David A. Canale

David A. Canale

4.3
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Woodstock, GA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family

145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300, Woodstock, GA

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Divorce, Separate Maintenance, Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Custody, Child Support, Contempt

30 years

50%
Family 50%

Adoptions, Grandparent visitation/custody, Juvenile Dependency, Modifications of Custody and Child Support

31 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 30 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1995

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Louisiana for 36 years

State: Louisiana

Acquired: 1989

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 300, Woodstock, GA, 30188

Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

506 Roswell Street NE, Suite 240, Marietta, GA, 30060

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

6465 East Johns Crossing, Suite 400, Johns Creek, GA, 30097

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

100 Bull Street, Suite 231, Savannah, GA, 31401

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

320 E Clayton Street, Suite #404, Athens, GA, 30601

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

401 Westpark Court, Suite 200-3, Peachtree City, GA, 30269

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

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

Meriwether & Tharp LLC

310 B Newnan St, Carrollton, GA, 30117

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David A. Canale's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | August 9, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Immoral , cruelty to disabled

This tiny man held a person with Alzheimer’s ( deemed unable to attend own trial due to competency ) in contempt twice ! Imagine you have a relative unable to understand why or what is happening around them held in contempt to be cruel , abusive and deceitful. DO NOT HIRE FOR ELDER ABUSE OR FOR ANY ...REASON ! Should be disbarred for cruel and elder abuse .

David Canale

Replied last August 14, 2024

This review was not posted by a client.

Posted by John watts | November 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Disappointed

Hired David to defend me during my divorce and was very disappointed . 23k later and 5 years down the road I write this review hoping it will save some poor person from this guy .

Posted by John | June 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very Disappointed

David never seemed to care about me and my situation, he was clearly overmatched by opposing counsel. Upon receiving his 21,000.00 in Attorney fees he sent me and email that said that my case was really predetermined before he took it on. I have the email saved and I will share it in a formal complai...nt.

Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

TPO representation

David advised that he had defended people facing TPOs. I advised him of the unique and malicious nature of the plaintiff in my case. David did not seem to take on my case with much urgency (although he acted professionally at all times). David spend a portion of our consultation time aggressively que...stioning me (the defendant) in an accusing fashion. He seemed, at times, to be encouraging me to incriminate myself. When I asked him about it directly, he told me that he was trying to "toughen me up" prior to facing opposing counsel. He did not seek to verify the facts in the Ex Parte TPO order signed by the judge. He did not obtain or seek to obtain any of the police reports that the plaintiff allegedly filed (the lack of police reports would have indicated perjury on the part of the plaintiff). David performed admirably, in person, during the court hearing. As I faced my accusers and a bench full of "friends and supporters" alone (with the exception of my lawyers), David never suggested asking for a continuance or extension in order to try to delay or thin out the people showing up for the plaintiff's party. David negotiated, but not aggressively. David represented me, but I feel I could have had more value for the money if I hired representation that was more familiar with defending against malicious TPOs vs. someone that was more comfortable initiating and prosecuting TPOs. After the case was concluded, I searched David's case history in Cobb and Cherokee county. He does not seem to have the experience in defense of TPOs that he assured me he possessed. I will continue to consult and perhaps even hire David again, but I will most certainly seek additional counsel from another source rather than place myself soley in his hands in the future.

Posted by anonymous | January 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

First and only divorce

I hired David with the intent to get a fair and reasonable outcome as a father during a tough divorce. The process was slow, with calls taking up to 2 days for a response at times and ultimately taking 10 months. I did not feel like I had someone fighting for me, like for instance when I requeste...d the most recent pay stubs from opposing counsel, I was told by David there was no reason to request her paystub at this point. It seems that someone on my side would fight to get every rightfully deserved advantage for a client. That was not the case. Overall, he was honest, and been in practice for a long time. His tenure has gained respect in the industry, no doubt. However if given a second chance, I would consider a more trustworthy relationship.

See All Client Reviews

David A. Canale's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Jeffrey Allen Turner headshot
Jeffrey Turner

Juvenile law lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"If I told you how long ago it was I started asking for advice from David Canale, it would only embarrass me. Both of us with a Louisiana background, it was easy for us to become colleagues and friends. David gets my highest recommendation. Not just for being a smart practitioner, but from the caring way he conducts the practice of law and the breath of his care for his clients. Whenever I refer a case to him, I know the clients will be well-handled and well-served."

Leo Hughes headshot
Leo Hughes

Family lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David Canale is a highly competent and respected attorney in our Atlanta metro area family law community of practitioners. His knowledge of the law and courtroom skills are exceptional. I highly recommend him."

Jeffrey Bull Grable headshot
Jeffrey Grable

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David well and would trust his judgment and ability without concern. David Canale is a well respected subject matter expert and a fine man. I endorse this lawyer."

Jordan Jacob Hendrick headshot
Jordan Hendrick

Family lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had a case against David a few years ago that we were able to resolve out of court after a pre-trial conference with the judge. Since then I have gotten to know him better and see him in the courthouse and at bar association events. Without question, his reputation in the legal community is top notch and well deserved."

Scott Patrick Semrau headshot
Scott Semrau

Unknown lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you want a lawyer who is well known and respected by the entire legal community, then hire David. David has served the community through his volunteer work with the bar association. Consequently, Judges and other lawyers know David as an ethical, reliable, and determined litigator. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Len Jones headshot
Robert Jones

Family lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Canale have worked as opposing counsel on several family law and juvenile matters over the past several years and I have always found him to be professional, courteous and very competent."

Clifford M. Miller headshot
Clifford Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Based on viewing this lawyer's answers to questions on AVVO, I endorse him."

Shawn Clayton Bugbee headshot
Shawn Bugbee

Juvenile law lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David Canale for several years through his work in the Cobb County Juvenile Court. He is a tireless advocate and is passionate about his work, especially when it involves the well-being of children. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside him in the past."

Brad Elliott Macdonald headshot
Brad Macdonald

Family lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony A. Hallmark headshot
Anthony Hallmark

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David for several years and I have seen his work both inside and outside the courtroom. He works diligently for his clients and he obtains great results. I without reservation endorse David Canale."

Evan Matthew Oshan headshot
Evan Oshan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sharp and on the ball."

David S. Delugas headshot
David Delugas

Litigation lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Canale has been opposing counsel in several cases so I have the personal experiences to endorse him. He is professional at all times which together with his legal skills helps his clients get good outcomes, It is apparent from what I have observed that Mr. Canale cares about doing right by his clients and does not encourage wasteful litigation."

Philip Andrew Holloway headshot
Philip Holloway

Family lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David Canale is a well liked and respected member of the Cobb County legal community. He has a reputation for aggressive and effective advocacy for all of his clients and he always works tirelessly to get the best results."

Jack Ira Klein headshot
Jack Klein

Juvenile law lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the pleasure of working together with Mr. Canale on numerous Juvenile Court matters and have found him to be of the utmost competence and a zealous advocate for his clientele."

Anthony M. Zezima headshot
Anthony Zezima

Family lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His contributions to the legal community are reflected by his willingness to regularly provide legal advice on Family Law issues."

Bradley Gaylon Fisher headshot
Bradley Fisher

Unknown lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He provides detailed and insightful analysis to questions posed by AVVO subscribers. The detailed responses and thorough explanations provided here display a vast knowledge of the law. He is an asset to the legal community."

J. Thomas Salata headshot
J. Salata

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is an excellent lawyer in court and responsive to his client's needs. His rates are very reasonable."

Melissa Angeleah Tracy headshot
Melissa Tracy

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have found David to be a knowledgeable and upstanding advocate for his clients. I am happy to endorse him."

Kimberly Keheley Frye headshot
Kimberly Frye

Family lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I know David from his great work in family law and as a Mock Trial coach. His reputation in the community and skills in the courtroom makes him a great advocate for his family law clients. David is a compassionate attorney and will find the best solution for your situation. If David is your lawyer, you have done well."

Patrick Lehmon Meriwether headshot
Patrick Meriwether

Family lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Canale has been opposing counsel on a couple cases. He advocated zealously for his clients’ interest while remaining professional throughout the entire process. With his legal knowledge, he knew when to stand his ground on an issue and when a client should settle an issue, which allowed the parties to reach excellent settlements. In addition to knowing him as an opposing attorney, I also know him through Cub Scouts, where he is a Den Leader for his son and others. He is someone that not only works hard for his clients at the office, but also gives back to his community. Even after a hard fought day in the Courtroom, he will attend Cub Scout events to improve his role as a leader for others. It is always good to see him at the Courthouse and at Roundtable."

View All Endorsements
Irena Chernova headshot
Irena Chernova

Divorce and separation lawyer

Patricia Ketch Buonodono headshot
Patricia Buonodono

Divorce and separation lawyer

Adam Wilkes D'Anella headshot
Adam D'Anella

Divorce and separation lawyer

Blake Lewis Kilday headshot
Blake Kilday

Family lawyer

Michael Jay Schlifka headshot
Michael Schlifka

Family lawyer

Courtney Henderson Carpenter headshot
Courtney Carpenter

Divorce and separation lawyer

Mark Owings Shriver IV headshot
Mark Shriver

Family lawyer

Jessica Margit Hall headshot
Jessica Hall

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew James Weegar headshot
Andrew Weegar

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joann Brown-Williams headshot
Joann Brown-Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer

Todd Adam Orston headshot
Todd Orston

Divorce and separation lawyer

Leo Hughes headshot
Leo Hughes

Family lawyer

Jeffrey Bull Grable headshot
Jeffrey Grable

General practice lawyer

Jordan Jacob Hendrick headshot
Jordan Hendrick

Family lawyer

Robert Len Jones headshot
Robert Jones

Divorce and separation lawyer

Warren Raymond Hinds headshot
Warren Hinds

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer

Scott Patrick Semrau headshot
Scott Semrau

Criminal defense lawyer

Vic Brown Hill headshot
Vic Hill

Family lawyer

Shawn Clayton Bugbee headshot
Shawn Bugbee

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2015

Executive Committee Member, The National Advocates

2012

Certificate of Appreciation, Cobb County Superior Court Judges and Cobb County Bar Association

2005

Pro Bono Award, State Bar of Georgia

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Partner, Meriwether & Tharp, LLC

2005 - 2015

Member, Pugh, Barrett, Canale & Leslie, LLC

1996 - 2005

Partner, David Canale & Associates, PC

1995 - 1996

Litigation Counsel, Federal Financial Group

1991 - 1995

Attorney, FDIC/RTC

1989 - 1991

Associate, Blanchard, Walker, O'Quin & Roberts

Associations

2015 - Present

The Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court

Member

2000 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member (Family Law Section)

2000 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member - Family Law Section

1989 - Present

Louisiana State Bar Association

Member

2016 - 2020

The National Advocates

Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia

Sample of Legal Cases

Child Custody Modification

Settled after guardian's recommendation

Child Support Modification

Settled

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2023

Grandparent Visitation

Grandparent Visitation

2019

Grandparents' Visitation After Divorce and Death: Litigation Strategies and Proactive Steps to Protect Rights

Grandparent visitation

2017

Atlanta Divorce Team Radio - 07/22/2017 Crafting a Winning Parenting Plan with Marsha Schechtman

2016

Newstalk 1160 a.m. - Atlanta Divorce Team Radio Courtroom Decorum

2016

M&T Firm Seminar

Crafting Action Plans for Clients in a Divorce

2016

KSU Paralegal Studies

Top 10 Qualities of a Successful Paralegal

2016

Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law American Inn of Court

Things You Thought You Knew

2010

CCSD Career Day

Legal Career Information

Publications

2012

GA Legal Blog Various Articles

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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