pay any more money and I placed his case on hold to prevent him going into further debt with my firm. The last thing I wanted him to do was to go unrepresented to mediation or trial which ultimately he demanded to do and we finally permitted as this was his decision. We were only trying to protecting him. It is unfair to portray my firm in the manner that he has. I asked him if it were fair if he were to work at his job some 20-30 hours and his boss decided not to pay him. How would he feel? He would expect to be paid for his services as did I. All should understand who hire lawyers that they cost money. Make sure that you receive, like Mr. Bell did, a complete fee agreement that lists the charges, rates ($350.00/hr. not $450.00/hr.) and specifically shows what items you will be billed for (i.e. emails, etc.). In the end, it is unfair and unreasonable to expect that any attorney will work for you for free. Mr. Bell simply did not pay for his services and that is when the work stopped..

Posted by Michael | April 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

BEWARE-

was referred to this attorney and I am advising anyone looking for an ETHICAL AND HONEST attorney BEWARE! I’m a father who is struggling to get custody of my daughter and this unethical man( if you want to call him a REAL man) told me $7500 for a retainer fee. He then had me sign an agreement wher...e my funds are non refundable. From this point forward he asked that money be paid in cash or Zelle/Venmo so that he doesn’t have to pay taxes on it.. I thought nothing of it at the time but I struggled to pay him $5k and because I had delays in getting him the other $2500 he wanted to no longer represent me. He said he would keep the $5k and not return it because he has already done work on the case but I have numerous text messages where he says he can’t start work until he receives the full $7500..?? I then asked for a statement showing the work he “said” he has done but to he never sent anything because obviously he NEVER did any kind of work on my case. I have filed a complaint with the

Posted by Karen | May 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Does not deliver on promises made during consultation

DO NOT RECOMMEND. At my initial consultation, I was told several things that after signing a contract with an expensive, NON REFUNDABLE retainer, turned out to be completely false. If you'd like an attorney that is uncommunicative to the point of utter uselessness, feel free to use this firm. So many... aspects of my case were not discussed with me prior to executing and I am extremely dissatisfied with the results. Do not waste your time or money.

Posted by Gary | July 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Not recommended.

I sought out this legal assistance early 2015 due to my ex-spouse filing a contempt order for past payments I was not capable of funding. (My child support was extremely high and other divorce related costs all the more so.) The first reaction was to file bankruptcy, then "see what they could do." ... After taking retainer, and then asking for financials all of my financials, they dropped my case right before a summons date, and subsequently charged me for the "work" done! My case history was never thoroughly reviewed, and it would easily have found that I would qualify for a post-divorce modification if they took the time! Why did I have to find this out a year later on my own? I thought legal advice was to help with ways we do not know ourselves. Anyway, with loss of time and loss of significant money, I am using Avvo to find more suitable counsel. I suggest reviewing Avvo ratings and review the comments. Thank you Avvo for your service - wish I found you earlier.

Robert Abbott

Replied last July 27, 2016

Gary's case was handled appropriately by our firm. We attempted to mitigate his situation. We discussed that his case was terrible due to his past actions. Unfortunately, due to his prior actions (child support issues, etc.) we were unable to get the result that he wanted.

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Robert Kendall Abbott Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Heather Johnston headshot
Heather Johnston

Family lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. For my first mediation, Mr. Abbott Jr. was the opposing counsel. Mr. Abbott Jr. was a great advocate for his client, as well as kept the mediation reasonable and productive. The experience was great for all parties involved, as Mr. Abbott's expertise enabled a time and cost efficient settlement."

Jaclyn Andrea Rodriguez headshot
Jaclyn Rodriguez

Family lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse Mr. Abbott, he has a vast amount of Georgia Family Law knowledge and experience that allows him to zealously represent his clients. He is also a respectful lawyer who exhibits unwavering professionalism and courtesy to clients and colleagues alike."

Marc Daniel Robinson headshot
Marc Robinson

Family lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. BJ is one of the best trial attorney's in the state. He is also honest and ethical. I would certainly hire BJ if I needed a lawyer to represent me in any Domestic/Family Law case."

Jessica Margit Hall headshot
Jessica Hall

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Abbott is fiercely talented in the courtroom takes each and everyone of his client's matters very seriously, always making sure he is prepared for court and the client is up to date. I recommend Mr. Abbott's services; and as a fellow lawyer, endorse him as well!"

Jennifer L. Davis headshot
Jennifer Davis

Family lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. BJ Abbott is one of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen in a courtroom. He advocates for his clients efficiently, respectfully and zealously. BJ Abbott knows when to try a case and when to settle a case. He works well with other attorneys and judges. He is very respected in the community and I refer him cases often because I know that my referrals will be well taken care of by him and by his staff."

Jeffrey Bull Grable headshot
Jeffrey Grable

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. B.J. knows the law and fights hard for his clients. He has quiet self confidence which is reassuring to his clients and which tends to keep highly emotional situations manageable."

View All Endorsements
Heather Johnston headshot
Heather Johnston

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

10 Best Law Firms, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

“AV” Rating, Received “AV” Rating – Highest possible rating as selected by peers and judiciary

2015

Rated as a “Top Lawyer” in the state of Georgia for Family law, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Listed and selected for inclusion as ‘Elite American lawyer, Elite American lawyer

2014

AV Rating - Highest possible rating, Members of the Bar and Judiciary

2013

"AV" Rating - Highest in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Peer Selection

2012

Abbott & Abbott selected as Best of Atlanta Law Firms, Creative Loafing

2011

One of Georgia Top Attorneys in Family Law, Trend Magazine

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Owner / Managing Partner, Abbott & Abbott, PC

2001 - 2006

Attorney, Richard L. Moore, PC

Associations

2006 - Present

Cherokee County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

Education

2001

Oklahoma City University

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Nova Southeastern University (magna cum laude)

Master of Science in Alternative Dispute Resolution

1995

University of Southern Maine

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2008

Family Law

Family law course

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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