Andrea Dyer Hastings
Managing Partner
Managing Partner
Andrea Dyer Hastings
Andrea (“Andee”) focuses solely on the practice of Family Law. She handles divorce, separate maintenance, child custody, and child support, alimony, modification actions, contempt, domestic violence, paternity, and legitimation cases, counsels clients in premarital planning and preparing Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Settlement Agreements, Separation Agreements, name change, Domestic Partnership Agreements and dissolutions, mediation, case evaluation, and is certified as a Collaborative Law attorney. Andee has significant experience in handling complex domestic litigation cases, and she brings that experience to each and every case she handles, for the benefit of her clients.
Andee is trained as a Guardian ad Litem, specializing in protecting the interests of children who are involved in contested custody matters. Andee is a trained and certified domestic Mediator. She lectures on Family Law issues at events sponsored by the church, civic, and business organizations. Andee also volunteers her time mentoring high school, college, and law school students competing in Mock Trial events and honing their skills as future lawyers and advocates.
Educational Background:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, B.A., with highest distinction, in International Studies, Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key National Honor Society, 1994
- 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
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.
