We Are Whelchel & Carlton, LLP
J. Hamilton Garner
Practice Areas:
- Probate
- Civil Litigation
- Domestic Relations
- Criminal Defense
- Real Estate
- Probate litigation
- General litigation
Biography
An attorney and partner at Whelchel & Carlton, LLP, Hamilton Garner extends his legal service to both individuals and businesses. He primarily assists clients who are facing issues involving probate matters, domestic relations, criminal defense, real estate and general civil litigation. He has handled a broad range of matters including:
- Probate litigation: Will contests (caveats); guardianship proceedings; drafting of wills, powers-of-attorney, Advanced Directive for Health Care, trusts; has been court-appointed as both executor and conservator in contested estates
- General litigation: Representing plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes, construction litigation, personal injury, premises liability and land-line disputes
- Domestic relations litigation: Divorces, child custody, child support, legitimation and adoption
- Residential real estate purchases, sales and financing
- Criminal defense including both felony and misdemeanor offenses
Before joining Whelchel & Carlton, LLP, in 2009, Mr. Garner was a solo practitioner and an associate at a small legal firm as well. After receiving his bar license, he served as a law clerk at the Superior Court. He later worked as an assistant district attorney, where he dealt with numerous cases involving armed robbery, murder, aggravated assault, domestic violence and DUI.
Happily married to Beth Lee Garner, Hamilton is the father of twin boys, William and Robert. They are members of the Moultrie First United Methodist Church and several other local organizations.
Education
- Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, Macon, Georgia
- J.D. - 2001
- Mercer University
- B.B.A. - 1996
- Major: Management
Bar Admissions
- Georgia, 2001
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Georgia
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia
- U.S. Supreme Court
Pro-Bono Activities
- Moultrie First United Methodist Church, past Chairman of Counsel of Stewards
- Leadership Colquitt County, 2009 graduate
- YLD Leadership Academy (State Bar of Georgia), 2009 graduate
- Hero House – Children’s Advocacy Center of Colquitt County, past Board of Directors
- Colquitt County Chapter Ducks Unlimited, past Area Chairman
- Double Gobble Chapter NWTF, past Committee Member
Professional Associations
- Moultrie Bar Association, President, 2011 to Present
- Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, Member of Board of Directors
- Kiwanis Club of Moultrie, Committee Chairman and past member Board of Directors
- State Bar of Georgia
Past Positions
- Georgia Army National Guard/U.S. Army, Captain, Armor Platoon Leader (M1A1 Abrams), Support Platoon Leader (logistics) and as a Company Executive Officer
- Superior Court law clerk