Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Experienced Legal Advocacy in Atlanta & Decatur
Jerry L. Stepp has dedicated his legal career to providing comprehensive and client-focused representation in Georgia since 1968. With over 46 years of experience, he specializes in family law, civil litigation, personal injury, and estate planning, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. His practice emphasizes resolving disputes efficiently through mediation and alternative dispute resolution while maintaining readiness for litigation when necessary.Jerry holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, reflecting his peers' recognition of his legal expertise and ethical standards. He is committed to accessible, personalized service, including after-hours emergency availability, and has resolved thousands of cases with a focus on equitable outcomes. His team combines professionalism with compassionate support, ensuring clients navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Services
Divorce
Custody
Personal Injury
Wills & Estate Planning
Probate
Breach of Contract
Wrongful Death
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- 46+ years of experience in Georgia legal practice
- AV-Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale Hubbell
- Focus on settlement through mediation when possible
- Alternative dispute resolution expertise for cost efficiency
- Accessible after-hours emergency legal support
Associations and certifications
- Martindale Hubbell
Services
Family Law
Jerry L. Stepp, P.C. provides comprehensive family law representation, including divorce, custody, and alimony. Our approach prioritizes amicable resolutions while preparing for litigation when necessary. We address property division, child support, and post-divorce modifications with a focus on clients' long-term well-being. Our experience spans complex cases involving high-value assets and contentious custody disputes.
Civil Litigation
Handling breach of contract, real estate disputes, and business litigation, our firm combines trial readiness with negotiation expertise. We represent clients in state and federal courts, focusing on efficient resolution of commercial and personal legal conflicts. Our track record includes successful outcomes in over 3,000 civil matters, emphasizing strategic case management and evidence-based advocacy.
Personal Injury
We advocate for injury victims in automobile accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. Our practice secures compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With experience in premises liability and product liability cases, we work with medical experts to document damages and build compelling claims for maximum recovery.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to individual needs. We help clients protect assets, designate guardians for minors, and establish healthcare directives. The practice emphasizes minimizing tax implications and ensuring clear succession plans for families and business owners through customized legal frameworks.
Probate Law
We guide executors through probate processes for contested and uncontested wills, managing asset distribution and debt resolution. Our services include court representation for estate administration, trust creation, and guardianship establishment. We simplify complex probate requirements while maintaining compliance with Georgia's inheritance statutes.
People
Jerry L. Stepp
Attorney & Founder
Jerry L. Stepp graduated from Emory University School of Law in 1968 and has practiced in Georgia for 46+ years. He specializes in family law, civil litigation, and estate planning, maintaining an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell since 1976. His practice combines trial experience with alternative dispute resolution expertise.
Questions
What are Georgia's requirements for a valid marriage?
Parties must be at least 16 years old (or younger with parental consent/pregnancy proof), not related within prohibited degrees, and have voluntary consent. Ceremonial marriages require a license and officiant, while common law marriages established before 1997 require cohabitation.
How does Georgia handle property division in divorce?
Georgia follows equitable distribution principles, dividing marital assets fairly (not necessarily 50/50) based on factors like marriage duration, financial needs, and contributions to marital property.
What estate planning documents are essential?
Key documents include wills, living wills (advanced healthcare directives), powers of attorney, and trusts. These ensure asset distribution, medical care preferences, and financial management during incapacity.
Can child custody arrangements be modified?
Yes, modifications are possible every two years or with substantial changes in circumstances affecting the child's best interests, such as relocation, changed work schedules, or evolving educational needs.
What constitutes a valid will in Georgia?
A will requires the testator to be at least 14 years old, of sound mind, and have two witnesses. Handwritten (holographic) wills aren't valid in Georgia, and proper legal execution ensures enforceability.
