Colleen Warley, Esq.

Colleen Warley, Esq.

Attorney at Law

Colleen was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Prior to attending law school, she worked in the non-profit sector. In law school, Colleen participated in a mediation clinic through which she mediated over 100 landlord-tenant disputes. She was heavily involved with the Public Interest Lawyers Association, was awarded a PILA summer fellowship, and graduated with the Highest Distinction for her pro bono and public service work. Colleen enjoys going to concerts, reading fantasy novels, trying new breweries, and fostering shelter pups.

 

Colleen’s Education

  • JD from Georgia State University College of Law
  • BS from Penn State University, University Park, PA
  • Geobiology

Colleen has over 6 years’ experience handling family law matters. She represents clients in all matters of family law in both trial and appellate courts. As a member of a non-traditional family herself, Colleen understands that every family dynamic is unique and there is no “one size fits all” in family law.

 

Colleen focuses on the following areas:

  • Legitimation
  • Complex custody issues
  • Contempt cases
  • Divorces involving closely held businesses and small businesses
  • Gray divorce for empty nesters who have complex property division
  • High Asset divorce
  • High net worth property division
  • Family law appeals and modifications
     

Client Quotes:


“My legal team (Karen, Colleen, Jennifer, Luke, and Crystal) was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient, while still paying close attention to detail. They guided me through a complicated divorce and helped resolve things in a way that was fair for both parties. They also acted as a liaison between us, which helped reduce conflict and stress throughout the process.” Oct, 2025


“Several months after my divorce, Colleen Warley helped me with a contempt issue. She is a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and was highly empathetic of my situation.” Sept, 2025


“I truly appreciate all the hard work that Colleen and Allen have done for me.” Sept, 2025


“I’m appreciative of Colleen and the legal team for their patience. Although I’m nervous about moving forward I know they are there to support me.” Sept, 2025


“I am thrilled that this process was quick and (somewhat) painless. Thanks for a job well done.” Sept, 2025


“Obviously nobody wants to have to deal a divorce, it's expensive and stressful, but I feel good about the way mine turned out. Colleen was my lawyer and I would recommend her. We were able to settle everything on our first remediation.” Aug, 2025


“The Gentry Law Firm has been a breath of fresh air. I wish I had gone with you from the beginning.” July, 2025


“I am grateful that Colleen took the time to respond to me about house hunting. I know how busy she’s been over a holiday and with other days in court.” July, 2025


"The level of service, communication, and respect I received from Colleen and the rest of the team at Gentry Law Firm was simply outstanding. The situation they navigated for me was anything but simple, but they handled it with professionalism, diligence and compassion. The best feeling is walking into the courtroom knowing you are more prepared than the other side and that is exactly what Colleen and her team did." June, 2025


“I am overjoyed with the Gentry Law Firm and how much Colleen cares about me.” May, 2025


“I’m SO happy with Colleen. She gets me and makes me feel like a good dad who deserves custody. I hit the jackpot with her and the team! Mar, 2025


"A special thank you to Colleen, who handled my case with precision and care, ensuring that every detail was addressed and ultimately securing a successful resolution.” Mar, 2025


“I am extremely happy with Colleen and her paralegal and know they always have my back.” Mar, 2025


"A special thank you to Colleen, who handled my case with precision and care, ensuring that every detail was addressed and ultimately securing a successful resolution.” Mar, 2025

FAQs

Have a question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information.

  • What does legitimation actually do and why is it necessary?

    In Georgia, married couples who have a child (even through assistance of IVF or artificial insemination) are presumed to have legal rights to the child. However, when unmarried parents have a child, the biological father of the baby has absolutely no legal rights to that child. That means that all access to that child and all decisions to be made for the child are completely under control of the mother. To establish any custody, visitation, or other legal rights to the child, the relationship between father and child must first be “legitimated” to establish the father’s legal relationship to the child. To legitimate, a father may have to prove that the child is his biological offspring, that he hasn’t abandoned the opportunity to have a relationship with the child, or that legitimation is in the child’s best interest. Only once the father has been legitimated can he be granted custodial rights to the child. 

  • What about disputes with legal custody and the importance of final say?

    In most cases involving custody, the parents will share joint legal custody of the child(ren), which means that both parents share equal rights and responsibilities for major decisions concerning the child, including the child's education, health care, extracurricular activities, and religious worship. However, Georgia law requires that all parenting plans address how to resolve a situation in which the parents disagree on any of these decisions. Disagreements are usually addressed by appointing one of the parents as the “tiebreaker” for each area of decision making. 


    As an example: Pugsly’s school recommends that he repeat the 4th grade, but gives his parents the option of whether to hold him back or let him move on to 5th grade the next year. Morticia wants him to repeat the grade, but Gomez thinks he should move on to 5th grade. Gomez is the tie-breaker for decisions regarding Pugsly’s education. Since the parents have discussed the issue and they are unable to agree, Gomez gets to make the final decision and Pugsly will move on to 5th grade. 


  • What happens to our stored embryos if we divorce?

    Georgia law is still developing on the subject of what to do with frozen embryos in the event of divorce. However, if the parties have entered into a contract regarding the disposition of their embryos, the courts will generally defer to the terms of the contract. It is therefore crucial to consult with a lawyer before entering into a contract for IVF services and/or cryogenic storage of embryos to make sure that these documents specifically address what is to happen to the embryo(s) in the event of divorce, death of either of the parties, and other scenarios.