Melissa Nalley Barker
General Manager | Former Client | I've Been Where You Are
I know because I’ve been there. Years ago, I sat in the same waiting room where you might sit. I was David Tannen’s client, going through my own divorce while caring for a medically fragile child. The experience changed my life – and eventually led me here, as General Manager of Tannen Law Group.
Now my job is to make sure you feel supported from your very first call. Because I remember what that first call felt like.
Why I Do This Work
David and his team didn’t just handle my legal case. They made me feel like I wasn’t alone. They answered my panicked voicemails. They explained things I didn’t understand. They treated me with dignity when I felt like my life was falling apart.
After my divorce was final, I knew I wanted to give other families what I’d received: competent legal representation, yes, but also compassion. Understanding. The feeling that someone actually cares about what happens to you. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I answer the phone when you call. That’s why I make sure nothing falls through the cracks on your case.
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 or custody, the last thing you need is confusion about what happens next.
Your first call:
When you call (678) 906-4833, you'll speak with someone who cares about your situation - often me. We'll ask basic questions about your circumstances and schedule a consultation with David or Kevin. 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 an attorney who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your situation. 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 General Manager, I oversee the firm’s operations and client experience. In practical terms, that means:
I'm often your first point of contact.
When you call, you may speak with me. I'll listen to your situation, answer initial questions, and schedule your consultation.
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.
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 clear 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?
This is one of the most common questions I get. Here’s what will be helpful:
Financial documents: Tax returns (last 2-3 years), recent pay stubs, bank statements, investment accounts, retirement statements, mortgage documents, vehicle titles, credit card statements, business financials if applicable
Family information: Children’s names, ages, schools, current custody arrangement if separated, medical needs, childcare costs
Legal documents: Prenuptial agreement if any, existing court orders, marriage certificate, prior divorce decrees if remarried
Important: Don’t panic if you don’t have everything. We can work with what you have and guide you on gathering the rest. Incomplete information doesn’t mean you can’t move forward.
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.
The attorney will:
- Listen to your story – your marriage, what went wrong, where things stand now
- Ask questions to understand the full picture – assets, debts, children, living situation
- Give you an honest assessment – not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear
- Explain your options – contested vs. uncontested, mediation, litigation, timeline
- Answer your questions – about process, costs, likely outcomes, anything you’re wondering
The consultation is confidential. Even if you don’t hire us, what you share stays private.
How Much Does a Divorce Consultation Cost?
The consultation gives you valuable information about your situation regardless of whether you proceed with our firm
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. The attorneys have seen tears, anger, and panic. They won’t judge you.
This is an act of self-care, not failure. Seeking legal advice when your marriage is in crisis is responsible. It doesn’t mean divorce is inevitable – it means you’re gathering information to make good decisions.
Write things down. Anxiety makes us forget things. Write your questions beforehand. Take notes during the meeting. It’s okay to ask the attorney to repeat things.
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?
Let us know in advance if you’re bringing someone, and we’ll explain how it might affect confidentiality. Many clients find it helpful to have emotional support during this difficult first step. Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider each spouse’s contributions, earning capacity, and conduct during marriage. Marital property includes assets acquired during marriage, while separate property – inheritances, pre-marital assets – generally stays with the original owner. Complex assets like businesses, stock options, and retirement accounts require careful valuation.
Our attorneys are here to provide clear answers. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your family law case.
Schedule Your Consultation
Calling a divorce lawyer doesn’t mean your marriage is over. It means you’re gathering information. It means you’re taking care of yourself. It means you’re being responsible.
When you call, 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.