Galveston County Family Lawyers

Trey is a native to Houston, raised in Spring, Texas. He moved to Austin to begin his college career but soon returned to further his education and begin his career as an attorney. Trey has a passion for family law and helping families, especially those who have children. He enjoys assisting families as they navigate through the waters of divorce and the change it can bring. He tries to help his clients transition into their new situations in life in the most positive and healthiest way possible. In his spare time, Trey enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with his...

Dean Zand is a native Texan who was born in Houston and raised in Fort Bend County. Dean is a graduate of Texas A&M University. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Dean worked at an Engineering Firm in Houston. Always having the desire to become a lawyer, Dean attended South Texas College of Law. While attending law school, Dean became familiar with the legal system of Fort Bend County by working in the 328th District Court of Fort Bend County and with a local law firm. Since founding The Zand Law Firm, PLLC, Dean has devoted a...

I am the senior shareholder in Coplen & Banks, PC. I have been practicing law for approximately 35 years, with extensive experience in commercial, insurance, family, probate and personal injury litigation. Because of my education background, my practice is 50% litigation and 50% business transactions, wills, trust and probate.

This independent mother of one is working her dream job of being an attorney. Her experience is mainly in family and criminal law. However, Haley has a passion for helping children and families who might need extra guidance with their legal matters. Her mother is the inspiration behind Haley pursuing her dreams. She taught Haley about strength, courage, independence and how to go after what truly matters in our lives. When Haley is not out there helping others, she enjoys spending time with her son, swimming, playing games and listening to country music. She hopes to travel to Jamacia someday soon,...

Meet Byron Shaw, Our dedicated attorney with a distinguished legal career spanning over 24 years, Byron Shaw brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Licensed to practice law in both Ohio and Texas, he has dedicated over two decades to serving clients in family law and criminal law. After four impactful years as a prosecutor in CPS cases, Byron transitioned into private practice, where he has skillfully navigated complex divorces, custody disputes, enforcement actions, CPS cases, and criminal defense matters. In addition to his practice in Texas and Ohio, Byron is a proud member of several prestigious bars,...

When I first set out to study law, I recognized that although a traditional education is vital, having first-hand experience and specialized areas of focus are invaluable. While attending South Texas College of Law, I worked as a Law Clerk at a personal injury law firm, and also completed a program to become a certified mediator. Balancing my work at a high-profile personal-injury law firm honed my litigation skills, deepened my understanding of the law, and strengthened my time-management skills. Although it was a challenge to sustain all three, my dedication has never wavered. When I was younger, I was in constant...

W. Matthew Waldrop has built a successful career as an attorney in Harris County, Texas, and has developed a strong presence in the family law division of the State Bar of Texas. As evidence that W. Matthew Waldrop and The Waldrop Law Firm put their clients first, the firm filed and successfully won eight simultaneous motions to have Judge Denise Pratt of the 311th District Court of Harris county removed. The Waldrop Law Firm additionally maintains one ongoing appeal of Judge Pratt. His personal strong sense of justice motivates him to work hard to make sure that his...

Ayesha Mutope-Johnson is the principal of the law office of Mutope-Johnson & Associates, PLLC in Houston, Texas where she has maintained her practice since 1994. Her practice is personalized and professional, retainer rates are reasonable and she prides herself on meeting and exceeding the client's expectations. Combining compassion, intelligence, skill and training, she meets the clients' needs where they are and is always willing to go the extra mile for her client.

I am a Houston criminal attorney you can trust and place your confidence in with your criminal case. I have effectively defended clients charged with virtually every kind of criminal offense. With my experience as a former prosecutor, I can guide you through the legal process and advise you on what you can expect in court. In some cases, going to trial is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to have a proven fighter on your side. My former training as a prosecutor taught me how to try a case to a jury, learn to tell my client's story,...

Attorney Lilian Audu is a Sugar Land attorney that handles family law issues like divorce or adoption, as well as consumer law, personal injury, CPS cases, and immigration. Whatever the case, she is completely devoted to her clients, offering legal guidance that empowers them to face their obstacles with confidence. She understands the stress and emotional tension that many of her clients are going through—while she handles the case like a lawyer, she works with her clients like a trusted friend. If you’re facing a difficult road, whether it involves child protection, divorce, or a devastating injury, Attorney Audu...

Damiane Curvey Banieh spent her earliest years in Houston’s Fifth Ward area. Her family later moved to the North Forest Independent School District where she graduated Cum Laude from M.B. Smiley and went on to The University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Science in Radio –Television-Film.

After graduation, Damiane worked as an Adoption Recruiter for DePelchin Children’s Center where her primary mission was to find suitable families for special needs children. As her desire to protect children grew, she returned to school to receive her Teaching Certification from The University of Houston-Downtown. At the same time,...

Meet Ricky Whitehead, one of our dedicated Associate Attorneys at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, a passionate advocate for justice and equality. With a Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management from UH Clear Lake, Ricky Whitehead brings a robust academic background to our team. In addition to their legal qualifications, Ricky Whitehead is a Certified Mediator in Texas, showcasing their commitment to conflict resolution. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Ricky Whitehead is deeply rooted in the local community and actively volunteers with the Trans Legal Aid Clinic TX...

Mary Scherzer is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan. She earned her law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is admitted to the Texas Bar. Originally from Oklahoma, she has lived in the Houston area since 2007. Mary has a deep passion for advocating for children and families, believing that strong, healthy family relationships are the foundation of a compassionate and well-functioning community. Her experiences teaching during COVID and working in a domestic violence center have shaped her understanding of the law’s impact on individuals’ lives. In her free time, she enjoys...

Oiya Ali-Neely is a dedicated attorney with a strong commitment to her clients and community. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and is certified in mediation, equipping her with the skills to guide clients through complex legal situations with empathy and insight. Originally from North Carolina, Oiya has lived in several states across the U.S., gathering diverse perspectives that enhance her legal practice. In her free time, she enjoys reading romance novels, staying active at the gym, and unwinding with movies. Family is also a cornerstone of Oiya’s life—she is one of five sisters, and...

The Law Offices of Wesley H. Hocker was founded by Wesley H. Hocker, who has a broad background and extensive experience in Family law, Divorce, and Criminal Law. Mr. Hocker holds a Doctor of Laws (J.D.) from South Texas College of Law, where he graduated cum laude. He also received his Bachelors (B.J.) from the University of Texas. He has been licensed as attorney by the State of Texas since 1971. His Memberships include Phi Alpha Delta; Order of the Lytae. Editor, South Texas Law Review, 1969-1970. Special Judge, Harris County Criminal Courts, 1988—. Director: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, 1987— (Founding...

Duke Bonilla is a South Texas native and belongs to a network of family members practicing law throughout Texas. He proudly served as a member of the Texas A&M University Corp of Cadets, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is a law school graduate of South Texas College of Law. A long time advocate of education and community involvement, Duke worked himself up the school district system ladder as a History teacher, Coach, Administrator, and Campus Principal. He started Early College High Schools at two difference school districts in South Texas....