Our Firm
Our firm focuses on serving the individual in difficult cases involving families.
Sometimes, you just need a lawyer…
Our small, relationship-based practice emphasizes personal attention to client needs. We recognize the client as a whole person whose life may have been seriously disrupted by unexpected complications or sudden changes. We vigorously apply our knowledge and experience to your situation. Our high standards of excellence result in success for our clients.
Karen Brown Williams (download vCard)
Founding Partner
A graduate of Howard University, Boston College and Emory Law School, Karen began her law career in 1990 as Clerk to Justice Carol Hunstein where she served for more than two years before becoming a Public Defender for Dekalb County and then moving on to the Atlanta Solicitors Office. Karen founded her law practice in 1994 while a Cobb County Magistrate, where she served for five years. Karen brings broad experience and depth of understanding to her client’s cause. She is a frequent speaker on family law issues within the legal community, guiding other family law attorneys to becoming more effective and knowledgeable in this important practice specialty. Karen has presented to the State Bar of Georgia, Cobb County Bar Association Family Law Section and Inn of Court. In addition, Karen has served on the Executive Board of the State Bar Association Family Law Section since 2003. She is also a member of the Cobb County Bar Association, the Family Law Inn of Court, Georgia NELA (National Employment Lawyers Association) serving on the Georgia NELA Board from 2001-2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a divorce in Georgia?
You can finalize a divorce as little as 31 days after service. Georgia does not require a waiting period for divorce.
Am I entitled to alimony?
Alimony is based on one party's financial needs and the other party's ability to pay, as well as conduct issues. Realistically speaking, alimony these days is intended to be rehabilitative in nature, to provide the requesting spouse with an opportunity to become gainfully employed and/or to increase his or her earning potential. Some judges are more likely to award spousal support than others, so it helps if your attorney is familiar with your assigned judge.
How are our assets divided?
Georgia is an equitable division property state. Equitable division means whatever is fair and reasonable under the circumstances; it does not necessarily mean an equal division of "marital" assets between spouses, although more often than not, most assets are divided somewhere in the range of 50/50. There are numerous factors the court will consider to determine what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances
Does every case have to go to trial?
No. The vast majority of cases, including family law matters, are resolved without a trial, through agreement of the spouses, negotiations by their attorneys, or mediation. If the spouses cannot agree, even after being prodded to do so by attorneys, mediators, and the court, a trial is necessary.
What is family court?
It is a court devoted to handling only family law cases.
What is child custody?
Custody is a legal determination of how the parties care and make decisions for minor children. There are two types of custody: Legal and Physical. Legal custody determines which parent(s) will participate in making major decisions affecting the children, such as decisions about the children’s education, healthcare and well-being. Physical custody involves who will care for the children on a day-to-day basis.
What factors can be used to decide custody?
Ideally, the parties to a divorce are able to reach a mutually agreeable out of court marital settlement agreement that includes custody and visitation with any minor children of the marriage. When it becomes clear an agreement is not forthcoming, a court will have to decide using a “best interest of the child” standard.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is calculated based upon guidelines that are established by the state. Generally, child support guidelines take into account the incomes of the parties, the number of days each party has the child, and other expenses related to the child, such as health care and daycare costs. Although each state has set guidelines, the Court may deviate from the guidelines at its discretion.
What is alimony?
Alimony is generally a support payment by one spouse to the other spouse. Alimony is generally not available to a spouse who caused the dissolution of the marriage by adultery or desertion. Alimony may be paid in a one-time lump sum, periodic payments for a limited time or until the receiving spouse dies or remarries. Alimony is awarded to either spouse in accordance with the needs of the spouse and the ability of the other spouse to pay
What is “Joint Legal Custody”?
Joint legal custody means that both parents have the right to make decisions affecting the children such as education, medical, religious, extra-curricular and so on.
Atlanta/Marietta:
1820 The Exchange SE
Suite 150
Atlanta, GA 30339
Tel: 770-952-5000
Fax: 770-955-6173
Alpharetta:
12600 Deerfield Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Tel: 678-566-3626
Fax: 770-955-6173