Atlanta Divorce and
Family Law Attorney

Dennis G.
Collard

Helping at one of the most
difficult times of your life.

Credentials

Florida State University
Bachelor of Science, cum laude
Florida State University College of Law
Juris Doctor, cum laude

Background

Dennis has devoted his practice exclusively to family law for over 20 years. He is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell’s peer and judicial review process. For thirteen consecutive years, he has been recognized as one of the top family law attorneys in Georgia as published in Atlanta Magazine’s annual Super Lawyers edition.

Dennis began his legal career at the Am Law top 100 firm Holland & Knight LLP, after which he became a partner at two of the most respected family law firms in Atlanta, before founding his own practice.

Dennis is a sophisticated litigator, capable of expertly handling family law matters of any complexity, in addition to “pre-filing” and “uncontested” matters in which clients only need limited legal advice and guidance. For clients who desire a modern, structured, “out of court” approach to divorce, Dennis offers the Amicable Divorce Process as a Certified Amicable Divorce Professional (CADP) and member of the board of the Amicable Divorce Network.

Dennis also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in an effort to help divorcing couples resolve their cases without the financially and emotionally draining court process, and serves as a guardian ad litem, representing the best interests of children in contentious custody litigation.

Dennis is an honors graduate of the Florida State University College of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review and a teaching assistant in the trial practice program. His internships emphasized trial advocacy. Before entering law school, Dennis served as a police officer.

Dennis regularly teaches classes for attorneys and law students and has been quoted about family law matters by CNN.com, National Public Radio, Atlanta’s 11Alive, the Fulton County Daily Report, WSB-TV and Creative Loafing.

There are many critical moving parts in family law cases and there is much at stake. In selecting an attorney, there is no substitute for experience. Dennis dedicates his practice exclusively to family law and offers knowledge that only comes from years of diligently and thoroughly handling the many complexities of litigation, from discovery to mediation to trial.

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Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • The Florida Bar
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

Selected Honors, Articles and Presentations

  • Rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbel’s peer and judicial review process
  • Named “Super Lawyer” in the area of family law, Atlanta Magazine’s Super Lawyer edition, 2014–2022.
  • Named, “Georgia Rising Star” in the area of family law, Atlanta Magazine, Super Lawyer edition, 2010 – 2013
  • Board Member, Amicable Divorce Network, 2022-2023
  • Speaker, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity webinar, 2023
  • Speaker, Marriage and Money: Starting your Financial Life Together, Georgia Secretary of State She Leads Financial Literacy Program, 2023
  • Guest Lecturer, Georgia State University College of Law, Mercer University School of Law, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law, and John Marshall Law School
  • Past Member of the Board, Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia
  • Co-chair and speaker, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity seminar, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, 2019
  • Speaker, Alimony, Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, 2018
  • Speaker, Winning Settlement Strategies seminar, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, 2012, 2016
  • Co-chair and speaker, Same Sex Legal Issues seminar, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia
  • Speaker, After Marriage symposium, Florida State University College of Law, 2014
  • Contributor, Library of Georgia: Family Law Forms, Daily Report Books, 2011
  • Featured, Fulton County Daily Report, New Partners 2011, February 21, 2011 issue
  • Speaker and panel moderator, 29th Annual Family Law Institute, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, 2011
  • Faculty member, Family Law from A-Z, National Business Institute; 2009
  • Co-author, John C. Mayoue and Dennis G. Collard, Third Party Blame – Novel and Expanding Claims, The Family Advocate, Spring 2005, Vol. 27, No. 4
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Awards

“AV Preeminent” by Martindale Hubbell
Peer and Judicial Reviews
“Super Lawyer”
2014 – 2022
“Georgia Rising Star”
2010 – 2013
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Testimonials

Proven Man of Integrity
Dennis Collard is tough, and he will fight to protect your rights. I hired Mr. Collard when my divorce case was spiraling out of control. I had received two unfavorable temporary hearing rulings that left me devastated. Mr. Collard came into the crisis and with his legal expertise in family law brought justice to my case. I will always hold him in high regard because of his standard of professionalism- he treated me with respect throughout the entire divorce process, showed enormous amounts of compassion for my situation and always addressed my concerns in an honest and straightforward manner. I believe he is an exceptional legal advocate because he made choices in my case that solely focused on what was the greater benefit for me. He was a formidable foe in mediation protecting my rights and worked tirelessly to bring closure to a very contentious divorce. My case ended in mediation because of his efforts. I am so thankful for Mr. Collard- he is a proven man of integrity and a counselor who carries a genuine burden of concern for his clients. Tread carefully when you choose a divorce attorney- they hold your life in their hands. Mr. Dennis Collard partner at the law firm Kessler & Solomiany exceeded my expectations, and I am honored to recommend his legal services.
Lisa
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Excellent Staff, Courteous and Prompt
Dennis Collard was extremely sensitive and caring in a highly emotional time. He was fair in his assessment of the issues, always presenting both sides of the argument. However, he was also firm during the negotiations with the other side when needed. He listens well and keeps you informed. His staff is also excellent. Very courteous and prompt to respond. I would highly recommend Dennis Collard and his staff.
Arelene
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Well respected by his peers and the bench
Well respected by his peers and especially those on the bench. A gentleman.
Very responsive, and always kept me informed.
Explains things in concise, factual, outline form which is good for note taking and also my understanding.
Very knowledgeable and also consults with the best when necessary.
Knows what to say and when to say it. Doesn’t back down when he knows he’s right.
Marianne
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Real Pro, First Class, Top Notch
Dennis is exceptional. Very focused, intense, listens well, and highly capable. When selecting counsel, you need to have confidence in who you select — unfortunately you don’t really ‘know’ until you get into the process/ case .. and then it can be too late … so better to hear from someone else who has already used him in a case with great success — Dennis is a real pro.. first class – top notch … I highly recommend Dennis without hesitation.
Paul
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Competent, Knowledgeable and Ethical
Dennis is a competent, knowledgeable and ethical attorney. He is very trustworthy and compassionate. Dennis and his paralegal, Stacy, communicated well with me and kept me abreast of the progress and were prompt at forwarding me all correspondence and documentation throughout my divorce. Dennis did a great job interpreting the law and explaining my options. I would recommend Dennis.
Elizabeth
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Kind and Professional
Dennis has been wonderful in helping me through a very difficult time. He is very kind as well as professional. I truly feel that I can trust him and am confident that he is doing the best possible job in representing and protecting my interests.
Phyllis
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Recommended for Everyone
A better prepared, more confident and professional lawyer couldn’t exist. He took my divorce case (which involved a TPO, my ex’s suicide attempt in front of my child, and the issue of my homosexuality in a very conservative location) and helped turn what was a nightmare into something I felt I could make it through. And, we were ultimately very, very successful. I have already and will continue to recommend Dennis to anyone needing representation.
Leigh Hall
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