Andrea Dyer Hastings
Managing Partner
Managing Partner
Andrea Dyer Hastings
Andrea (“Andee”) has focused 25 years of her legal career solely on the practice of family law. She has significant experience handling complex domestic litigation cases, and she brings that expertise to each and every case she handles.
Andee is highly skilled and profoundly accomplished in all areas of family law, including divorce, custody, modification, paternity and legitimation cases, and prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. She is particularly adept at managing high-asset litigation involving extensive marital holdings, executive compensation packages, and intricate financial structures.
Andee is trained as a Guardian ad Litem and specializes in protecting the interests of children involved in custody matters. She is also a trained and certified domestic Mediator, which endows her with unique qualifications when entering into mediation on behalf of her clients.
Andee has lectured on family law issues at events sponsored by church, civic, and business organizations; she has written numerous blog posts and articles, and with her partner Mali Shadmehry is co-host of the Forward Facing podcast, a show which embodies their shared belief in maintaining a positive commitment to personal growth.
She also volunteers her time mentoring high school, college, and law school students competing in Mock Trial events, helping them hone their skills as future lawyers and advocates.
Andee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Georgia School of Law in 1997, where she graduated at the top of her class. Andee was licensed in Georgia in 1997 and gained admission to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, as well as the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia.
A polyglot, Andee has mastered multiple languages, including Spanish and Portuguese. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies and Russian from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994 with Highest Distinction and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Educational Background:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1994, B.A., with highest distinction, in International Studies, Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key National Honor Society
- University of Georgia School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1997
Fraternities / Sororities:
- Delta Phi Epsilon
Representative Clients:
- Friday v. Friday, 294 Ga. 687 (2014)
- State of Georgia vs. Dean, 235 Ga. App. 847 (1998)
- Mallen vs. Mallen, 280 Ga. 43 (2005)
- Davison v. State, 241 Ga. App. 685 (1999)
Representative Cases:
- State of Georgia vs. Dean, 235 Ga. App. 847 (1998)
- Mallen vs. Mallen, 280 Ga. 43 (2005)
- Davison v. State, 241 Ga. App. 685 (1999)
- Friday v. Friday, 294 Ga. 687 (2014)
Past Employment Positions:
- Warner, Mayoue, Bates & Nolen PC, Attorney/Partner, 2004 – 2009
- Lawler, Tanner & Zitron, Associate, 2003 – 2004
- Hawkins & Parnell, LLP, Associate, 2000 – 2003
- Rockdale County District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, 1997 – 2000
Scholarly Lectures and Writings:
- Speaker, “Advanced Issues in Divorce”, National Business Institute, 2009
- Guest Lecturer, “The Role of the Child Specialist in Collaborative Law”, Georgia State University School of Law, March 14, 2013
- Speaker, “The Essentials of Adoption Law” at the National Business Institute’s Adoption Law: Start to Finish Seminar, March, 2015
- Speaker/Trainer, Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators in Evidence Gathering and Documentation in Domestic Violence Cases, Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office,1997-2000
- Speaker, “Post-Divorce Considerations” at the National Business Institute’s Advanced Issues in Divorce Seminar, July 2012
- Speaker, “Drafting Common Marital Agreements and Understanding Protective Orders and Domestic Torts”, Oddities and Challenges of Family Law Seminar, National Business Institute, April 2014
- Instructor, Domestic Mediation Training, Resolve to Solve, October 2012
- Speaker/Trainer, Statewide Training of 911 Operators and First Responders in Evidence Gathering in Domestic Violence cases, Georgia Public Safety Training Safety Center, 1997- 2000
- Speaker, “Strategies for Effective Use of Discovery,” Divorce Law From A-Z Seminar, National Business Institute, December 2013
- Guest Lecturer, “Collaborative Divorce,” Georgia State University College of Law, Spring 2012
Honors and Awards:
- Top 100 Lawyers Award, The National Advocates, 2014
- 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2016
- 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2015
- Top 100 Family Lawyer- State of Georgia, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016
- Top 100 Family Lawyer- State of Georgia, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2015
- Nation’s Top One Percent Honor, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2017
- Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2016
- Nation’s Top One Percent Honor, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2016
- Top One Percent, National League of Renowned Attorneys, 2016
- Georgia Trend Legal Elite, 2016
- 10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2016-2017
- Global Directory of Who’s Who Top Attorney 2016
- Top 100 Lawyers Award, The National Advocates, 2015
- Nation’s Top One Percent Honor, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2015
- 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2014
- Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2015
- The Order of Barristers, University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Georgia
- Georgia Rising Stars, 2011
- Georgia Rising Stars, 2012
- Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, 2014
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies/Russian, with highest distinction, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Golden Key National Honor Society
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Recipient, Cody E. Welborn Scholarship
- Delta Phi Epsilon
- Marion T. Pope, Jr American Inn of Court
Other Outstanding Achievements:
After only one year of practice, as an Assistant District Attorney, I represented the People of the State of Georgia and a victim of repeat instances of domestic violence. Because of the multiple family violence instances between this victim and her spouse, I asked the grand jury to indict the case as a felony “family violence battery”. At the time, the law provided that a “upon second or subsequent conviction of a family violence battery against the same or another victim,” the defendant may be charged with a felony. In the instant case, the defendant’s prior conviction for battery was a family violence battery under the current definition of the statute, but it had not been called a “family violence battery” because that description did not exist in the law at the time of the previous conviction. Defendant moved to dismiss the felony indictment on this basis, and the trial court ruled the previous batteries, although clearly family violence and involving the same parties, would not serve to elevate the then current case to a felony because the previous cases had not been called “family violence battery”. The trial court’s view constituted strict construction of the language of the statute at that time. I felt this construction created a potential loophole in the law for family violence recidivists, violated the true intent of the legislature, and constituted a failure to properly protect domestic violence victims from repeat offenders. The case was dismissed by the trial court. As the State of Georgia, I appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals. I asked the court to make law on this issue because it was the right this to do. The Court of Appeals agreed. Shortly thereafter, the Georgia Legislature did as well. Given the danger that domestic violence poses to our society, our children, our law enforcement officials, this was a special and deep personal victory to me, fighting a battle for so many who often are unable to fight for themselves.
Reviews for Andee Hastings
I went through a terrible divorce, and a horrible custody battle. Originally I thought I was going to represent myself in order to save money. That would have been an huge mistake. These women not only kept me sane, but also helped me keep primary custody of my children. Were it not for their expert counsel, I know I would have made errors that would have cost me custody of my children. I know they had other cases and clients, but they always made me feel like my case was important. Andee Hastings is my hero. I want my daughter to be just like her when she grows up. Her and her entire team protected me at every turn and helped my understand every step of the process. I can’t recommend Andee and this law firm enough.
Andee, Emily, and Beth have all been a pleasure to work with during this difficult time of my life. During the times of uncertainty, Emily has been able to provide me with reassurance that she and her team have a plan. She has provided sound judgment and advice each step of the way. I highly recommend this team to be in your corner if you are faced with a divorce or family matters.
THE BEST ATTORNEYS!!! I could not have asked for better attorneys when I hired Andee and Mali to represent me in my divorce. I was referred to them by an estate attorney that I know and trust and from the first phone call I knew I was in great hands. They are critical thinkers, know the law, are well respected by the judges, truly care about their clients and will get results. I was very pleased with my divorce settlement but more importantly they fought hard for the protection and care of my children which was my top priority. They literally think of EVERYTHING. Going to court can be stressful but these 2 attorneys were well prepared and took the time to understand my case.
My case was extraordinarily difficult. It was a terrible divorce, and a horrible custody battle. Originally I thought I was going to represent myself in order to save money. That would have been a huge mistake. Andee was amazing. These women not only kept me sane, but also helped me keep primary custody of my children. Were it not for Andee’s expert counsel, I know I would have made errors that would have cost me custody of my children. I know she had other cases and clients, but her and her team always made me feel like my case was important. Andee Hastings is my hero. I want my daughter to be just like her when she grows up. Her and her entire team protected me at every turn and helped me understand every step of the process. I can’t recommend Andee and this law firm enough.
Ms. Hastings is bright, knowledgeable, objective, and compassionate – all qualities that make for an amazing attorney. When I needed help with a family law issue, she was available and eager to help answer my questions. She told me the truth about my situation, not just what I wanted to hear. She didn’t advise rushing right into expensive litigation and discussed various options with me. I knew I could trust her advice and was in good hands.
Having Ms. Hastings represent me was a great experience, especially in such a difficult circumstance. She is extremely. She is a fighter and works diligently to find a solution to the problems that you may face. Ms. Hastings is a wonderful attorney, and I recommend her to anyone going through a difficult custody case.
Andee has been very understanding, knowledgeable, and effective. With my divorce case being multifaceted, I had many concerns and questions. Her ability to guide me through this process and avoid potential pitfalls really helped me. As a father seeking primary custody of my children, I feel like the deck was stacked against me, but Andee has guided me through the process and I have achieved exactly what I was seeking. It was a hard fought battle, but she stuck by me through it all. She makes judicious use of time to maximize the work output for me, and her staff is very conscientious. I would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone going through a divorce and have already done so myself.
Andee Hastings provided exemplary service during an extremely difficult time in my life and the lives of my children. Andee was highly recommended to me by another client when I was in search of a child support/custody attorney. Andee is highly professional, extremely knowledgeable, and very experienced in her area of legal concentration, family law. One thing I appreciated the most was her willingness to tell me what I needed to hear and what my “risks” were in pursuing certain issues that may hurt more than help me. I always knew she was standing right by my side and had my best interests at heart, and the best interests of my children…
Andee represented me in my divorce. She and her team worked very well on my case. The cards were stacked against me financially and with regards to custody, but I ended up with a fair and equitable settlement thanks to Andee’s knowledge and those of her staff. She was very cost efficient as well. She was thoughtful, professional, and had a deep understanding of the law. I have spoke with others who wish they could have divorced with a result like the one I received. I strongly recommend Andee.
I chose their firm after reading many positive reviews and asking a local neighborhood group for suggestions and their name was mentioned frequently. I spoke with Andee Hastings and felt an immediate sense of calm in what was a very difficult call to make. She was and is absolutely wonderful!!! My divorce unfortunately became much more challenging than I ever expected it would. I cannot say enough positive things about Andee, Mali and the team. Throughout the entire process they were always there to guide me with professional guidance, answer all my questions and reassure me during the more difficult times. They are extremely knowledgeable, and I trusted their guidance and knew they always had my best interest at the forefront. I just cannot say enough positive things about Andee and her firm.
There were problems with my parenting plan and documents, and they didn’t protect me like they should have. I needed someone with skills whom I could trust to fix them. Andee fought for me from the first moment to the very last. We ended up resolving it by agreement but it wasn’t easy. Every step of the way was a fight because my ex is difficult. But my relationship with my child was on the line, and I would not accept anything less than the best. I am relieved and happy to say that is exactly what I got with Andee. She not only fixed the problems that were already there, but also accomplished things for me that I had hoped for but didn’t necessarily think I would get. I finally feel like we can move forward with clarity and I am so grateful for that.
I don’t usually write reviews, but my experience with Andee Hastings and Elizabeth Findley truly deserves one. I worked with them on a personal family law matter, and I’m incredibly grateful I did.
Even as a fellow attorney, it’s very different when you’re the client. Andee and Elizabeth made a difficult and emotional process feel steady and manageable. They were calm, thoughtful, and practical at every turn. I always felt like they were focused not just on “winning,” but on reaching the right outcome in the most strategic way possible.
What stood out most to me was their balance — they are measured and professional in negotiations, but clearly strong and confident in the courtroom. Knowing they were fully prepared to advocate for me if needed gave me tremendous peace of mind.
They were also consistently responsive and communicative. I never felt left in the dark, and every question I had was answered with clarity and patience.
Family law matters are deeply personal, and having someone you trust makes all the difference. I would recommend Hastings Shadmehry without hesitation to anyone who wants capable, ethical, and genuinely thoughtful representation.
I was referred to Andee for my divorce case by an attorney that I respect and trust. He did not let me down in his recommendation. Andee helped me through one of the most heart-wrenching, scary times in my life. I did not expect my divorce and was not emotionally prepared for any of it. Andee shepherded me through the process with compassion, dedication, skill and professionalism. She was extremely responsive to me, and she very patiently answered all of my questions while also keeping her eye on my goals in my case. She ultimately negotiated a very favorable settlement for me, and I could not be more grateful. I kept my premarital assets, which was very important to me. Her understanding of the law and ability to understand people and their situations is not to be underestimated. I have recommended her to several people looking for attorneys to represent them in their divorces.
I had a very difficult, complex divorce case. Andee was extremely knowledgeable and effective. She guided me through every step of the process in a way that I felt that I had a true ally. I was a father seeking primary custody of my children, and I felt like the deck was stacked against me. Andee helped me achieve exactly what I was seeking. It was a hard battle, but she stuck by me through it all. She makes judicious use of time to maximize every dollar I spent, and her staff is very conscientious. I would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone going through a divorce and have already done so myself. Since my divorce, I’ve recommended Andee to my brother, two of my co-workers and a childhood friend. I’ve received similar reports from them regarding their satisfaction with her representation. As I’ve gotten away from the experience, I realize how many ways, big and small, she looked out for and protected me. She put together a Parenting Plan as part of my divorce that has protected me on so many occasions that I can’t even count. She really thought of so many details and how to handle them, down to the finest detail. I call it the “Bulletproof Plan”. She reminded me that the Parenting Plan can’t contemplate EVERY eventuality but that her job is to do everything she can to anticipate as much as possible based on her experience in order to try and keep me out of court again. I heard those words, but I have now seen in action what that really means and how it plays out. I really appreciate that level of strategic thinking and planning. I know we would have already been back in court if it weren’t for Andee. I also know that if I do end up back in court, I will have Andee by my side.
I hired HS Family Law firm to help me with a very difficult personal legal issue, and the experience exceeded my expectations. The opposing party and their attorney were extremely combative, which made the case far more complicated than it needed to be. Andee Hastings and my entire legal team navigated that environment incredibly well. She remained calm, strategic, and focused on achieving the right result even when I was stressed beyond belief. Communication was excellent. My questions were always answered promptly, and I always felt informed about what was happening in my case. They were also very mindful of costs and did everything they could to keep things efficient, even though much of the expense was driven by the other side’s conduct. Ultimately, the judge sided with us, and the outcome was a tremendous victory. I’m very grateful for the professionalism, skill, and dedication her and her team showed throughout the process.
