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David R. Tannen, Esq. - Johns Creek Family Law Attorney

Founder & Lead Attorney | Johns Creek

I’ve spent decades helping families navigate the most difficult chapter of their lives. When I founded Tannen Law Group in 2002, I made a commitment: every client would receive strategic, aggressive representation combined with honest guidance and personal attention that makes an overwhelming process manageable.

If you’re facing divorce, a custody battle, or complex property division in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, or anywhere in North Georgia – I want you to know you don’t have to face it alone.
Call (678) 906-4833 to schedule your consultation.

Why I Do This Work

Family law chose me. In 1986, fresh out of Emory Law, I watched a colleague help a mother protect her children from an abusive situation. The relief on her face when the protective order was granted – I’ll never forget it. That’s when I understood what this work really means.

Every case file on my desk represents a real family in crisis. A parent terrified of losing time with their children. A spouse discovering hidden accounts after 20 years of marriage. A business owner watching their life’s work get dragged into divorce proceedings.

I’ve handled these cases for over two decades because I believe everyone deserves fierce advocacy during their most vulnerable moments. Not hand-holding. Not false promises. Real strategy. Honest assessment. And someone willing to fight when fighting is necessary.

Real Results for Real Families

Client names and details changed to protect confidentiality

Father Wins Primary Custody - Gwinnett County

A father came to me after his wife filed for divorce and sought sole custody, claiming he was uninvolved in their children's lives. Through methodical documentation of his caregiving role and effective cross-examination, we secured primary physical custody and a parenting plan that protected his relationship with his kids.

Hidden Assets Uncovered -
Forsyth County

A client suspected her husband was hiding business income during their high-asset divorce. Working with forensic accountants, we discovered over $400,000 in unreported revenue and offshore accounts. The court awarded her a significantly larger share of the marital estate.

Business Protected in Divorce -
Fulton County

A business owner faced losing half his company despite building it before marriage with separate funds. We traced the business origins, documented its separate property character, and successfully argued that appreciation was due to his efforts, not marital contributions. He kept his business.

Emergency Custody Obtained -
Johns Creek

A mother discovered her ex-husband was using drugs around their children. We filed emergency motions in Fulton County Superior Court and obtained temporary sole custody within 72 hours, protecting the children until a full hearing could be held.

My Practice Areas

Contested & Uncontested Divorce

I handle both contested divorces - where spouses disagree on custody, property, or support - and uncontested divorces where terms are agreed. For contested cases, I prepare every case as if it's going to trial, even when we expect to settle. That preparation gives us leverage at the negotiating table.

Child Custody & Parenting Plans

Child custody cases are the most emotionally intense work I do. Georgia courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child - a standard that requires demonstrating your parenting involvement, stability, and ability to co-parent. I've helped fathers win primary custody and protected mothers from abusive ex-husbands.

High-Asset Divorce & Complex Property Division

North Atlanta is home to business owners, executives, and professionals with substantial assets. These divorces require sophisticated financial analysis. I work with forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and financial planners to ensure accurate asset assessment. Whether valuing a medical practice in Alpharetta or stock options from a tech company in Johns Creek, I make sure nothing is missed or undervalued.

Child Support & Spousal Support

Georgia uses a formula for child support, but the inputs matter enormously. Spousal support is more discretionary - courts consider marriage length, earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions. I've obtained significant alimony awards for stay-at-home parents and defended high-earning spouses against excessive demands.

Enforcement & Contempt Actions

When your ex-spouse ignores court orders - failing to pay support, violating custody schedules, hiding assets - you need aggressive enforcement. I file contempt motions and pursue sanctions, wage garnishment, and other remedies to force compliance.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Protecting assets before marriage isn't unromantic - it's smart planning. I draft prenuptial agreements that protect business interests, family wealth, and individual property while remaining enforceable under Georgia law.

My Approach: Prepared to Fight, Strategic About When

After over two decades of focused family law practice, I’ve learned that not every case needs a courtroom battle. But every case needs an attorney prepared for one.

My philosophy:

  • Honest assessment - I tell you the strengths and weaknesses from day one
  • Strategic preparation - I prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage
  • Strategic preparation - I prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage
  • Efficient resolution - I don't prolong cases unnecessarily. Your time and money matter
  • Fierce advocacy - When we need to fight, I fight hard. Opposing counsel knows my reputation

Personal

I live in North Atlanta with my wife. We have three children – two daughters and a son who serves as an officer in the United States Armed Forces.

Being a family man informs how I practice family law. I understand what’s at stake when a parent fears losing time with their children. I know the financial anxiety of splitting a household. This isn’t abstract to me.

Outside the office, I swim and play golf – both activities that remind me to stay patient and think strategically. Skills that translate directly to family law practice.

Education & Credentials

Education:

  • J.D. – Emory University School of Law, 1985
  • B.A. – University of Pennsylvania, 1982

Bar Admission:

  • State Bar of Georgia, 1986

Professional Memberships:

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia
  • Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (Pro Bono)

Questions I Answer Every Day

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Georgia?
Most contested divorces in Georgia take 6 to 18 months from filing to final decree. The timeline depends on custody disputes, asset complexity, court availability in Forsyth, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, and spouse cooperation.

In my experience, clients who come prepared with documentation and realistic expectations move through the process faster. My job is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while protecting your interests. Unnecessary delay costs money and prolongs pain.
Divorce attorney fees in Johns Creek typically range from $250 to $450 per hour, with retainers between $3,500 and $10,000. Total cost depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, involves children, or requires asset valuation.

At Tannen Law Group, I provide transparent fee estimates during your initial consultation so you understand costs upfront. During your consultation, I’ll provide a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.
Yes, fathers can absolutely get full custody in Georgia. Georgia law does not favor mothers over fathers – courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests.

I have successfully obtained primary custody for fathers in Forsyth County and Gwinnett County cases where we demonstrated the father provided the more stable home environment or the mother had issues affecting parenting ability.
If your spouse hides assets during divorce, Georgia courts take it seriously. Through discovery, subpoenas, and forensic accountants, we can uncover hidden bank accounts, undervalued businesses, and transferred property.

Judges may award a larger share of assets to the wronged spouse or hold the hiding spouse in contempt. I’ve exposed hidden assets in multiple high-asset divorces across North Atlanta.
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.
Do You Have More Questions?

Our attorneys are here to provide clear answers. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your family law case.

Schedule Consultation

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re facing divorce, custody disputes, or any family law matter in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Suwanee, or anywhere in Forsyth County, Fulton County, or Gwinnett County – I’m ready to help.

Schedule Consultation
Call (678) 906-4833

Your consultation is confidential. I’ll listen to your situation, give you an honest assessment, and explain your options. No pressure. No judgment. Just clear answers about where you stand and what comes next.