Business Details
Your Trusted Alpharetta Family Law Attorneys
At Waggoner Hastings, we are dedicated to providing strategic and compassionate legal representation in family law matters. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team of attorneys specializes in divorce, child custody, mediation, and other family law issues, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. We prioritize client trust by combining legal expertise with a multi-level approach that addresses both the emotional and legal complexities of family law.Our firm is committed to guiding clients through challenging transitions with clarity, confidence, and a focus on achieving cost-effective, long-term results. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we advocate fiercely for our clients' futures while maintaining a deep understanding of the personal stakes involved.
Services
Divorce
Family Law
Mediation
Child Custody
Uncontested Divorce
Prenuptial Agreements
Child Support
Alimony
Property Division
Adoption
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience in family law.
- Our team provides strategic, comprehensive support for complex cases.
- We prioritize compassionate guidance and client-focused solutions.
- We excel in both mediation and courtroom advocacy.
- Our attorneys are certified in collaborative law and mediation.
What people say
Professionally and quickly
Caring and courteous
Highly recommend
Services
Divorce
Waggoner Hastings provides strategic legal representation for divorce cases, including uncontested, collaborative, and contested divorces. We guide clients through asset division, alimony, child custody, and post-divorce modifications, ensuring their rights are protected. Our attorneys combine courtroom expertise with mediation skills to achieve cost-effective, long-term solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Child Custody
Our firm specializes in child custody cases, advocating for arrangements that prioritize the child's best interests. We handle legal and physical custody disputes, parenting plans, and modifications due to relocation or changing circumstances. With trained Guardian ad Litem attorneys, we ensure clients' parental rights are protected while fostering stable, nurturing environments for children through negotiation or litigation.
Mediation
Waggoner Hastings offers mediation services for divorce and family law disputes, promoting peaceful, cost-effective resolutions. Our certified mediators facilitate communication between parties to craft mutually beneficial agreements on custody, support, and property division. This confidential process empowers clients to maintain control over outcomes while minimizing emotional and financial strain compared to traditional litigation.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect clients' assets and clarify financial responsibilities in case of divorce. Our attorneys ensure agreements comply with Georgia law while addressing property division, alimony, and other provisions. By proactively addressing potential disputes, we help couples establish clear, legally binding frameworks for their financial futures.
Uncontested Divorce
Our firm streamlines uncontested divorce proceedings for couples who agree on key terms. We handle paperwork, legal filings, and court approvals for asset division, child custody, and support arrangements. By ensuring comprehensive agreements and addressing tax implications, we help clients finalize divorces efficiently while avoiding prolonged courtroom battles and unnecessary stress.
People
Andrea Dyer Hastings
Managing Partner
Andrea Hastings specializes in family law, with expertise in divorce, child custody, and mediation. She has over 25 years of experience and is certified in collaborative law and mediation. She lectures on family law and mentors future legal professionals.
Mali C. Shadmehry
Partner
Mali Shadmehry focuses on family law, including high-asset divorces and complex custody cases. With extensive courtroom experience, she advocates for clients' rights while prioritizing amicable resolutions through mediation and collaborative practices.
Lisa Malas
Senior Attorney
Lisa Malas handles divorce, child support, and property division cases. She brings a client-centered approach to negotiating settlements and litigating disputes, ensuring clear communication and strategic legal representation for complex family law matters.
Emily Long
Associate Attorney
Emily Long assists clients with divorce, custody, and mediation. She focuses on compassionate guidance and practical solutions, leveraging her legal expertise to navigate family law challenges efficiently and effectively.
Madison Alexander
Associate Attorney
Madison Alexander specializes in family law, including prenuptial agreements and post-divorce modifications. She combines legal rigor with empathetic counsel to help clients achieve favorable outcomes in contested and uncontested cases.
Questions
What is the difference between collaborative divorce and uncontested divorce?
Collaborative divorce involves structured negotiations with attorneys to resolve disputes outside court, while uncontested divorce requires mutual agreement on all terms before filing. Both avoid trials but differ in process complexity.
How does child custody modification work in Georgia?
Georgia allows custody modification if there's a significant change in circumstances affecting the child's well-being, such as relocation, parental fitness concerns, or evolving child needs.
Can I handle an uncontested divorce without an attorney?
While possible, consulting an attorney ensures proper documentation, legal compliance, and protection of rights, minimizing future disputes over asset division or custody arrangements.
What are the benefits of mediation in family law cases?
Mediation offers cost savings, confidentiality, and control over outcomes compared to litigation. It fosters cooperation between parties for custody, support, and property division agreements.
How are alimony and child support determined in Georgia?
Courts consider income, living standards, and child needs for support. Alimony depends on factors like marriage duration, financial disparities, and each spouse's earning capacity.
What rights do unmarried fathers have in Georgia?
Unmarried fathers must legitimate the child to gain custody or visitation rights. Legitimation establishes legal parentage, enabling participation in custody and decision-making processes.
