Kevin E. Markes, Esq. - Johns Creek Family Law Attorney
Family Law Attorney | 500+ Cases | Licensed in GA & IL
I’ve handled over 500 family law cases in my 16-year career. Complex property division. Bitter custody battles. High-asset divorces where millions were at stake. I’ve seen it all – and I’ve learned that thorough preparation wins cases.
At Tannen Law Group, I bring that preparation to every client in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, and across North Georgia. Whether you’re a business owner protecting your company in divorce or a parent fighting for time with your children, I approach your case with the same intensity I’d want if it were my family on the line.
From Buford to the Courtroom
I grew up here. Buford High School – lettered in multiple sports. University of Georgia for undergrad. My roots in North Georgia run deep, and that matters when you’re navigating family courts in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb counties.
After law school at the University of Illinois, I spent years building trial experience in Illinois before returning home to Georgia. That dual-state perspective gives me something most local attorneys don’t have: I’ve seen how different court systems operate, what works in front of different types of judges, and how to adapt strategy to circumstances.
Today I live in Brookhaven with my wife, who researches children’s health issues at Emory University. Her work keeps me grounded in what matters most in custody cases – the actual wellbeing of kids, not just legal strategy.
I don’t have children of my own, but I’m a devoted uncle. I’ve seen through my nieces and nephews what custody disruption does to kids. That perspective informs how I approach every custody case: yes, we fight to win, but we also think carefully about what winning actually means for the children involved.
Complex Matters, Strategic Outcomes
Client names and details changed to protect confidentiality
Business Owner Protects Company - Gwinnett County
A tech entrepreneur faced divorce with his wife claiming half his company. The business had grown from a $200K startup to a $3M valuation during the marriage. Through detailed tracing of funding sources, documentation of his separate contributions, and expert testimony on active vs. passive appreciation, we limited the marital portion to growth directly attributable to marital efforts. He kept operational control and the majority stake.
Mother Wins Against False Allegations - Forsyth County
A father accused my client of child abuse during a custody fight, seeking sole custody. Working with the Guardian ad Litem and methodically disproving each allegation through witness testimony, school records, and medical documentation, we not only defeated his claims but obtained primary custody for my client. The father's false allegations actually hurt his credibility with the court.
Commingled Assets Traced - Fulton County
A spouse claimed that inherited property had become marital through commingling. I worked with forensic accountants to trace the original inheritance through multiple accounts and investments over 15 years. We proved the separate character was maintained, protecting over $800K in assets from division.
Contempt Enforcement - DeKalb County
A father owed over $40,000 in unpaid child support and had ignored multiple court orders. I filed contempt motions and presented evidence of his hidden income. The court found him in willful contempt, ordered immediate payment, and imposed wage garnishment to prevent future violations.
My Practice Areas
High-Asset Divorce & Complex Property Division
This is my specialty. When there's significant money at stake - businesses, stock options, executive compensation, real estate portfolios, retirement accounts - the financial analysis matters as much as the legal strategy. I work with forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and financial professionals to ensure nothing is hidden, undervalued, or improperly characterized.
Contested Child Custody
Custody battles are emotionally brutal. Parents fear losing their children. That fear makes people do things they wouldn't normally do - and sometimes makes them vulnerable to manipulation by the other side. I bring both compassion and strategy to custody cases. Yes, I fight hard. But I also help clients think clearly about what arrangement actually serves their children.
Child Support & Spousal Support
Georgia uses formulas for child support, but the inputs determine the output. Income calculation, parenting time allocation, healthcare and childcare costs - getting these numbers right is critical. Spousal support is more discretionary. I've obtained significant alimony awards and defended against excessive claims.
Enforcement & Contempt
Court orders mean nothing if they're not enforced. When your ex ignores custody schedules, fails to pay support, or violates other court orders, I pursue aggressive enforcement through contempt motions, wage garnishment, property liens, and when necessary, incarceration in extreme cases.
Paternity & Protective Orders
Establishing paternity creates legal rights and obligations. Protective orders protect families from abuse and harassment. Both require swift, decisive action. I handle paternity establishment, custody and support in paternity cases, temporary protective order petitions, and TPO defense.
My Approach: Preparation Wins
I’ve never lost a criminal jury trial. That’s not luck – it’s preparation. I bring that same mentality to family law.
What this means for you:
- I know the facts cold - Before any hearing, I know the documents, timeline, strengths, and weaknesses
- I anticipate the other side - What will they argue? What evidence will they present? I'm ready for it
- I prepare witnesses thoroughly - No surprises on the stand
- I know when to settle - Not every case needs trial. But the other side needs to believe I'll go there if necessary
Personal
When I’m not in court or preparing cases, I play tennis – a sport that rewards strategy and patience, much like litigation. I also enjoy cooking, reading, cards, and catching concerts and theater around Atlanta.
My wife’s research at Emory on children’s health keeps our household focused on what actually matters for kids. That perspective grounds my custody work. Legal victories are meaningless if they don’t translate to good outcomes for children.
I grew up in Buford, went to UGA, and came back to Georgia to practice. The communities I serve – Johns Creek, Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, all of North Atlanta – are home. When I represent clients in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, or DeKalb County courts, I’m not just some hired gun from out of town. I’m a local attorney who understands these communities.
Education & Credentials
Education:
J.D. – University of Illinois College of Law, 2009
B.A., History – University of Georgia, 2006
Bar Admission:
State Bar of Georgia, 2022
Illinois State Bar, 2009 – 16+ years licensed
Professional Memberships:
State Bar of Georgia
Illinois State Bar Association
Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia
Questions I Answer Every Day
How Is a Business Divided in a Georgia Divorce?
I work with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to accurately value businesses and protect owners’ interests. I don’t just accept the first valuation number I see. I scrutinize methodology, challenge assumptions, and when necessary, retain competing experts.
What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in a Custody Case?
Judges often follow GAL recommendations, so how you work with the GAL matters enormously. I’ve handled dozens of cases involving GALs and know how to present clients effectively. I prepare clients to be themselves while being organized and ready to discuss their parenting.
Can I Modify Custody If My Ex Moves Away?
Courts consider the reason for the move, impact on the child, and whether the current arrangement remains workable. I’ve successfully modified custody arrangements after relocations in Forsyth, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.
What Happens to Retirement Accounts in Georgia Divorce?
Proper valuation and QDRO drafting are critical – mistakes can cost thousands in taxes and penalties. I help clients avoid forgetting the QDRO, using wrong valuation dates, ignoring tax implications, and missing vested versus unvested portions.
How Do I Enforce a Custody Order My Ex Ignores?
I’ve successfully enforced custody orders throughout North Georgia and obtained meaningful consequences for parents who ignore court orders.
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 facing divorce, custody disputes, complex property division, or any family law matter in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, or anywhere in Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, or DeKalb County – let’s talk.
I’ll give you an honest assessment of your situation, explain your options, and tell you what I’d do if I were in your position. No sugarcoating. No false promises. Just straight talk about where you stand and how to move forward.