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. Custody fights where everything is on the line. High-asset divorces where forensic accountants find what the other spouse tried to hide. Enforcement actions where a parent owes tens of thousands in back support and thinks they can get away with it. Before I practiced family law, I was a criminal trial attorney. I have never lost a criminal jury trial. That background shapes how I approach every family law case: thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and the ability to perform under pressure in a courtroom.
If you need an attorney who prepares like your case is going to trial, even when we expect to settle, call or text (470) 560-7798.
From Buford to the Courtroom
I started my legal career as a criminal defense attorney in Illinois, handling serious felony cases including armed robbery, aggravated battery, and drug trafficking. I tried cases in front of juries where the stakes were years in prison. That experience taught me skills that translate directly to family law litigation: how to cross-examine a witness who is not telling the truth, how to organize complex evidence into a clear narrative, how to read a judge’s reactions and adjust in real time, and how to stay composed when the other side gets aggressive.
I moved to family law because the work matters on a personal level. Criminal cases end with a verdict. Family law cases end with a parenting plan that governs a child’s life for years. The stakes are different, but they are just as high.
I grew up in Buford, Georgia, went to the University of Georgia for undergrad, 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 some hired gun from out of town. I’m a local attorney who understands these communities.
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 $800,000 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
I handle divorces involving significant assets: business interests, stock options, RSUs, executive compensation packages, real estate portfolios, and retirement accounts that require forensic valuation. I don’t just accept the first valuation number I see. I scrutinize methodology, challenge assumptions, and when necessary, retain competing experts. In one Forsyth County case, our forensic team uncovered over $400,000 in unreported revenue and offshore accounts.
Child Support & Spousal Support
Georgia’s child support guidelines use an income-shares model, but the inputs drive the outcome. When one parent owns a business, earns commission income, or has compensation that fluctuates, calculating income accurately requires forensic analysis. Spousal support is entirely discretionary in Georgia, which means how you present the facts determines the result.
Contested Child Custody
Contested custody cases are where my trial background matters most. Cross-examination of a parent who is misrepresenting their involvement, challenging a GAL report that relies on incomplete information, and presenting a compelling case for why your custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests, these are courtroom skills, and I bring them to every custody hearing.
Enforcement & Contempt
When an ex-spouse ignores court orders, I pursue enforcement aggressively. Contempt motions, wage garnishment, license suspension, and incarceration are all tools available under Georgia law. I’ve recovered over $40,000 in unpaid child support in a single proceeding.
Paternity & Protective Orders
I handle paternity establishment for unmarried fathers seeking custody rights, and I represent both petitioners seeking protective orders and respondents defending against wrongful allegations. My criminal trial background is particularly valuable in TPO defense, where cross-examination skills can expose fabricated claims.
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 are home.
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?
Business division in a Georgia divorce depends on when the business was started and how it was funded. If started during marriage with marital funds, it’s typically marital property subject to division. If started before marriage, the original value may be separate property but appreciation during marriage could be marital. I work with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to accurately value businesses and protect owners’ interests.
What Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in a Custody Case?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to investigate and represent the child’s best interests in custody disputes. The GAL interviews parents, children, teachers, and others, then submits a report with custody recommendations. 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.
Can I Modify Custody If My Ex Moves Away?
Yes, a parent’s relocation is a material change in circumstances that can justify custody modification in Georgia. If your ex moves far enough to disrupt the current parenting schedule, you can petition to modify custody. 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?
Retirement accounts earned during marriage are marital property in Georgia, subject to equitable division. 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs are typically divided using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). The portion earned before marriage or after separation may be separate property. Proper valuation and QDRO drafting are critical. Mistakes can cost thousands in taxes and penalties.
How Do I Enforce a Custody Order My Ex Ignores?
If your ex violates a custody order, you can file a motion for contempt in Georgia court. Document every violation with dates, times, and evidence. Courts can impose fines, modify custody, award makeup parenting time, or even jail the violating parent. 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.