Livestream - Succeeding in Family Law Hearings and Trials

Ms. Chimere Chisolm-Trimble Related Seminars and Products

Chisolm Trimble & Associates LLC

The Honorable Judge Chimere Chisolm Trimble, a proud native of Southwest Georgia with roots in the Garden State of New Jersey, is renowned as a legal trailblazer in the state of Georgia. Her extensive and distinguished legal career includes positions at the North Carolina Justice Center, where she previously worked as a Staff Attorney for three Superior Court Judges and a former Court of Appeals Judge in Georgia. 

Additionally, she has served as an Assistant City Attorney and has been consistently recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers for five consecutive years.Judge Trimble's commitment to the legal profession extends beyond the courtroom. She has held leadership roles, including Regional Vice President for the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and currently serves as a Municipal Court Judgewhile sitting on the Executive Board of Georgia’s Council of Municipal Court Judges. 

While being a devoted mother of three, she finds time to serve thru volunteer work with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers, focusing on the Wills Project providing legal assistance to victims of Domestic Violence and Cancer survivors as well as serves as a Guardian Ad Litem. Furthermore, she is a certified Mediator and Arbitrator.  

Beyond her legal responsibilities, Judge Trimble is actively involved in various non-profit organizations nationwide and serves as the Managing Attorney of Chisolm Trimble & Associates, a prominent Family Law and Estate Planning firm in the state. Her diverse talents are evident in her recognition for her business acumen as a real estate investor, motivational speaker, and past experience as a college professor.

Ms. Deidre' Jur-L Stokes Related Seminars and Products

EN Banks-Ware Law Firm LLC

Having moved to Atlanta from Chattanooga, TN at the age of three, Deidré grew up a “Georgia Peach”. She graduated with honors from George Walton High School in Cobb County, where her parents still reside today.  As the only person from her high school to be accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in 2001 Deidré earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism.  She knew without question that she wanted to attend law school but didn’t realize she was following in the footsteps of her uncle Theron Stokes (Montgomery, AL) by attending Howard University School of Law.  

After graduating from Howard in 2004 Deidré became barred in both the District of Columbia and Georgia and relocated back home to Atlanta.  She began her legal career by giving back to her community and serving as a volunteer attorney with the Georgia Innocence Project.  Deidré then spent two years as an associate to Fulton County Special Assistant Attorney General Leslie Y. Abbott-Smith, representing the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services in matters of child abuse and neglect.  After gaining a wealth of experience Deidré began her own practice defending parents in abuse and neglect cases as well as handling divorce, child support and custody matters.  Deidré became Senior Associate Attorney for E. N. Banks-Ware Law Firm, LLC in April 2021 and, as she continues to elevate her stature in the field, in July 2024 Deidré humbly accepted the invitation to become a member of the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court.  

In a former life, Deidré was a dancer, performer and model. Ask her about it! 

Ms. Mercedes Gabrielle Ball Related Seminars and Products

State Bar of Georgia

Mercedes G. Ball, Esq. is an Assistant General Counsel and the Director of the Client Assistance Program at the State Bar of Georgia. In this capacity, she leads the resolution of all informal complaints and certain formal grievances lodged against Georgia attorneys. Prior to her time with the State Bar, Mercedes served as a Child Advocate Attorney at the DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center where she holistically represented the interests of dependent children in civil court proceedings, mediations, and panels. Before her work with DeKalb, she was a Lead Trial Attorney at a Metro-Atlanta law firm.

Mercedes is driven by a commitment to improve and empower her community through service. From 2013-2020, she volunteered as the Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) Foundation’s Sister2Sister Mentoring Program®, a juvenile court diversion program for court-involved teen girls. In this capacity, she increased the program’s volunteer base and expanded the program’s reach by creating a DeKalb County chapter. Under Mercedes’ leadership, the program served more than two hundred metro-Atlanta teen girls. Additionally, Mercedes also served as the first Director of the GABWA Foundation’s Women’s Health Initiative, an effort to bring needed medical services and health education to underserved communities through free community health fairs. During Mercedes’ tenure, the GABWA Foundation’s Women’s Health Initiative served more than one thousand individuals.

Mercedes is also a Sustainer member of the Junior League of DeKalb County where she served as the 2021-2022 President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2018, Mercedes created the DeKalb Saturday Scholars Initiative (DSSI), a literacy focused Saturday school, through a partnership with the Junior League of DeKalb and Oak View Elementary. DSSI served approximately one hundred children and received grant awards from Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Giving and the Forever Pink Foundation. During Mercedes’ tenure as President of the Junior League of DeKalb, she successfully lobbied the membership to rename and rebrand the organization’s event rental facility and headquarters; thereby, creating a space that better reflects the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Mercedes is the Vice Chair of the DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services Advisory Board, a member of the DeKalb Pro Bono Board of Directors, and a proud member of the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a 2017 graduate of Emerging Leaders of DeKalb and a 2018 New Leaders Council Atlanta Fellow. She is the recipient of the 2019 University of Georgia School of Law Young Alumni/Alumna of Excellence Award, the 2019 Junior League of DeKalb County President’s Award, and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys’ 2020 Bensonetta Tipton Lane Award for Commitment to the Family. Mercedes is also a 2022 Outstanding Atlanta Honoree, the recipient of the 2024 Committee to Promote Inclusion in the Profession’s Commitment to Equality Award, and she was named a 2024 Civic Diversity Champion Honoree by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Mercedes earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science, cum laude, from Spelman College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law. She resides in Decatur where, in her spare time, you can find her baking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Hon. Angela Z. Brown Related Seminars and Products

Cobb County Superior Court

Judge Angela Brown, a native of Philadelphia, is the proud daughter of a public-school teacher and a Tuskegee Airman. She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1985 and from Brown University in 1989. After being awarded the Dean's Outstanding Scholar Full Academic Scholarship, Attorney Brown attended the University of San Diego Law School where she received her J.D. in 1993.  At graduation, she was honored with the Thurgood Marshall Graduation Service Award.
 
Judge Brown began her professional career as a litigation associate in the prestigious law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine in Seattle, Washington. She has also prosecuted criminals as an Assistant District Attorney in several Prosecutor's Offices located in Washington, New Jersey, and Georgia. Judge Brown was the first female African American District Attorney to serve in Cobb County, Georgia. She has also served as In-House Counsel for ASARCO, Inc. and was responsible for the environmental legal management from Mississippi to the West Coast. She was the first African American lawyer in that company since 1812. Before her appointment to the bench, Attorney Brown successfully ran her own litigation firm, specializing in criminal, family, personal injury, and guardian ad litem law. She has conducted hundreds of trials on all sides of the bench and has taught others how to be an effective, knowledgeable attorney of integrity. Her Mentees can be found in the government sector, the private sector, and even on the bench.
 
Judge Brown has been honored to serve as a Judge by Designation for several county State and Superior Courts in both DeKalb and Cobb County. Judge Brown is actively involved in legal and community organizations, including the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, the Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers, the Cobb County Bar Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Hon. Kellie Stevens Hill Related Seminars and Products

Superior Court of Cobb County

Judge Kellie Hill was elected to serve on the Superior Court of Cobb County, Georgia in June 2020.

Prior to her election to Superior Court, Judge Hill served four years as a full-time Magistrate and Assisting Superior Court Judge in the Cobb Magistrate Court. As a trial attorney in both the public and private sectors, she established “The Kellie Hill Legal Group”, served as the managing attorney for a personal injury practice, an adjunct professor at the John Marshall School of Law, and served as a lead prosecutor on many complex and notable cases in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.

Judge Hill’s work has been featured on national media outlets. She has appeared as a legal expert on nationally and locally aired programs. Judge Hil was recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives for her work as a trial attorney and has been the recipient of numerous other awards and distinctions.

Judge Hill is a member of The State Bar of Georgia, The Council of Superior Court Judges, The Supreme Court's Committee on Interpreters, The Association of Black Women Attorneys, The Gate City Bar Association, The National Bar Association, The Weltner Inn of Court, The Lawyers’ Club of Atlanta, Leadership Cobb Alumni and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Shermela Jarmez Williams Related Seminars and Products

Fulton County Superior Court

Judge Shermela J. Williams was elected to the Fulton County Superior Court in June 2020, in a history making election, wherein she unseated an incumbent gubernatorial appointee. Such a feat had not been accomplished in Fulton County since 1996. Judge Williams has wanted to be a judge since she was a child, and thanks to the voters, she is living her dream.  Judge Williams is currently assigned to the Criminal/Civil Division (General Jurisdiction) of Superior Court. Judge Williams previously served as the Chief Judge of the Family Division.

Prior to coming to the bench, Judge Williams had a distinguished career with approximately 15 years of hands-on litigation and trial experience. Judge Williams was a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, plaintiff and civil defense lawyer; in addition to representing parties on both sides in family law matters.  Judge Williams tried over 25 jury trials and hundreds of bench trial during her career. A former law clerk with the United States Department of Justice, Judge Williams has worked with various high-profile civil law firms and non-profit organizations. She was a Senior Litigation Associate at Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP (“TKST”), specializing in premises liability, negligent security, personal injury, and high stakes litigation cases.  Prior to joining TKST, she was a Senior Assistant District Attorney with the Fulton County, DeKalb County, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Offices. In said capacities, she prosecuted complex felony cases, including: Murder, Rape, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault/Battery, Burglary, Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery and other crimes. Judge Williams served as the director of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Domestic Violence Task Force and was a member of the Fulton County Gender Equality Initiative Panel. In 2012, she received the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Trial Court Lawyer of the Year and Trial Court Best All-Around Lawyer awards. In 2018, Judge Williams was selected a Lawyer to Watch by Attorney-At-Law magazine and Mentor of the Year by The Daily Report in 2019. She also received the We All Value Excellence (W.A.V.E) Community Service Award in 2023.

Judge Shermela J. Williams is a proud native of Atlanta, GA who volunteers her time and talents to her community. Judge Williams was an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College for over a decade. Judge Williams ran youth leadership programs for five years, wherein she taught and oversaw conferences, as well as developed GirlsLead – a program geared towards arming young ladies for what they are sure to face ahead; educating them on etiquette, self-esteem, leadership, self-image, debunking media stereotypes, branding, goal setting, and other issues specific to today’s women. She received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, and her Bachelor of Arts from Howard University. She is a member of a host of civic, community and professional organizations. Judge Williams is a member of the Gate City Bar Association, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a 2015 alumna of Lead Atlanta.  Judge Williams is also a member of IMPACT United Methodist Church where she serves as a Worship Facilitator, Care Team Member, Experience Team Member, and in various other leadership and volunteer capacities. Judge Williams’ interests include traveling, writing, cooking, “restaurant-hopping”, anything that makes her laugh, and spending time with loved ones.

Hon. Deah Brittny Warren Related Seminars and Products

Douglas County Superior Court

Judge Deah B. Warren has served as Superior Court Judge since March 2022. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Brian Kemp and re-elected by the citizens of Douglas County in 2024. Judge Warren presides over Felony Criminal Cases, Divorces, Child Custody Matters, Disputes Over Title to Land, Matters of Equity – such as Injunctions and Protective Orders, and other Civil Disputes. She also presides over a division of Douglas County’s Felony Drug Court.
 
Prior to her appointment, Judge Warren had a distinguished career in public service. She served as both Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney E. Dalia Racine and Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney under previous District Attorney Brian Fortner, handling Serious Violent Felonies.  Judge Warren began her legal career in the Douglas County Solicitor-General’s Office in 2007, where she primarily prosecuted domestic violence and DUIs. She also served in the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office as Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney, heading the Crimes Against Women and Children unit and serving on the statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. In 2018, Judge Warren joined the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office – Major Case Division, where she primarily prosecuted homicides. She was recognized for her trial work, receiving division Prosecutor of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019. Judge Warren’s work has been featured in media and television.
 
Judge Warren also regularly commits her time and energy to the greater community as a volunteer, instructor, coach, and mentor. She regularly volunteers with the Circles USA movement to end poverty. She serves as the Student Programs Committee Co-Chair for the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, where she has helped plan and execute development programs for students in local colleges, universities, and law schools. She has been a regular conference presenter on the topics of trial practice and court procedure to judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and citizens. Judge Warren taught litigation for over 10 years at the “Basic Litigation Bootcamp,” an annual weeklong course for new prosecutors. She served as head coach of the Georgia State University College of Law mock trial team, winning the 2017 ‘William Daniel National Trial Competition’. She also was an assistant coach with the Jonesboro High School mock trial team, winning the 2016 State Mock Trial State Championship. She was among those recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives in House Resolution 1937 for that accomplishment.
 
Judge Warren is a native of Memphis, TN. She is a proud graduate of Spelman College, where in 2002 she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. At Spelman, Judge Warren became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., "Sweet" Mu Pi Chapter. Judge Warren obtained her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law, where she served as President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). She was also a member of the award-winning Student Trial Lawyers Association mock trial team.
 
Judge Warren is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Omega Omega Chapter; the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA); the Gate City Bar Association; the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL); the Douglas County Bar Association; the Lawyers Club of Atlanta; and the Junior League of Douglas County. She is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Douglas.
  
Judge Warren lives in Douglasville, GA. She is a member of Word of Faith Family Cathedral in Austell, GA.

Mr. David Gregory Hill Brackett Related Seminars and Products

Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP

For over two decades, David Brackett has skillfully resolved disputes for his clients through trial and appellate advocacy. He represents individuals and companies in courts nationwide, and his extensive experience as counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants gives him valuable insight and perspective in handling his cases.

David’s practice focuses on complex high stakes litigation, tackling cases involving contract disputes, corporate governance, business torts, and RICO. Additionally, he litigates matters involving government procurement processes and local government law.

David frequently advises fellow lawyers and their law firms when they encounter complex problems in their cases. He also has extensive experience assisting directors, officers, and special board committees facing corporate governance disputes.
In addition to his legal practice, David has served as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University's College of Law and Emory University School of Law teaching courses on commercial arbitration and pretrial procedure.

Outside the office, David actively engages with his community. He served as board chair of Intown Collaborative Ministries (now Intown Cares), a nonprofit combating homelessness and hunger in Atlanta. He also serves on the Southern Steering Committee of Children’s Rights, Inc., and as a board member for Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, a nonprofit increasing justice through law and policy reform and community engagement.

Ms. Margaret Riley Schweizer Related Seminars and Products

Fulton County Juvenile Court

Margaret Riley Schweizer is an attorney, and Child Welfare Law Specialist, who has practiced in child advocacy in the State of Georgia for over a decade. She currently serves as a Judicial Staff Attorney at Fulton County Juvenile Court. Margaret had the privilege of representing youth in dependency proceedings for the majority of her career as a Child Attorney with the Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney. Margaret also previously worked at the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless litigating a variety of civil issues including family, dependency, housing, and employment law. Margaret often delivers trainings and presentations on best practices in child welfare law to fellow attorneys, law students, and court personnel. She is active in her community as a member of the Junior League of Atlanta, member of the Georgia’s Children’s Justice Act Taskforce, and is on the Board of Directors of the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. Margaret was the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from The National Association of Counsel for Children.

Margaret is a proud alum of Ithaca College, where she earned her bachelor’s Magna Cum Laude in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal and Juvenile Justice. She received a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law and has a Graduate Certificate from the University of Georgia in Non-Profit Management and Leadership. Margaret lives happily in Southeast Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Ms. Judith Delus Montgomery Related Seminars and Products

Atlanta Family & Immigration Law Delus Montgomery LLC

Judith Delus Montgomery is a Caribbean-American Attorney who was born in the Bahamas and migrated to the United States at the age of 4. Judith grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is first generation American raised by Haitian Immigrant Parents. Judith has always had a desire to protect everyday citizens and ensure that their voices are heard. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Education from Florida State University on a full academic scholarship. Judith then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University on a partial academic scholarship. She went on to complete her law school externship at the 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Tampa, Florida.

Judith next went to work as a prosecutor for the 15th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she honed her trial skills. Judith relocated to Atlanta, Georgia after accepting an offer with the Georgia Department of Labor where she served as an Administrative Law Judge.

Today, Judith practices in the areas of family law and immigration and frequently teaches continued learning education courses throughout the State of Georgia on family and immigration law. Judith a published author, completing her first book, “Divorce with Kids, A practical guide: Achieving the Best Outcome for You and Your Children.” Her latest book, "Through The Eyes of an Immigration Attorney: Finding Freedom from Divorce While Maintaining Your Immigration Status," is an Amazon #1 bestseller in the divorce category. Judith is also very active in the Atlanta Metro Area and dedicates her spare time to charities that help victims of domestic violence, children’s rights, and animal rights.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.), Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, 2009
• Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Education, Florida State University, 2003

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

• 2021, 2022 Recipient of Super Lawyers Rising Star Distinction 
• 2023, 2024, 2025 Recipient of Super Lawyer Distinction
• 2019, 2020, 2021 Recipient of Law Firm 500 Distinction
• 2023 Inductee of The Florida State University Seminole 100 (#84)
• 2024 Inductee of The Florida State University Seminole 100 (#45)
• 2023 Haitian American Lawyers of Georgia Association: President 
• State Bar of Georgia Children and the Courts Committee Since: 2017
• State Bar of Georgia, Young Lawyers Division Member Since: 2012 through present
• Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys Member Since: 2012 through present
• Co-Chair of Woman to Woman Mentoring Initiative 2015
• Chair of Woman to Woman Mentoring Initiative 2016 & 2017
• 2016 National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
• National Association of Professional Women Member Since: 2011 through present
• Atlanta Bar Association Member Since: 2013 through present
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Member Since: 2014 through present
• Dekalb Bar Association Member Since: 2013 through present
• Georgia Bar Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy 2016 Inductee

Languages Spoken

• English
• Haitian Creole
• French

Ms. Melaney Cyrise LaGrone Related Seminars and Products

LaGrone Law LLC

Melaney LaGrone is a distinguished immigrant rights attorney, visionary owner, and CEO of LaGrone Law. With an illustrious career spanning roles as a former Detroit police officer, Fulton County prosecutor, and criminal defense lawyer, Melaney brings a unique perspective to immigration law, earning her the title of 'Crimmigration Expert'.

Melaney runs a thriving immigration and criminal defense practice between her main office in Lawrenceville, GA, and a second office in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

As an award-winning attorney and speaker, Melaney shares her knowledge passionately, advocating for the transformative power of immigration. Her practice focuses on family-based petitions, humanitarian cases, removal defense, and sports and entertainment visas. As her clients often call her, Attorney Mel is a tireless champion for those in need.

Mel is admitted to practice in the States of Michigan, Georgia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern District of Georgia, and the 3rd Circuit, and she was recently sworn into the United States Supreme Court. Her immigration practice spans all 50 states and U.S. territories.

In addition to her impressive legal career, Melaney hosts the enlightening radio show 'Beyond the Border' on the WCEG network in Atlanta. Through this platform, she delves into all things immigration, further showcasing her commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue surrounding immigration matters.

She truly believes Immigration Makes For a Better Nation.

Ms. Jo'cilin Ja'Nae Moore Related Seminars and Products

The Bluitt Law Firm LLC

Jo’cilin Moore is a dedicated family law attorney who was admitted to the Georgia Bar in October 2023. A proud Georgia native, Jo’cilin attended Georgia State University for both her undergraduate studies and law school, graduating with pro bono distinction in 2023. Throughout law school, she displayed a strong commitment to public service, dedicating her time to defending temporary protective orders at DeKalb Pro Bono and assisting in the launch of DeKalb Pro Bono’s Family Law Clinic. This clinic provides invaluable consultations to low-income residents of DeKalb County on domestic relations matters, reflecting Jo’cilin's lifelong passion for family law and access to justice.

Jo’cilin began her legal career at the Bluitt Law Firm in 2022 as a law clerk, where her dedication and skill earned her a transition into full-time practice upon licensure. At the Bluitt Law Firm, she continues to serve clients with compassion and a commitment to helping families navigate complex legal issues.

Outside of her practice, Jo’cilin is an active member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), where she serves on the board for the Professional Development Academy, and a member of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL), where she contributes to the communications committee. Through her legal work and community involvement, Jo’cilin remains steadfast in her mission to advocate for the well-being of families across Georgia.

Ms. Kathleen Burt Connell Related Seminars and Products

Connell Cummings LLC

Katie Connell has been practicing family law exclusively since graduating Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 2005. 

Ms. Connell is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and currently serves as the Georgia Chapter Secretary, as well as a member of the national Board of Governors. She has been a member of the Georgia Commission on Child Support for since her appointment by Governor Nathan Deal in 2013 where she currently co-chairs the Statute Review Committee. Ms. Connell is also on the Executive Committee for the Family Law Section for the State Bar of Georgia.

Ms. Connell has served numerous other committees in a variety of roles including as the past president of the Charles L. Weltner Family Law Inn of Court, past Chair for the Young Lawyers Division, Family Law Section. 

She is consistently recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer by her peers, including Top 100 Super Lawyers, and Top 50 Women Lawyers. She has also been named one of Georgia Trend’s “Legal Elite, Georgia’s Most Effective Lawyers.”

Ms. Connell graduated with a B.S.B.A. in Accounting (2001) and Master’s in Accounting (2002) from Auburn University. A native of Savannah, Ga., Katie now lives in Atlanta with her husband and sons.

Ms. Patricia Dee Shewmaker Related Seminars and Products

Shewmaker & Lewis LLC

Patty Shewmaker, a native of Nebraska, attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York where she earned a bachelor of science in political science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Military Intelligence. Patty served seven (7) years on active duty in the United States Army and three (3) years in the Georgia Army National Guard. Patty deployed as a Company Commander of a Counterintelligence Company in support of OPERATIONS IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Patty received the Bronze Star Medal for her service in a combat theater of operations. With her extensive military background and understanding the unique issues that confront military families, Patty represents many military service members in family law issues.

Patty earned her law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law where she graduated with honors. She has an active practice in all areas of family law including divorce litigation, modification of custody, alimony and child support, contempt actions and legitimations and paternity suits.

Patty also specializes in dividing qualified retirement plans incident to divorce and legal separation, including pensions under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), military pensions, private pensions, 401(k)s, Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs), and other qualified retirement plans.

Patty also has extensive experience with cross jurisdictional family law litigation. She represents clients whose cases span across multiple states and foreign countries, be it a divorce, custody action, or a modification. Patty is well versed in the special jurisdictional requirements of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Uniform Family Support Act (UFSA).

Patty is a member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia. Patty is also a member of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, and she is a member of the executive committee of the Military and Veterans Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the DeKalb Bar Association, and a member of the Class of 2012 of Leadership DeKalb.

Patty is admitted to practice with the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

Mr. Steven P. Shewmaker Related Seminars and Products

Shewmaker & Lewis LLC

Steve Shewmaker is the founding partner of Shewmaker & Lewis in Atlanta, Georgia. Steve is a native of the Southeast, growing up in Texas and Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama on cross country and Army ROTC scholarships and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1990. Steve was commissioned as an Army Officer in 1990. Steve served as an Infantry Officer in the 25th Infantry Division and later served in Military Intelligence assignments at Fort Hood, Texas and in the Middle East. Steve served his last eleven years in the Army as a Judge Advocate, deploying twice. He retired from the Army in 2018.

In 2005, Steve earned his law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law where he graduated with honors. Steve and his wife, Patty, formed Shewmaker & Shewmaker in 2009, where they represent clients in domestic, criminal and military justice matters. In 2019, Shewmaker & Shewmaker was renamed Shewmaker & Lewis.

Steve is admitted to practice with the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, and he is admitted to practice in the military trial courts (worldwide) as well as the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals.

Steve and Patty have been married for 23 years. They have one daughter, Molly, who is now 15 and a half, and two dogs, Elsa a black lab and Cookie a German Shorthaired Pointer. Steve once broke into a woman’s prison, and another time he found $20,000 in his attic – no joke.