Patrick L. Meriwether
  • Divorce, Family Law, Domestic Violence
  • Florida, Georgia
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Biography

In 2009, we surveyed the family law landscape and decided to make a change. We began to develop a vision of a better way to practice family law.

As the practice grew, our team honed our courtroom skills to zealously advocate for our clients. But, more importantly, we learned that lawyers should work to resolve most family law cases. In some respects, working to resolve cases is much more challenging than litigating the cases. It requires digging in to find out where the problems are and looking for solutions. Often solutions are found outside of the confines of the legal system.

In addition to working to resolve the case, we also help our clients perform a three step cost-benefit analysis of their situation to help them make wise decisions. First, we help the client understand the legal strengths and weaknesses of a their case. Next, we discuss with the client the financial repercussions and costs of pursuing a specific litigation plan. And finally, we explore the long term 'emotional' price of any particular plan. The emotional price can include the value of ending a case earlier so that the client can move on with their life. The emotional price can also include the toll protracted litigation can have on children.

We are here to help. Sometimes that help involves giving the clients certain tools to save their marriage and never hire us. We love it when that opportunity comes along.

When I am not helping someone with their divorce, or trying to save their marriage, you will find me with my wife and kids or in my woodworking shop.

Practice Areas
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Florida
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Georgia
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Tax Consultant
Arthur Anderson
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His position at Arthur Anderson involved providing tax advice to a variety of large corporations. Mr. Meriwether, however, missed the personal satisfaction that comes with running his own practice and assisting small businesses and individuals with their legal needs. This is where he felt that he could really make the biggest difference.
Education
University of Florida Levin College of Law
J.D.
University of Florida Levin College of Law Logo
University of Miami
B.A. | Marine Biology & General Business
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Awards
Super Lawyer
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public.
Super Lawyer
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel. Since Super Lawyers is intended to be used as an aid in selecting a lawyer, we limit the lawyer ratings to those who can be hired and retained by the public.
Georgia Legal Elite
Georgia Trend Magazine
Georgia Legal Elite
Georgia Trend Magazine
Professional Associations
Georgia Bar
Member
- Current
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Florida Bar
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Reading and Interpreting Financial Documents
NBI CLE Matrials
Court Appearance Justifies Positive First Impression
Cherokee Tribune
Effect of Supersedeas in a Hotly Contested Divorce Case
The Family Law Review
Holiday Stress and The Courts
Cherokee Tribune
Top 10 iPhone/iPad Apps for a Family Law Attorney
Atlanta Bar Association, Family Law Section
Speaker
National Paralegal Institute
Speaker
National Business Institute
Speaking Engagements
113 - Pre-Nuptial Agreements - When Are They Enforceable?, Atlanta, Georgia
The New Talk 106.7
Certifications
Mediation
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Arbitration
Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
Legal Answers
8 Questions Answered
Q. Good evening I was just served with documents 30 minutes ago on 6/5/19 stating my husband wants a divorce
A: If the divorce is filed here in Georgia, you normally have 30 days from the date of service to file an answer. To get a better understanding of what is going on, you should at least have a consultation with a divorce lawyer near you. If the divorce was filed in another state, you should contact a family law attorney in the state and county where the divorce was filed.
Q. After judge signs final divorce and sets child support payment through the court how long does it normally take
A: Typically, the father is supposed to start making payments to the mother on a monthly basis immediately following the Court order. She has two choices at this point. Hire an attorney for file for contempt, or go to child support services. With child support services, Georgia will transfer it to Alabama, where he is currently working. As with most governmental agencies, this can take time. But, they can suspend driver’s licenses and seize IRS refunds to enforce an order. It may be worth it to you to at least consult with a lawyer to determine which option would be in your daughter’s best interest.
Q. Are there any family law attorneys that will accept payments to hire instead of a huge retainer?
A: In some situations, you may be able to handle a case on your own with the assistance of legal counsel through divorce coaching or 'ala-carte' legal services. To understand what this might look like, you can listen to this podcast episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/109-divorce-coaching-how-to-get-legal-help-without/id1276537655?i=1000428633720
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Contact & Map
Woodstock, GA, US
Marietta, GA, US
Alpharetta, GA, US
Atlanta, GA, US
Canton, GA, US