As a leading voice in family and immigration law, Kourtney Bernard-Rance, Managing Attorney at The Manely Firm, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. With a background rooted in child advocacy and a career dedicated to supporting families in crisis, she now heads the firm’s exciting expansion into immigration law. In this interview, we explore the motivations behind this significant step, the intersection of family and immigration challenges, and the firm’s commitment to providing holistic care to clients across Georgia and beyond. From personal stories to global perspectives, Kourtney shares insights on how this new practice aims to transform lives.
What inspired The Manely Firm to venture into immigration law after years of focusing primarily on family law?
The decision to expand into immigration law really came from our core mission of serving families in crisis. Over the years, we’ve seen how often immigration issues intersect with family law matters, creating layers of uncertainty for our clients. It became clear that to truly help families, we needed to address both areas under one roof. This wasn’t just a business decision; it was about filling a gap we saw in comprehensive care. Many of our clients were struggling with immigration challenges on top of divorce or custody battles, and we wanted to be their full support system.
Can you share a bit about your background and how it shaped your journey to leading the immigration practice at the firm?
My early career in child advocacy was a defining chapter for me. I worked with families who were not only navigating the family court system but also facing immigration hurdles. Seeing how these issues compounded their stress and instability lit a fire in me to make a difference. Over time, I realized that immigration law wasn’t just a legal challenge—it was deeply personal for so many. That perspective has guided my work, and now, leading this practice at The Manely Firm, I feel equipped to bring both empathy and expertise to the table after years of handling these overlapping struggles.
How do you see family law and immigration law intersecting in the cases you handle at the firm?
The overlap is significant, especially in cases like custody or divorce where a parent’s immigration status can influence court decisions. Judges often look at stability when determining a child’s best interests, and an unresolved immigration status can complicate that. We’ve had cases where one parent’s documentation status became a sticking point in custody arrangements. Having in-house immigration expertise allows us to tackle these issues head-on, crafting strategies that address both the family law and immigration components seamlessly, rather than treating them as separate problems.
You’ve mentioned a past custody case involving an undocumented parent. Can you walk us through how immigration issues impacted that situation?
Absolutely. In that particular case, one parent’s undocumented status became a central issue in determining custody. The other side argued it created instability, which put the undocumented parent at a disadvantage in court. The biggest challenge was navigating the fear and uncertainty—both for the client and for us as advocates—while ensuring the child’s well-being remained the focus. We had to work with outside counsel back then, which added layers of complexity. Handling such cases internally now means we can move faster, communicate better, and build a more cohesive strategy from day one.
With six offices across Georgia, how do you plan to implement the immigration practice in these different locations?
We’re rolling out the immigration practice across all our offices—Atlanta, Columbus, Cumming, Lawrenceville, Marietta, and Savannah—to ensure accessibility for clients statewide. Georgia has a diverse population, and we anticipate higher demand in areas with larger immigrant communities, like certain parts of metro Atlanta. While the core services will be consistent, we’re also tailoring our approach to the unique needs of each community. Some offices might see more deportation defense cases, while others might focus on visa applications or status adjustments. Our goal is to be responsive to local dynamics while maintaining a unified standard of care.
The firm emphasizes a ‘concierge-level service’ for families. Can you explain what that means in practice?
For us, concierge-level service is about going beyond just legal representation. We’re not only fighting for our clients in court but also helping them rebuild their lives. That might mean connecting them with financial planners to manage post-divorce budgets, linking them to childcare resources, or even pointing them toward counseling services. We aim to be a one-stop support system, addressing every facet of their crisis. It’s about making sure they feel seen and supported, not just as clients, but as people going through some of the toughest moments of their lives.
With a global presence, including an office in London, how does expanding into immigration law enhance the firm’s international outlook?
Our global presence has always shaped how we approach family law, and adding immigration services strengthens that international perspective. Many of our clients are part of cross-border families, dealing with issues like international custody disputes alongside visa or deportation concerns. This expansion allows us to offer a fuller range of support to those families, whether they’re based in Georgia or abroad. It also positions us to help international clients proactively plan for potential immigration challenges, which we’re seeing more of as families become savvier about protecting their futures.
What’s your forecast for the future of immigration law, especially as it relates to family stability in the coming years?
I think we’re going to see immigration law become even more intertwined with family stability as policies continue to evolve. With ongoing debates around deportation, border security, and pathways to citizenship, families will face increasing uncertainty. My hope is that firms like ours can step up to provide not just reactive solutions but proactive planning—helping families prepare for potential changes before a crisis hits. I also expect a growing need for culturally sensitive legal services as immigrant communities expand. We’re committed to being at the forefront of that, advocating for families and pushing for reforms that prioritize keeping them together.
