Hallettsville Family Lawyers

ABOUT BEN
Dallas-based attorney Benjamin Palatiere is a courtroom veteran with over 10 years of experience helping individuals, families, and businesses in civil disputes.


Education

Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2008
Texas State University, magna cum laude, 2005


Licensed/Admitted

Benjamin is admitted to the Texas Bar and licensed to practice in all district and county courts at law throughout the state.


Groups / Clubs

Dallas Young Lawyers Association
Sigma Alpha Epsilon

It is often said that there is no time like the present. This could not be truer than when considering to prepare an estate plan. Doing so will it put your mind at ease by taking care of your family and loved ones. And it ensures your estate is distributed and protected according to your desires. Whether you need a Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney, Yolanda offers a variety of estate plans to suit your needs for the benefit of your loved ones.

Yolanda Castro-Dominguez is a native Texan who grew up in Irving, Texas. Her passion for helping others...

I am a Texas custody and divorce lawyer. I fight for your children and your money. What could be more important? To have me as your lawyer, is to have an honest southerner who cares about you and your case. I've been through this myself, so I know how important it is to have a lawyer who will protect you, give smart advice and help you keep a cool head. Allowing a lawyer to do these things for you requires an immense amount of trust. I do not take such a...

Dave Bunger grew up in North Texas and began a successful career in 1992 in mental health. During his career in public schools as a Licensed School Psychologist, Dave conducted extensive assessments of children with psychological and educational challenges. He assisted in the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) process for provision of special education services and advised Section 504 committees in the implementation of academic and behavioral accommodations. Dave also worked extensively on the development of educational programs to assist in monitoring the behavior of emotionally disturbed children. Dave spent countless hours providing knowledgeable,...

Sherry D Tavel has been licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas since 1989. She is board certified in Residential Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization with the State Bar of Texas. She has worked for the Texas Attorney General in the Child Support Division as Managing Attorney. Sherry has owned and managed Chicago Title Company in Deer Park, Texas. She was appointed as the first female for the City of Pasadena as a Municipal Judge, and is currently the Presiding Municipal Judge at Roman Forest, Texas.
Sherry D Tavel has also served as...

When you retain fifth-generation attorney Patrick O’Fiel to represent you in your legal matter, you can rest assured knowing he will personally be handling your matter from start to finish. His success is attributable to his knowledge, aggressive representation, dedication to his clients, and the personal attention and service he provides. With more than 10 years of legal experience and the extensive skill and knowledge gained through being a fifth-generation lawyer, Mr. O’Fiel believes in aggressively representing his clients. You can count on the aggressive pursuit of your claim or legal goals, as well as the aggressive protection of your rights. You...

As a solo attorney, Kacie Biebas has spent the last several years focusing on family law in Bell and surrounding counties. She has helped hundreds of clients achieve favorable verdicts and stay well informed during their experience with the justice system.

An experienced trial attorney, primarily focused on criminal defense, child custody, divorce, real estate and business matters. My client selection criteria are based on merits as opposed to finances. I believe that, in decades past, citizens had greater access to representation in the courts, but that, due to changes in the profession and the economy, access to justice has become a problem for many. I try to address that problem by keeping my practice small, focused, selective, and project-based instead of volume-based. It works very well. I have also learned that maintaining credibility inside and outside the courtroom is not...

I am Amie Augenstein, I thank you for considering my firm for legal representation. After living in Dallas for over 15 years, my family and I recently relocated to Corpus Christi. Prior to opening my firm here, I worked as an associate for a Dallas Employment Law Firm I represent both Employers and Employees, which gives me insight into both sides and keeps me sharp from every angle of any legal issue that comes up.

I am experienced in several areas of law, such as Criminal Law, Employment Law, Mental Health Law, Juvenile Law, Contract Law, Family Law, and Guardianship...

As the founding attorney at the firm Hopkins Law Group, PLLC, Corpus Christi lawyer Josh Hopkins offers legal assistance in criminal defense and personal injury cases. Since 1993, Attorney Hopkins has been licensed to practice law in the state of Texas. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified him in the area of Personal Injury Trial Law. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law. Get more information today by contacting his firm.

Ricardo Julio was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His family moved to the US at an early age, and he has lived in Texas ever since. Growing up in a foreign country, he quickly learned the value of hard work and dedication. Ricardo received his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Baylor University in 2009. After graduating, Ricardo attended the night program at St. Mary’s Law School while maintaining a full-time job in Austin. At St. Mary’s, Ricardo was part of the St. Mary’s Civil Clinic where he provided pro bono representation to members of...

With more than 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Armando J. Román provides advice and counsel to clients needing legal representation in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, civil defense, citizenship and immigration services, removal defense, real estate, business, contracts, wills, probate, guardianship and family law matters.

Lawyers tend to focus or specialize in only particular areas of the law, while Armando focuses on serving his clients in several areas of the law. He represents people who are injured in motor vehicle accidents or because of the negligent acts of others. He represents people who have...

Over 20 years of litigation and counseling experience. We make every reasonable attempt to resolve and settle disputes. If the opposition is unreasonable, we file a lawsuit and litigate as far as necessary. Sometimes a dispute is settled in litigation and other times we prepare for and conduct trials. We also do appeals if necessary in both the Civil and Criminal arenas.

Originally from the Beaumont area, Malachi Daws is familiar with the heritage of Southeast Texas. He is dedicated to providing the people of this community with personalized legal care and advocacy.
Malachi has seen how the momentary actions of others can bring about consequences that forever change the lives of those injured and their families. Many times, these injuries leave behind more than physical scars, often causing mental anguish and emotional heartache. He is committed to helping his clients repair all aspects of their lives touched by personal tragedy.

Malachi has tried multiple cases resulting in multi-million dollar jury verdicts, including a...

Fernando D. Gireud was born in El Paso, Texas, and graduated from Coronado High School in 2002. He attended the University of Texas – Austin where he majored in Computer Science and graduated in 2007. Afterwards, Fernando attended law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas where he graduated with his J.D. in 2010.

Shortly thereafter, Fernando moved back to his hometown of El Paso, Texas, where he worked for the Domestic Relations Office of El Paso County where he acted as friend of the court and worked on child support enforcement cases. In March 2012,...

I have been a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas since 2003. In that time, I've focused on family law and estate planning/probate matters, with a special emphasis on child abuse and neglect cases. When it comes to child abuse and neglect cases, I've sat at every table in the courtroom, having represented parents, children and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services during my career.

At Roberson Duran Law, PLLC, we take a client-centered approach to legal representation, where we take into consideration the unique and specific needs of each client. We treat each...

Chad Zubi is the founding attorney of The Law Office of Chad Zubi, a criminal defense and family law firm in Houston and the surrounding areas, including Humble, Kingwood, and Atascocita. Through experience, Chad is a great help for people accused of a crime whether it be small or large, or who are going through a divorce or other family law matter. Chad has deep knowledge of the Texas criminal justice system and family courts, which make him uniquely qualified to achieve the desired result for his clients. Chad Zubi is a trusted attorney who is capable of...

Wilfried P. Schmitz is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and received this certification in 2000. He has practiced law for over 30 years after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law.

Mr. Schmitz is a fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas and a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.

He is licensed to practice law in all State...

Board Certified Family Lawyer, Texas Board of Legal Specialization and obtained certification in 1999, licensed since 1991. Office located in San Antonio, Texas. We represent Spanish speaking clients with bilingual staff. Certified mediator, speciality in Family Law with 20 years experience as Mediator Experienced trial lawyer Guardianship certified Prior to law school I became a Registered Nurse, and still maintain license. Active in legal, community and nonprofit organizations. President, Family Law Bar Association San Antonio, 2022 CCA, Dress for Success and Canines for Warriors volunteer Proud parent of two professional children - not attorneys Graduate, University of Texas School of Law

Cherrell is from Saint Louis, Missouri, and moved to Texas in 2007. Thereafter, Cherrell commissioned from the Army Reserved Officer Training Course and served as an active-duty chemical officer. Cherrell served in the United States Army for 14 years. In January 2018, Attorney Holmes became a Judge Advocate in the US Army. During her time as a JAG Officer, she practiced family law, consumer protection, estate planning, military law, criminal defense, administrative law, and labor law. In January 2022, Cherrell began practicing family law in San Antonio, Texas. Cherrell has a passion for representing clients that need compassionate and zealous representation. Specifically,...

Attorney Derek S. Ritchie – the founder and managing partner of The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC – is an accomplished lawyer focusing his practice on family law and criminal defense.
Derek obtained his law degree in London where he practiced criminal defense, handling a variety of sex crimes, gang-related crimes, and violent crimes. From there, Derek moved to the U.S. and earned his LLM from The University of Texas School of Law. He gained prosecution experience while working for the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. After graduating with his LLM, Derek worked for a criminal defense firm in...

Attorney Sylvia A. Cavazos is a former prosecutor and worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar county for 10 years. She has extensive criminal trial experience in Felony and Misdemeanor cases including 1st Degree Aggravated Felonies. Ms. Cavazos opened up her private law office in 2007. She is a highly motivated and aggressive attorney who knows the law and the criminal justice system. Ms. Cavazos is one of the top criminal lawyers in San Antonio and surrounding counties. She also practices in Federal Court in the Western District of Texas and also has federal...

Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985. Merrilee has lived most of her life in Waco. She graduated from Baylor University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in elementary education with a minor in English. Merrilee also received certificates in teaching and in the fields of language and learning disabilities and mental disabilities. Merrilee graduated from Baylor Law School in 1978 with a Juris Doctor degree and concentration in Civil Trial Law. From 1978 to 1981, she practiced Criminal Law as...

I have been licensed to practice law in Texas for 40 years. I have tried thousands of cases, from traffic tickets to death penalty cases, from simple divorces and visitation cases to complex divorce and custody cases, to the court and to juries, in all levels of Texas trial courts and in the Federal Courts of Texas. I am a member of the San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, State Bar of Texas.

A diverse skill set, the ability to empathize with client's issues, and a dedication to solving problems is the reason Jonathon Storment's clients speak so highly of his services. Jonathon is a tireless advocate for his clients and will fight to ensure that their legal issue is handled with the utmost competence and skill. Jonathon has been a decorated soldier in the U.S. Army, a federal law enforcement officer with the U.S. Treasury Department, an award winning accountant, and a public school administrator. Whatever position he held, he was one of the best in his field. "Some would call it a...

David was born and raised in the Dallas area and attended Mesquite schools. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Before he became a lawyer, David was a teacher and a coach in several Texas school districts. He also enjoyed coaching summer leagues for many years.

David served on the Forney ISD school board for six years and was president one year.

David has devoted his career to helping consumers in Texas. He has prosecuted and defended cases involving everything from collections and foreclosures to swimming pools, automobiles, and home foundations. He is proud to say that he has...

Ms. Wright is an experienced litigator and advocate. Her direct approach and prompt communication have earned her the trust of her clients and the respect of her peers. Though she is trained as a trial attorney, Ms. Wright attempts to keep her clients out of the courtroom if possible for their benefit, both financially and emotionally. If going to court is necessary, Ms. Wright is trained and ready to be your advocate. She will prepare you thoroughly for each next step.

She is a goal-oriented attorney, and firmly believes in client involvement and keeping clients informed. One of the first requests...

Attorney Michelle May O’Neil earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1989 from Baylor University Hankamer School of Business, her Juris Doctorate in 1991 from Baylor University School of Law, and her Mediation Certificate in 2003 from Texas Women’s University. Ms. O’Neil has been practicing law for over 30 years, and is the founding partner of the Dallas family law firm, O’Neil Wysocki. Through the use of genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, and her determination to help them maintain their most favorable outcomes, Attorney O’Neil has the ability to assist individuals through complicated matters including divorce, child custody, and...

Mr. Bridge serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney at Bailey & Galyen, one of the largest consumer law firms in Texas. A dedicated leader and experienced attorney, James has been instrumental in driving the firm’s success and overseeing its operations. James earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University (TCU) and went on to graduate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 1998. During law school, he demonstrated his leadership abilities as the President of the Student Bar Association and as the President of his legal fraternity. With a proven track record in litigation, James is a...

Jennifer is very driven; which helps her be a strong and effective advocate for her clients. She believes in treating people who are dealing with difficult situations as well as happy events such as adoptions and prenups with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing excellent representation and personal service. Born and raised in the North Dallas area; Jennifer graduated from Plano Sr. High in 1993. Four years later, she received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Law and English from UNT. Following college, she took two years off to begin her family before continuing her education and going...

Andrew pursued family law after realizing his passion for client advocacy and the many opportunities for championing a client’s best interests. He is especially drawn to courtroom litigation and mediation as solutions for clients’ cases and a match for his skills. Andrew's goal is to build trust with his clients so that they find peace of mind knowing he is in their corner.

Christine Clary was raised in Bridgeport, Texas and graduated from Bridgeport High School. She discovered a passion for law while working in her father’s law firm and competing in speech and debate tournaments on the weekends. Christine went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After college, Christine worked for Dr. Phil McGraw at his trial consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences, Inc. Christine then attended St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she was active in the Student Bar Association and mock trial competitions. During law school, Christine also interned...

Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1996. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2004.

Sandra L. Sprott is currently a solo practitioner and owner of the Law Office of Sandra Sprott, P.C. in Arlington, Texas. Ms. Sprott represents diverse clients in the fields of collections, small business planning, and commercial/consumer litigation. She also devotes her time representing clients in the areas of family law, landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning, and probate matters. From 2008 to 2013, Ms. Sprott was a Managing Attorney at the Law Office of Ben Abbott, P.C., in Garland, Texas. In this role she provided counsel and performed a full complement of legal activities in the plaintiff personal injury field....

Jane Mapes has been practicing law for 26 years and has devoted her practice to Family Law for the past 16 years, in Texas. Prior to relocating to Texas in 1996, she concentrated on real estate and personal injury law in the State of Florida, where she went to law school, and was admitted to the Bar in 1988. Upon moving to Texas, Ms. Mapes was admitted to the State Bar of Texas, and began practicing with a general practice law firm in Grand Prairie, where she familiarized herself with the courts in Tarrant and Dallas Counties. Jane then joined...

Juan is from the town of La Feria, Texas where he grew up on a farm and ranch. His upbringing instilled in him the value of respect and a purpose to help others. These values helped Juan as he pursued his studies at the University of Texas Pan American and University of Texas, where he graduated with his law degree. Prior to practicing law in the great state of Texas, Juan had the privilege of working in Washington, DC in the U.S. House of Representatives and United States Treasury Department where he worked on national issues related to...

Rudy Moreno was born in Edinburg, Texas. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas - Pan American in 2005, he received his J.D. from The University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth in 2009. Mr. Moreno began his legal career with a civil litigation law firm, representing individuals and corporations who were seeking justice through our court system. Mr. Moreno believed that in starting his own practice, he could be more effective in helping people and small businesses deal with a variety of legal issues. Since opening his own office,...

J.C. was admitted to the bar and to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas in 1988. He received his undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University and his law degree from the Baylor University School of Law. J.C. is a member of the Order of Barristers, the State Bar of Texas, and the Tarrant County Bar Association. A frequent speaker on a wide array of subjects, he enjoys making presentations for professional groups, businesses, churches and schools. Addressing challenges in a constructive and professional manner is the highest priority of Mr. Bailey’s practice. J.C. has...

Doug Wright is a native of Fort Worth who graduated from Paschal High School in 1972 before earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin in 1976. He then attended St. Mary University School of Law. After graduating and getting licensed in 1979 he returned to Fort Worth where his father was a Family District Judge and began his legal career.After being in private practice for almost 30 years Mr. Wright joined the firm of Bailey & Galyen in 2009 as Managing Attorney of the Fort Worth Office. He has committed his practice to Family...

Julio Paredes is a Licensed Attorney under the Texas Bar Association, and is a Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

He graduated with High Honors and obtain his Juris Doctor from the UNT College of Law in Dallas, Texas. Mr Paredes also has a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with the Highest Honors.

Upon obtaining his law license, Mr. Paredes opened up his own law firm and has been representing many people in all aspects of immigration, auto accidents, family law, criminal law, real estate...