Samuel Eugene Thomas

Samuel Eugene Thomas

4.5
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 12 years

Child custody Lawyer at Athens, GA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Family ... +3 more

585 Research Drive, Suite-A, Athens, GA

About Samuel

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

With over 12 years of experience and an Avvo Rating of 10.0, I provide skilled, compassionate representation in child custody matters. Your children deserve a strong advocate—let me fight for the best outcome for your family.

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

Whether contested or uncontested, divorce is life-changing. I guide clients through Georgia's divorce process with transparency and strategy, handling asset division, alimony, and child-related matters to protect what matters most to you.

20%
Family 20%

Family law matters affect your most important relationships. I provide compassionate, effective representation for all family law issues, from domestic disputes to modifications of existing court orders.

20%
Immigration 20%

Licensed in Georgia and Tennessee, I handle removal defense, family-based immigration petitions, and visa matters. Facing complex immigration challenges? Our team is experienced and ready to help you navigate the process.

20%
Adoption 10%

Adoptions bring families together. I guide clients through Georgia's adoption process—whether domestic, stepparent, or agency adoption—with care, diligence, and genuine commitment to your family's future.

10%
Child Support 10%

I am an ABA Child Support Committee Chair with deep expertise in Georgia child support law. Whether establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support order, I will fight for a fair result for you.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-250 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 6 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2020

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 12 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2013

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Samuel Thomas Law, LLC

585 Research Drive, Suite-A, Athens, GA, 30605

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Samuel Eugene Thomas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

42 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (42) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

Sam was great! He answered all of my questions and kept me updated throughout the entire process. He made the process as simple as possible and it was finalized rather quickly. Very happy with my decision to hire and grateful that they handled almost all communications with my Ex husband.

Posted by Keith | September 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Knowledge is Power

I hired Mr Thomas back in 2017. He represented me in a nasty divorce case that had several contempt of court motions etc. I was taken to the cleaners so to speak. He did countless of hours of additional work without ever seeking additional funds because he wanted justice. When my case ended and afte...r 18 months my child’s mother decided she no longer wanted the kids I tried on my own to get the case transferred. After being told No by the judge. I went back to Mr Thomas to get my case transferred to South Carolina. He was able to get the judge to relinquish my case and get it transferred using case law which is why I title this review knowledge is power. I highway recommend Mr Thomas to anyone who is in a divorce case or child custody case. This retainers are fair, he will go beyond and treat you fair. He will not nickel and dime you.

Posted by Dale | April 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

MUST HIRE THIS MAN!

This man put time effort blood sweat and tears into my case couldn't ask for a better lawyer keeps GREAT contact with his client every step of the way!

Posted by Michael white | November 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Horrible

Worst attorney in the world. I almost lost my child because of him. He did absolutely nothing, and presented none of the evidence we had. HE FELL ASLEEP IN THE COURT ROOM. He finally withdrew from the case after he destroyed it. The case was in nov. 2015. It is now nov. 2018 and I still don’t have cu...stody of my child.

Samuel Thomas

Replied last November 15, 2018

I assure you I would never fall asleep in the courtroom. I am sorry you are dissatisfied with my services but this is a incorrect view of my handling of the case and my trial tactics. I refrain from commenting on the specifics of this case but I assure you that this review is not accurate whatsoever.

Posted by Crystal | August 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I recommend this guy to ALL my friends and family!

He was God-sent! I was at my end. I called so many lawyers offices asking about their rates and every single one I called had fees of insurmountable proportions. In my whirlwind of emotions, I don't even remember calling his office, but apparently I made an appointment for the consultation. On the ...day of the appointment, which I COMPLETELY forgot about... I got a call to remind me. And of course I was going to be late. He still stayed at the office---on a Saturday--- and waited on me to get there for over an hour. He listened to my whole sob story, scanned all the paperwork I had (which was A LOT because I tried to file my divorce as non-contested, but my ex refused to sign the papers.) The ex was stalling and I was through playing games. Mr. Thomas was hired that day, on a Saturday, and by Wednesday the papers were typed up and sent to me to review. He uses a website for communication and document holding/sending that is very convenient and easy to use. By the next week, my complaint for divorce was filed with my county, and things just rolled into place after that. Every question I had was answered, He kept me calm and level headed thru even the scariest times...Custody of my daughter was my #1 top priority and by far the scariest part of the whole divorce. He was available when I needed him, and answered emails within 24 hours. He apparently works all the time, night and day, weekends, and well... I'm sure holidays too. My situation turned out pretty good, I had to compromise in a couple areas, but Mr. Thomas was there to help me make the best decision possible. I still consider him my lawyer, and consult with him still on legal issues that come up. Him and his staff are highly recommended- I would not go anywhere else!

See All Client Reviews

Samuel Eugene Thomas's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Samuel
Sarah Elizabeth Richardson Trahan headshot
Sarah Richardson Trahan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kayla Welch Griffin headshot
Kayla Griffin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Warren Kennedy Abel headshot
Warren Abel

Family lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I always recommend Sam to anyone who needs a family lawyer. Everyone I've referred to Sam has greatly appreciated the referral to an excellent attorney. Sam is a great attorney."

Adam Bryant Land headshot
Adam Land

Unknown lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to his clients."

Markus Boenig headshot
Markus Boenig

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam has an easy-going manner which can be very beneficial when dealing with the emotions involved in contested cases."

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dennis P. Helmreich headshot
Dennis Helmreich

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is diligent, knowledgeable and works well with attorneys and his clients."

Michael David Birchmore headshot
Michael Birchmore

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Thomas is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Other

"Very determined and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer"

Susan Janette McCoy headshot
Susan McCoy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Taylor Hopkins IV headshot
John Hopkins

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Colin Grant McCallin headshot
Colin McCallin

Unknown lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elizabeth B Carpenter headshot
Elizabeth Carpenter

Unknown lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Zealous advocate -- asset to legal community."

Philip Vera headshot
Philip Vera

Family lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Adoption lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Simon Kabzan headshot
Simon Kabzan

Unknown lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent contributions and an asset to the AVVO community."

Richard Geller headshot
Richard Geller

Unknown lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Samuel. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."

View All Endorsements
Warren Kennedy Abel headshot
Warren Abel

Personal injury lawyer

Adam Bryant Land headshot
Adam Land

Personal injury lawyer

William C. Bushnell headshot
William Bushnell

Family lawyer

John W. Timmons Jr. headshot
John Timmons

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Keith Krasle headshot
Eric Krasle

Family lawyer

Markus Boenig headshot
Markus Boenig

Criminal defense lawyer

Deborah Louise Gowen headshot
Deborah Gowen

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Ryan John Swingle headshot
Ryan Swingle

Criminal defense lawyer

Natalie Vickers Teston headshot
Natalie Teston

Divorce and separation lawyer

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Personal injury lawyer

Peter Edward Morgan headshot
Peter Morgan

Business lawyer

Ryan Joseph Reynolds headshot
Ryan Reynolds

Estate planning lawyer

Charles E.W. Barrow headshot
Charles Barrow

Family lawyer

Stuart Lee Douglas headshot
Stuart Douglas

Child custody lawyer

Anna Green Bolden headshot
Anna Bolden

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kalki Yalamanchili headshot
Kalki Yalamanchili

Criminal defense lawyer

Catherine Trelles Casto headshot
Catherine Casto

Family lawyer

Woodrow Wilson Ware headshot
Woodrow Ware

Family lawyer

Waymon S. Harrell headshot
Waymon Harrell

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Best of the Best-Family Law, OnlineAthens

2021

Super Lawyers Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Athens' Favorite Lawyer to Sort Out Your Affairs, Flagpole Magazine

2019

Athens' Favorite Lawyer to Sort Out Your Affairs, Flagpole Magazine

2018

Lead Counsel, Thomson Reuters

2017

Reader's Choice Awards- Best of the Best, Athens Magazine

2011

Salomon Award, Sarah and Michael Salomon

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, Samuel Thomas Law, L.L.C.

2017 - 2019

Partner, Classic City Legal, LLC

2014 - 2015

Associate, Timmons, Warnes & Mercer, LLP

Associations

2022 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair - Child Support Committee

2013 - Present

Georgia State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2010 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2017 - 2018

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Vice Chair, Alimony Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Recent Child Custody Case I argued (Nov 2013)

Maintained primary physical custody for my client

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

University of Alabama

JD - Juris Doctor

2010

University of Georgia, Athens

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Litigating Child Custody on a Shoestring Budget

2016

Phi Alpha Delta-Monthly Meeting

Family Law/Owning a Law Firm

2014

Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Meeting

Family Law

Publications

2022

American Bar Association publication Cost Effective Child Custody Litigation

2021

American Journal of Family Law Technology Needed to Effectively Represent Modest Means Family Law Clients.

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution