Insights from Divorce Attorney Randy Kessler: Navigating Family Law with Empathy and Expertise

In a candid interview on the YouTube channel @keepitlegalshow, renowned Atlanta-based family law attorney Randy Kessler opens up about his journey, philosophies, and the intricacies of divorce law. With over three decades of experience, Kessler, founder of Kessler & Solomiany, LLC, shares valuable insights that demystify the often tumultuous world of family law. From his humble beginnings to handling high-profile cases, his story emphasizes compassion, strategic thinking, and the human side of legal battles.

From Humble Roots to Building a Firm

Kessler, an “insecure kid” from New Orleans, credits his hardworking parents and a prophetic grandfather—who at age three declared he’d become a lawyer—for his career path. After attending college in Boston and law school at Emory University in Atlanta, he clerked, honed his skills in family law, and boldly started his own practice at 29. Today, his firm boasts 18 lawyers, a testament to his belief in surrounding himself with smart people to provide the best advice. “I love helping people through family law crises,” he says, noting that his mission is to offer options, explain reasoning, and ensure clients can sleep at night knowing decisions were made for the right reasons.

The Realities of Divorce: High-Profile Cases and Client Dynamics

Kessler doesn’t shy away from the challenges, especially with high-profile clients where privacy is paramount. He discusses the pitfalls of leaked information, advising against public smears that could backfire in court. For celebrities, personal reputation often trumps financial settlements, and he leaves PR strategies to experts while focusing on legal implications. In typical consultations, clients seek amicable resolutions without losing everything, but friction arises when one spouse resists the divorce. Kessler stresses listening: “What’s really important? Maybe it’s deciding college for the kids or keeping the family home over a 401(k).”

He advocates for prenuptial agreements as a tool for open dialogue, revealing partners’ insecurities about money and potentially avoiding costly battles. “The cost of a divorce without a prenup is usually 10 times higher,” he explains, as courts often uphold these agreements, streamlining asset division. For athletes and high-earners with short careers, protecting earnings is crucial—Kessler likens their income to a lifetime’s worth compressed into a few years, urging maturity in financial planning.

Courtroom Strategies: Juries, Jurisdiction, and Fairness

Georgia’s unique allowance for jury trials in divorce money matters is a highlight, with Kessler teaching a class on it at Emory. He views juries as providing moderate, realistic outcomes, often better than a single judge’s discretion. Jury selection (voir dire) is key: “You don’t pick a jury; you strike one,” focusing on biases and life experiences that could sway decisions. Jurisdiction matters too—child support varies by state, and Kessler advises comparing laws to choose the best venue.

On fairness, he addresses public perceptions of “ridiculous” settlements, explaining that laws presume 50/50 splits of marital assets, but judges consider factors like career sacrifices or infidelity (though cheating often carries little weight). Asset hiding? A big no: “It almost always backfires,” he warns, emphasizing intent and legitimacy.

Personal Reflections: Balancing Life and Law

Kessler integrates his personal and professional worlds, traveling for bar associations and viewing legal seminars as vacations. Married at 40, he jokes about “skipping his first marriage” and learns from cases to appreciate his own relationship. He acknowledges the emotional toll—clients sometimes hide behind lawyers, and collections can strain bonds—but good lawyers care deeply. His first case, securing alimony via jury trial for a client dismissed by others, remains a proud memory.

Key Takeaways for Anyone Facing Family Changes

Kessler’s overarching advice: Settle when possible to avoid leaving fates to strangers like judges or juries. Explain options transparently, prioritize children’s well-being, and plan ahead—whether through prenups or honest discussions. In a field often stereotyped as cutthroat, he proves empathy drives success: “We second-guess ourselves to get better, and we sleep well knowing we did right by people.”

This interview humanizes divorce law, reminding us it’s about rebuilding lives, not just dividing assets. For those navigating similar waters, Kessler’s wisdom offers a roadmap grounded in experience and heart. Check out the full video here.