Expertise

Strategic Counsel in Family Law

Carla Stern represents clients in complex divorce and custody matters throughout Georgia. As one of the experienced Atlanta family law attorneys at Stern Edlin Graham, her practice focuses on high-value financial disputes and contested litigation requiring careful preparation.

High Net Worth Divorce

Carla advises clients in high net worth divorce cases involving substantial assets, business interests, executive compensation, and complex financial structures. She works closely with financial professionals to ensure thorough analysis and strategic positioning.

Custody And Family Matters

Carla represents parents in contested custody disputes, relocation matters, and parenting plan litigation. Her approach prioritizes careful legal strategy and long-term stability.

Property And Asset Division

Carla handles matters involving separate property, marital estates, and valuation disputes. Her experience in divorce litigation allows her to advocate effectively for equitable financial outcomes under Georgia law.

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Trusted By Atlanta Families In Complex Divorce Matters
Carla Stern built her practice on a clear principle: families deserve experienced legal counsel during significant life transitions. As one of the respected divorce lawyers in Atlanta, she represents clients in matters involving substantial assets, contested custody disputes, and complex financial considerations.

Her approach is grounded in preparation and clarity. Carla works closely with each client to understand financial structure, long-term priorities, and the legal strategy required to move forward.

With decades of experience in high net worth divorce, property division, and multistate matters, Carla has handled cases requiring careful financial analysis and disciplined courtroom advocacy. Clients rely on her steady guidance and thoughtful representation throughout the process.
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Recognition

Achievements and Professional Honors

Carla Stern has earned recognition from peers and respected legal organizations for her work in complex family law matters. Her reputation reflects consistent preparation, professionalism, and disciplined advocacy.
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Legal Accolades

Carla has been recognized by legal associations and peer review organizations for her work in divorce litigation and high net worth family law matters. These honors reflect her standing among Atlanta divorce attorneys and her commitment to professional excellence.

Client Outcomes

Carla is frequently trusted with sophisticated cases involving substantial estates, business interests, and contested custody matters. Her experience handling complex litigation reinforces her reputation among divorce lawyers in Atlanta.

Professional Involvement

Carla maintains active membership in state and national family law organizations and participates in continuing legal education. Her involvement supports her role as one of the experienced Atlanta family law attorneys at Stern Edlin Graham.

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Results That Reflect Experience

Carla Stern’s career spans decades of family law practice, representing clients in complex divorce and custody matters. As one of the established divorce lawyers in Atlanta, she has handled sophisticated cases involving substantial estates, business interests, and multistate financial considerations.

  • 30+
    Years of practice
    Decades of experience in divorce litigation and complex family law matters across Georgia. 
  • 200+
    Cases handled
    Representation in contested divorce, high net worth property division, and complex custody disputes. 
  • $100M+
    In assets managed
    Experience advising clients in matters involving significant financial structures and asset division. 
Journey
Journey to Leadership in Georgia Family Law

Carla Stern’s career reflects a steady commitment to complex family law advocacy. Each milestone strengthened her experience in high net worth divorce, custody litigation, and sophisticated financial disputes.

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  • 1990
    Law School Graduation
    Carla earned her law degree and began practicing family law in Georgia. From the outset, her focus centered on disciplined preparation and courtroom advocacy.
  • 2001
    First High Net Worth Case
    Early in her career, Carla represented a client in a divorce involving substantial assets and complex financial structures. That experience shaped her continued focus on high value divorce matters.
  • 2010
    Joined Stern Edlin Graham
    Carla became a partner at Stern Edlin Graham, an Atlanta family law firm known for handling sophisticated divorce litigation and contested custody disputes.
  • Present
    Leading Complex Matters
    Today, Carla continues to represent clients in high net worth divorce and complex custody cases. As one of the established divorce lawyers in Atlanta, she works alongside experienced Atlanta family law attorneys to deliver thoughtful and strategic representation.
High Net worth divorce attorney

Professional  Leadership

Professional Organizations

  • Board Certified Family Law Attorney, National Board of Trial Advocacy
  • Georgia Chapter Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Fellow / Membership Committee, 2014 – 2018, History Committee 2018-2019, National Test Committee Co-Chair 2019-Present
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Treasurer 2017-2018, Secretary 2018-2019, Vice President 2019-2020, President 2021-2023
  • Fellow, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Parliamentarian, 2017 – 2019
  • American Bar Association Family Law Section member of the Schwab Essay Contest Judging Committee, 2019
  • The Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court, Barrister, 2008 – Present
  • The Atlanta Lawyer’s Club, Member, 2000 – Present
  • Atlanta Bar Association, Family Law & Women in the Profession Sections, Member, 1990 – Present
  • State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section, Member, 1990 – Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member, 1990 – Present
  • Sandy Springs Bar Association, Member, 2012 – Present
  • Fellow, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Lectures & Publications

  • Speaker, Equitable Caregiver Statute, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Atlanta, December 2019
  • Speaker, Tax Crimes and Misdemeanors, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers National Annual Meeting, Chicago, November 2017
  • Moderator & Co-Chair, New Trends From The Financial Experts, Atlanta, GA, AAML, December 2011
  • Recent Developments in Family Law, Family Law Section Newsletter, 2009
  • Mediation Advocacy Article, Family Law Section Newsletter, 2009
  • Speaker, 14 Year Old Elections-What’s Happening to The 11-13 Year Olds?, Atlanta, GA, AAML, December, 2008
  • Speaker, Who Wants To Be A Family Lawyer?, Amelia Island, FL, Family Law Institute, State Bar of Georgia Family Law Section, May 2001
  • Speaker, Modification of Custody, Atlanta, GA, Nuts and Bolts Seminar, October 1998
  • Speaker, How to Manage Stress and Burnout in Divorce Cases, Amelia Island, FL, Family Law Institute, Family Law Institute State Bar of Georgia, May 1990

Professional Honors & Leadership

  • Best Lawyers in America 2020 – Present
  • Georgia Trend Legal Elite 2019 – Present
  • Wall Street Journal, The Best Lawyers in America, 2011 – Present
  • Super Lawyers, 2014 – present
  • Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™, 2011 – Present
  • Atlanta Magazine, Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyers, 2011 – Present
  • Martindale-Hubbell® Av Preeminent Rating™, 2003 – Present 

 Community Leadership

  • Board Member, De Claire Court HOA
  • Trained Guardian Ad Litem, 2011 – Present
  • Trained Late Case Evaluator, 2005 – Present
  • Board Member, Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance
  • Board Member, Cabaret Host Committee, Georgia Ovarian Cancer Atlanta (GOCA), Atlanta, GA (3 years)
  • Board Member, Overcome Ovarian Cancer Walk, Georgia Ovarian Cancer Atlanta (GOCA), Atlanta, GA (3 years)
  • Room Mom, Woodward Academy, Atlanta, GA, (2 years)
  • Annual Celebration Co-Chair, AMIT School, Atlanta, GA (1 year)
  • Host Committee, AMIT School, Atlanta, GA (5 years)
  • Fundraising Committee, AMIT School, Atlanta, GA (5 years)
  • Admissions Committee, The Epstein School, Atlanta, GA (3 years)
  • Annual Celebration Committee Host, The Epstein School, Atlanta, GA
  • Fundraising Committee, The Epstein School, Atlanta, GA (5 years)

Education

  • Quinnipiac University School of Law, Bridgeport, Connecticut
    • J.D. – 1990
    • Honors: American Jurisprudence Award, Family Law
    • Honors: American Jurisprudence Award, Income Taxation
  • Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Georgia – 1990
  • Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
    • B.S. – 1983
    • Major: Business
Portrait of Carla Stern, attorney at Stern Edlin Graham
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Partner Attorney in Family Law Attorney

Carla F. Stern is a versatile family law attorney and Atlanta native with a proven track record of achievement in handling complex marriage dissolution and child custody cases involving high asset clients. Her areas of strength include mediation, litigation, and relationship cultivation as well as providing clients with innovative solutions to challenging situations. She distinctively combines strong law background and advanced legal skills with a passion for counseling both clients and team members.

Ms. Stern is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a member of the Family Law Sections of the Atlanta Bar, Georgia Bar, and American Bar Associations, The Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court, and the Atlanta Lawyer’s Club.
A frequent lecturer and panelist at matrimonial law seminars, some of Ms. Stern lectures have been delivered to the State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section; the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers National and Georgia Chapter and the Atlanta Bar Association Family Law Section. Additionally, she has authored numerous articles on matrimonial law.

Ms. Stern has received many recognitions and awards including Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, since 2010, 2011 inaugural edition of the Martindale-Hubbell® Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™ – exclusively for women attorneys who have received the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards from their peers; Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Received AV Preeminent rating which is the highest possible professional rating by Martindale Hubble for 12 years in a row. Included in Best Lawyers in America since 2013 for work in the practice area of Family Law.

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CARLA STERN

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carla’s approach to family law representation

How does Carla approach complex cases?

Carla begins each matter with a detailed review of financial structure, custody considerations, and long-term objectives. As one of the established divorce lawyers in Atlanta, she builds strategy around preparation, clarity, and protection of her client’s interests. 

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to decision-making authority over major aspects of a child’s life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. It may be awarded jointly to both parents or solely to one parent, depending on the circumstances. 

Physical custody relates to where the child primarily resides and how parenting time is allocated between parents. This includes the day-to-day schedule and overnight arrangements. 

How does Carla Stern handle high net worth divorce?

High net worth divorce cases often involve business interests, executive compensation, and substantial estates. Carla works with financial professionals when necessary to ensure careful analysis and strategic asset division.

Can Carla handle international custody matters?

Yes. Carla has experience with multistate and international custody disputes, including matters involving cross-border considerations. She approaches jurisdictional issues with careful legal review.

What distinguishes Carla from other high net worth divorce attorneys?

Clients often note her preparation and steady advocacy. She focuses on disciplined litigation strategy while maintaining professionalism throughout negotiations and court proceedings.