Melissa Nalley Barker
Director of Client Relations | Former Client | I've Been Where You Are
I know exactly how you’re feeling right now. The fear. The uncertainty. The overwhelming sense that everything is about to change and you don’t know how to get through it.
I know because I’ve been there. Years ago, I was David Tannen’s client, going through my own divorce while caring for a medically fragile child. I also had two other children, one still in elementary school, managing school schedules, activities, and all the chaos of family life while navigating my own case.
Now my job is to make sure you feel supported from your very first contact with us. Because I remember what that first call felt like.
Why I Do This Work
When I went through my divorce, David’s legal expertise was exceptional. But I saw gaps in client communication and support, not with David himself, but in how family law firms typically operate.
I was juggling a medically fragile child who required constant medical appointments and care, plus two other children, one still in elementary school with homework, activities, and all the normal chaos of family life. I needed someone who could translate complex legal terms, explain what was happening, and make sure nothing fell through the cracks.
That experience showed me what was missing in family law client service. I wanted to be the bridge between attorney and client, the person who ensures every family gets not just excellent legal representation, but also direct communication, compassionate support, and the feeling that someone actually cares.
That’s why I’m here. That’s why I answer when you call or text. Because I’ve been where you are, and I know what makes the difference between feeling lost and feeling supported.
What to Expect When You Contact Tannen Law Group
I want to remove the mystery from this process. When you’re already stressed about divorce, custody, or enforcement issues, the last thing you need is confusion about what happens next.
Your first call:
When you call (470) 560-7798, you'll speak with someone who cares about your situation, often me. We'll ask basic questions about your circumstances and schedule a free 30-minute consultation with David. We won't pressure you. We'll just listen and get you on the calendar.
Before your consultation:
We'll send you information about what to bring and what to expect. No surprises. You'll know exactly how to prepare.
During your consultation:
You'll meet privately with David (in person at our Johns Creek office or via Zoom, your choice) for a relaxed conversation. He'll ask questions about you and your situation. There's no sales pitch. No scare tactics. Just clear information about your options.
After your consultation:
Whether you hire us or not, you'll leave knowing more than you did before. If we're the right fit, we'll explain next steps and costs clearly. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you that too.
My Role at Tannen Law Group
As Director of Client Relations, I oversee how clients interact with our firm from their very first contact through case resolution and beyond.
I'm often your first point of contact.
When you call, text, or email, you may speak with me. I’ll listen to your situation, answer initial questions, and schedule your free consultation with David.
I keep your case moving.
Documents filed on time. Deadlines tracked. Nothing falling through the cracks. David and Kevin focus on legal strategy; I focus on execution.
I'm your go-to for questions.
Confused about what’s happening with your case? Wondering about a court date? Need to reschedule? I’m here to help.
I bring a client's perspective.
In team meetings, I often ask: ‘How would this feel if I were the client?’ Because I remember how it felt.
Get Legal Help Near Johns Creek
Whether you are facing divorce, custody, or a protective order, we handle cases in Fulton County courts. Free 30-minute consultation.
(470) 560-7798 | Schedule online
No obligation. We know Fulton County courthouse procedures.
My Background
Education:
B.S., Industrial Engineering – Georgia Institute of Technology, 1994
My Georgia Tech engineering training taught me systems thinking, process optimization, and analytical problem-solving. Running a law firm is essentially project management – coordinating deadlines, resources, and people to achieve outcomes. My engineering background makes me good at this.
Professional Experience:
Before joining Tannen Law Group, I worked as a corporate healthcare project manager. I also spent years as a stay-at-home parent, including caring for a medically fragile child. That experience taught me patience, resilience, organization, and the importance of direct, honest communication during stressful times.
Unique perspective:
I’ve experienced family law from the client side. I know what it feels like to wait for a callback. To not understand legal jargon. To feel lost in a system that seems designed to confuse you. That perspective shapes everything I do here.
Questions People Ask Me Every Day
What Should I Bring to a Divorce Consultation?
Nothing. There is no need to bring anything. Your consultation is a relaxed conversation between you and David where he asks questions about you and about what’s going on in your situation. There is no homework and no need to worry. If you have been served paperwork and have easy access to it, please bring it, but if not, that’s okay too. We can work with whatever information you have.
What Happens at a Divorce Attorney Consultation?
I remember being terrified before my first meeting with David. I didn’t know what to expect. Let me take that fear away for you.
David will:
- Listen to your story, what’s happening with your divorce, custody situation, enforcement issue, or modification need
- Ask questions to understand the full picture
- Give you an honest assessment, not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear
- Explain your options: contested vs. uncontested divorce, mediation, litigation, modification process, enforcement remedies
- Answer your questions about process, costs, likely outcomes, timeline, anything you’re wondering
The consultation is confidential. Even if you don’t hire us, what you share stays private. You can meet in person at our Johns Creek office or via Zoom, whichever is more comfortable for you.
How Much Does a Divorce Consultation Cost?
Your first 30 minutes with David are completely free. This gives you valuable time to understand your situation, learn about your options, and decide if Tannen Law Group is the right fit for you, with no financial commitment or pressure.
How Do I Prepare Emotionally for a Divorce Consultation?
This might be the most important question, and nobody talks about it enough.
I remember sitting in my car in the parking lot for ten minutes before my consultation, trying to calm down. My hands were shaking. I felt like I was admitting failure by walking through that door.
What I wish someone had told me:
It’s okay to be scared. Fear is a normal response to major life change. You don’t have to be brave or composed. David has seen tears, anger, and panic. He won’t judge you.
This is an act of self-care, not failure. Seeking legal advice when your marriage is in crisis, when custody isn’t working, or when court orders aren’t being followed is responsible. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re taking care of yourself and your children.
One step at a time. You don’t have to solve everything today. The consultation is just one step. You’ll take the next step when you’re ready.
Can I Bring Someone to My Divorce Consultation?
Yes, you can bring a trusted friend or family member for support. However, be aware that their presence may affect attorney-client privilege if they’re not directly involved in your case. Let us know in advance if you’re bringing someone, and we’ll explain how it might affect confidentiality.
Our attorneys are here to provide clear answers. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your family law case.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering divorce, facing a custody dispute, need to modify an existing order, or want to enforce a court order in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Suwanee, or anywhere in Forsyth County, Fulton County, or Gwinnett County, I want you to know that taking this step is okay.
Contacting a family law attorney doesn’t mean your marriage is over. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re gathering information. It means you’re taking care of yourself and your children.
Call or Text (470) 560-7798
Email: info@tannenlawgroup.com
When you reach out, you might speak with me. I’ll listen. I won’t judge. And I’ll help you take the next step, whatever that looks like for you. Because I’ve been where you are. And it does get better.
When you reach out, you might speak with me. I’ll listen. I won’t judge. And I’ll help you take the next step, whatever that looks like for you. Because I’ve been where you are. And it does get better.