Divorce
Contested or uncontested divorce, property division, support, and the legal issues that come with ending a marriage.
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Samuel Thomas Law
Athens, GA Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer
Family law help for Athens-Clarke, Oconee, and the surrounding Northeast Georgia counties. You work directly with attorney Samuel E. Thomas from your first call to your final order.
Why Clients Trust Me
Straight Answers. Real Strategy.
Family court can change your life. You need someone who knows the law, knows the court system, and will not waste your time with vague promises.
When you hire Samuel Thomas Law, you work directly with Samuel. You get preparation, candor, and a lawyer who will tell you where you stand.
- ▶Direct attorney access from intake through resolution.
- ▶Clear guidance on divorce, custody, contempt, adoption, and legitimation matters.
- ▶Honest case assessment. No sugarcoating. No confusion.
- ▶Prepared strategy built around your facts, your goals, and Georgia law.
How I Can Help You
Family Law Matters I Handle
Child Custody
Initial custody cases, modifications, parenting plans, visitation disputes, and emergency issues involving children.
Learn More ›Legitimation & Paternity
Establishing legal fatherhood, securing rights, and addressing custody and support issues the right way from the start.
Learn More ›Adoption
Stepparent and other adoption matters handled with close attention to procedure, consent, and finalization requirements.
Learn More ›Contempt & Enforcement
When the other side violates a court order, I will move the case forward and seek enforcement through the court.
Learn More ›Prenuptial Agreements
Well-drafted agreements that clarify expectations and protect property before marriage creates avoidable conflict later.
Learn More ›Where I Practice in Northeast Georgia
Most of my cases are in the Superior Court of the Western Judicial Circuit, which covers Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. I also represent clients in nearby counties across Northeast Georgia.
- Athens-Clarke County: Athens-Clarke County Courthouse, downtown Athens (Athens divorce lawyer)
- Oconee County: Watkinsville and Bogart
- Madison County: Danielsville, Comer, and Colbert
- Oglethorpe County: Lexington, Crawford, and Arnoldsville
- Jackson County: Jefferson, Commerce, and Nicholson
- Barrow County: Winder and Statham
- Walton County: Monroe and Social Circle
- Morgan County: Madison, Rutledge, and Bostwick
- Greene County: Greensboro and Union Point
- Putnam County: Eatonton
- Wilkes County: Washington
- Elbert County: Elberton and Bowman
- Hart County: Hartwell
- Franklin County: Royston, Lavonia, and Canon
Affiliations & Memberships
State Bar of Georgia
Licensed attorney and active member of the State Bar of Georgia.
American Bar Association
Member of the American Bar Association.
ABA Family Law Section
Member of the American Bar Association Section of Family Law.
Meet Attorney Samuel E. Thomas
Direct Representation. Clear Advice.
Samuel E. Thomas is the principal attorney and owner of Samuel Thomas Law, LLC. He is a lifelong Athens resident and a fourth-generation Athens business owner. The firm was built so clients work directly with their lawyer at every stage of the case.
He graduated from the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama School of Law and was admitted to practice in 2013. He is licensed in Georgia and Tennessee, serves on the American Bar Association Family Law Section's adoption committee, and handles divorce, custody, legitimation, adoption, and contempt matters across Northeast Georgia.
I treat people like human beings, not case files. I prepare, I stay candid, and I help clients understand what is coming next.
What Clients Are Saying
See How I Can Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Your first consultation is free. You can book online or call or text 706-546-0999, and you will speak with attorney Samuel E. Thomas, not a call center.
Which counties do you handle cases in?
I handle family law cases in Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties, which make up the Western Judicial Circuit, and across Northeast Georgia in Barrow, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Walton, and Wilkes counties. I do not take cases in metro Atlanta.
How long does a divorce take in Georgia?
A no-fault divorce cannot be granted until at least 30 days after your spouse is served. An uncontested divorce can often be finished soon after that. A contested divorce usually takes several months or longer, depending on the issues and the court's calendar.
At what age can my child choose which parent to live with?
In Georgia, a child who is 14 or older can choose which parent to live with. The judge will follow that choice unless it is not in the child's best interests. Children 11 to 13 can share their wishes, but the judge decides how much weight to give them.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any court papers you have received or filed, a list of your questions, and basic financial information such as recent pay stubs and a list of major assets and debts. If children are involved, bring a short summary of your current parenting schedule.
You Do Not Have To Handle This Alone
Whether this is your first time in family court or you have already been through it, I am here to help. You will get honest answers, a clear explanation of what comes next, and a plan built around your case.
