Founding Partner

Kristy Barnhart

I believe there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to family law matters.  I take the time to get to know my clients, understand what is important to them and then craft a strategy to obtain the best results given their specific circumstances.

Kristin (Kristy) Barnhart, one of Atlanta’s most prominent Family Law attorneys, practices exclusively in areas the of divorce and family law throughout the greater Atlanta area. Kristy’s well-established experience and expertise is rooted in successfully representing clients across areas of simple and complex actions for divorce, high-net worth divorce, asset division, child custody, child support, alimony, legitimation and paternity, modifications of prior orders, contempt, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. After spending the first 10+ years of her career at a premier boutique Atlanta family law firm, Kristy founded Barnhart Family Law in the Spring of 2023 to better serve clients throughout metro Atlanta. Kristy’s compassionate and personalized approach ensures that her clients are heard and valued throughout the process. Kristy is committed to developing a close working relationship with her clients and providing individualized, high-quality, and cost-efficient legal services. As a client, you will feel empowered to make informed decisions and enter the next chapter of life.

Kristy is trained as a Guardian ad Litem and has considerable experience litigating all elements of complex family law cases. From the initial consult, Kristy approaches cases with a goal of achieving the best outcome for her clients, whether through settlement or trial. Kristy listens to and strategizes with her clients to achieve their desired result. She prides herself on being responsive and providing each client with the personal attention they deserve.

Kristy’s clients rely on her compassion, skill, and respect in the legal community. She has been named a Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star in the area of family law from 2017-2023, an honor bestowed on the top 5% of attorneys throughout the State, and as a Legal Elite by Georgia Trend magazine in 2022.

In addition to her litigation practice, Kristy is actively involved in several local bar associations.  She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Women in the Profession section of the Atlanta Bar Association, where she is also a member of the Family Law and Solo/Small Firm sections. Kristy has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) for several years and currently serves on the Board for the Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization, for the 2023-2024 term.

A native of the Washington, DC metro area, Kristy now lives in North Buckhead with her husband and two daughters. Kristy graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and obtained her Juris Doctor at Charleston School of Law.

Associate Attorney

Balean S. Reid

As a child of divorce, I believe that two happy homes are better than one unhappy home. When it comes to handling your case, I understand that I need to be an expert not only on the law but also my client, as a person to craft the best solution for your domestic matter.

Ms. Balean S. Reid received her Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law and a minor in Sociology from Georgia State University. Balean graduated from Emory University’s School of Law in 2021, where she was on the Dean’s List and served as President of the Legal Association for Women Students.  Balean was also a member of the Family Law Society, the Black Law Student Association and gained advocacy skills through her involvement with the Moot Court Society. 

While in law school, Balean externed with Atlanta Legal Aid, where she advocated for survivors of domestic violence seeking Temporary Protective Orders. Balean has focused her practice exclusively in the area of domestic relations handling divorce cases, child custody matters, legitimation actions, modification cases, prenuptial agreements, and other family law issues. Balean has a passion for aiding victims of domestic violence, and she volunteers with Atlanta Legal Aid to assist with domestic violence cases. 

Balean grew up in Cobb County Georgia and now resides in DeKalb County. In her spare time, Balean enjoys reading, peer mentoring and spending time with friends and family.

Paralegal

Brandy Blalock

Brandy Blalock joined Barnhart Family Law in February 2024, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience in the legal field, primarily in family law. Since 2006, Brandy has worked extensively in areas of family law, and she also has substantial expertise in criminal, juvenile, and probate court matters, as well as estate planning.

Brandy earned her degree in Business Office Technologies/Medical Office Specialist from
Coosa Valley Technical College in 2005. She later obtained her Paralegal Certificate from North Metro Technical College in 2007, further solidifying her legal career.

A proud Georgia native, Brandy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and giving
back to her community. She is actively involved in a local outreach program in Cherokee County that provides meals to schoolchildren on weekends. Brandy lives in the greater metropolitan Rydal, Georgia area with her husband, Stephen, and their son, Jet. As a devoted homeschool mom, Brandy is deeply committed to her son’s education, balancing her family and career with
care and passion.