Ryan D. Hanzelik.
Attorney, Chattanooga.
Practicing since 2006. Licensed in Tennessee and Georgia. Husband, father of three. Aggressive in court, plain-spoken in person.
A practice built one client at a time.
I started practicing law in 2006 and opened my own practice in 2007. Since then I've represented thousands of clients in personal injury cases, wrongful death claims, car accidents, divorces, child custody battles, murder cases, drug cases, business disputes, and just about everything in between.
I have obtained six-figure settlements for clients through aggressive, strategic litigation and negotiation. I have saved clients from life sentences and obtained the dismissal of numerous serious criminal charges. I have won custody cases for both fathers and mothers. I am skilled and experienced in every stage of litigation, and I bring strategy and calculation to your case with one goal: the most favorable result possible for you.
Where I came from.
My father practiced law for forty years. I grew up watching him work and learned the craft before I ever filed my first motion. I went to the University of Tennessee for undergrad, graduated cum laude in English, and then attended the University of Memphis — Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, earning my J.D. in 2005.
I was admitted to practice in Tennessee in 2006 and in Georgia in 2020. Chattanooga sits right on the state line — my family law and criminal defense practice is in Tennessee, and I handle personal injury cases on both sides of the line.
What you can expect.
Every client of The Hanzelik Firm speaks and meets directly with me. Every single time. When you call, you reach me. When you email, I read it and answer it. When your case goes to court, I am the one standing up for you.
I work hard for my clients. I keep them informed. I tell the truth, even when it's hard. I do not make promises I cannot keep. If a case can be settled fairly, we settle it. If it has to be fought, I fight it.
What I do when I'm not in court.
I am happily married to my wife Heather and I am the proud father of three amazingly beautiful daughters. My life revolves around my family. That is the lens through which I see every family law case that comes across my desk — and it is the reason I take what I do for my clients very, very seriously.
Credentials & recognition.
- Avvo Clients' Choice Award — every year since 2013
- Tennessee Bar — admitted 2006
- Georgia Bar — admitted 2020
- University of Memphis School of Law, J.D., 2005
- University of Tennessee, B.S. English, cum laude, 2000
- Multiple endorsements from Chattanooga-area judges and opposing counsel
Practice areas.
- Family Law & Divorce — divorce, custody, alimony, child support, parenting plans, orders of protection, adoption, juvenile court, dependency & neglect
- Criminal Defense — DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, probation violations, felonies and misdemeanors in Tennessee courts
- Personal Injury — car and truck accidents, motorcycle wrecks, wrongful death, insurance disputes in Tennessee and Georgia
Ready when you are.
Call to talk through your situation. No pressure, no obligation, no charge for the first conversation.