David R. Tannen, Esq. - Johns Creek Family Law Attorney
Founder & Lead Attorney | Johns Creek
I’ve spent decades helping families through 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, to make 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.
Why I Do This Work
Family law chose me. After practicing law in another area for several years, 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 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 his or her 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 advantage 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, with courts considering marriage length, earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions. I’ve obtained significant alimony awards for stay-at-home parents and defended high earners against inflated claims.
Enforcement & Contempt Actions
When an ex-spouse ignores court orders for custody, support, or property division, I file contempt motions and pursue enforcement through every available remedy, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and incarceration.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
I draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that are designed to withstand challenge, with full financial disclosure and terms that Georgia courts will enforce.
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 thoroughly, which gives us advantage prior to trial and at trial
- Client education. You'll understand the process, timeline, and options at every stage
- 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
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:
- New York State Bar, 1986
- State Bar of Georgia, 1994
Professional Memberships:
- State Bar of Georgia
- Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia
- Forsyth County Bar Association
Questions I Answer Every Day
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Georgia?
Most contested divorces in Georgia take 6 to 12 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.
How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Johns Creek?
Divorce attorney fees in Johns Creek typically range from starting with a $7,500 retainer with hourly billing subtracted from the retainer. 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.
Can a Father Get Full Custody in Georgia?
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, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County cases where we demonstrated the father provided the more stable home environment or the mother had issues affecting parenting ability.
What Happens If My Spouse Hides Assets During Divorce?
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.
How Is Property Divided in a Georgia Divorce?
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. See our asset division page for detailed information.
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, 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.
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.