Our Attorneys

Ashley T. Carlile
Owner/Partner

Ashley T. Carlile is a dedicated and experienced attorney who has built her career on serving families throughout North Georgia with compassion, skill, and integrity.

A native of Canton, Georgia, Ashley graduated from Cherokee High School in 2002 before earning her undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University–Cooley Law School, where she distinguished herself by receiving the prestigious Leadership Achievement Award and winning the school’s individual mock trial competition—earning recognition as the top litigator at the institution.

Ashley was admitted to the State Bar of Colorado in 2010 and the State Bar of Georgia in 2011. Since then, she has focused her legal practice on family law, criminal defense, and juvenile law. She began her career as an attorney for the Department of Family and Children Services, gaining critical experience in child welfare and family dynamics.

Today, Ashley specializes in complex family law matters that often involve multiple intersecting legal issues, including divorce, child custody disputes, Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs), domestic violence allegations, and DFCS-related cases. She is also highly skilled in high-asset divorce cases, custody modifications, child support modifications, and legitimation actions.

Ashley serves as a Guardian ad Litem in Cherokee, Cobb, Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties, advocating for the best interests of children in high-conflict custody cases. She is also a registered domestic mediator, helping families resolve disputes amicably in several North Georgia counties.

A respected leader in the legal community, Ashley was honored with the "Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals Under 40" award by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in 2016. She has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Blue Ridge Bar Association. From 2019 to 2024, she was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, a distinction reserved for no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state.

Deeply committed to community service, Ashley recently completed a decade of volunteer work with the Service League of Cherokee County. Her dedication both in and out of the courtroom continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of the families she serves.

Jennifer G. Side
Owner/Partner

Jennifer Gower Side is a highly respected attorney who was born and raised in Gwinnett County, Georgia, before establishing roots in Cherokee County, Georgia in 2018.

Jennifer’s academic journey began at the University of Georgia, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She then continued her legal education at the University of Georgia School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 2010.

After law school, she dedicated 11 years to serving as a prosecutor, where she gained invaluable trial experience and a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Her tenure as a prosecutor honed her skills in litigation, negotiation, and case analysis, preparing her to handle complex legal matters with confidence and precision.

Today, Jennifer focuses her practice on family law, guardian ad litem work, and criminal defense. Her extensive background as a prosecutor gives her a unique advantage in criminal defense, allowing her to anticipate the strategies of the opposing side and build strong, effective defenses for her clients.

In family law, she is a compassionate advocate who helps clients navigate the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, child custody, and other domestic issues. As a trusted guardian ad litem, she is a tireless champion for the best interests of children involved in legal proceedings.

Jennifer is known for her meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to her clients’ best interests. She approaches each case with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome, whether through a negotiated settlement or tenacious courtroom advocacy.

Lauren Belafi
Associate Attorney

Lauren Belafi is an associate attorney at Carlile & Side, P.C., where she focuses her practice on family law, juvenile law, and guardian ad litem work. She is passionate about guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult challenges with a steady hand, sharp legal insight, and a commitment to justice.

Before becoming an attorney, Lauren served as a major crimes detective and police officer in Forsyth County, Georgia. This unique background gives her an investigative edge in litigation and a deep understanding of the real-world impact the law has on people’s lives.

In every case, Lauren combines compassion for her clients with strategic advocacy, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the legal process. She believes in balancing strength with empathy—fighting fiercely for her clients while never losing sight of the human story behind each case.

When she’s not in the courtroom, Lauren enjoys time with her husband and their two children. She is also a passionate cook, traveler, and lover of the outdoors.

Melanie Prehodka
Associate Attorney

Melanie Prehodka is an experienced family law attorney who represents clients in divorce, custody, and other complex domestic matters. She is known for her strategic approach, steady guidance, and ability to navigate high-conflict situations with clarity and precision. A Louisiana native, Melanie earned her undergraduate degree from LSU and her law degree from Emory University School of Law in 1996. She has lived in Georgia ever since and has devoted nearly 30 years to representing individuals and families in family law matters throughout North Georgia.

Over the course of her career, Melanie has represented thousands of clients facing some of the most difficult transitions of their lives. Her extensive experience has sharpened her advocacy skills and given her a deep understanding of both the legal and personal challenges involved in family law cases.

Melanie is humbled by the opportunity to guide clients through significant life changes and a court system that can often feel intimidating. She finds it especially rewarding to see clients move from uncertainty about the future to confidence and optimism as important family issues are finally resolved.

Because family law matters often involve significant emotional and financial stakes, Melanie works closely with her clients to develop practical, effective strategies tailored to their individual goals. Whether through negotiation or litigation, she is committed to providing thoughtful counsel and strong advocacy at every stage of the process.

Melanie has been selected as a Georgia Super Lawyer every year since 2020, an honor reserved for only 5% of attorneys in the state. Her colleagues describe her as organized, detail-oriented, and an exceptional listener with the ability to absorb large amounts of information and present it in a clear, compelling, and effective way.

Clients describe Melanie as tenacious, thorough, patient, empathetic, and honest. They value her courtroom presence, her careful preparation, and her commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for their families.

Prior to joining Carlile & Side, P.C., Melanie served as a partner at a respected family law firm, where she handled a broad range of matters, including custody disputes, complex asset division, and post-divorce modifications. Her transition reflects her continued commitment to providing high-level representation and personalized client service in North Georgia.

Outside of her practice, Melanie enjoys cooking, kayaking, reading, spending time with her husband, and being involved in her church. A proud Louisiana native, she especially loves to cook.

Our Team

Our team is the backbone of our firm, keeping every case organized, every deadline met, and every client supported. With experience across family law, criminal defense, and juvenile matters, they bring compassion, efficiency, and attention to detail to some of life’s most stressful situations.