Ivanhoe Family Lawyers

Our firm is led by Mark Childress, an attorney who has been on the other side of the fence during his time at one of the area's largest law firms. He founded our firm in order to provide a more personal brand of representation. Mark believes in getting to know our clients on a personal level so that he can provide them with legal services tailored to the unique situations they face. Our main areas of practice include:

Divorce
Complex Divorce
Family Law
Custody & Visitation
Property Division
Adoption
Military Divorce
Uncontested Divorce

Attorney Lal Varghese, is admitted to practice as an attorney in Texas by the Supreme Court of Texas, and before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas since 1992. He is still licensed in Kerala, India to practice in any court. He has been practicing as an attorney for the past 31 years, out of which he is been practicing immigration law for the last 17 years in Dallas, Texas. Attorney Lal Varghese is a member of several legal and professional associations including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), American Bar Association (ABA), National Asian...

Melvin’s legal journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Texas A&M University, followed by earning his Juris Doctor from the Florida Coastal School of Law. Since becoming licensed in Texas in 2005, he has expanded his expertise by being admitted to all four federal districts in Texas and federal court in Colorado. Born in Durban, South Africa, and raised in Mesquite, Texas, Melvin has spent most of his life in the DFW area. His unique upbringing and global perspective are complemented by a deep-rooted commitment to his community. A member of The Heights Church, Melvin actively volunteers his time,...

Pamela A. Cherry has dedicated her career to the practice of family law. She has represented clients in all aspects of family law including divorce, child support, child custody, modification, premarital agreements, and adoption. In addition, Pamela is a certified ad litem and trained mediator. It is her experience as an attorney and mediator that enables her to assist her clients in achieving an amicable resolution to an often stressful, emotional, and expensive experience.

Pamela received her juris doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at...

For some people, choosing a career is a time-consuming process. But not for Elizabeth Doss – the Missouri native had her future mapped out early on. As a high school junior, she was selected to be a delegate for the Missouri Girls State, a summer leadership program sponsored by the American Legion. That event sparked in her a life-long passion for law, an interest that she would continue to foster for years to come. During that summer, she attended a course where a local attorney discussed landlord/tenant law. For Doss, that encounter was...

Holly R. Monk is a dedicated attorney with a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of the legal system. A graduate of Texas Tech School of Law and the University of Texas at Dallas, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Licensed to practice law in Texas and holding a Guardianship Certification, Holly is an active member of the Texas State Bar, the Collin County Bar Association, and the Dallas County Bar Association. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Holly has lived in Tyler and now calls the Dallas area home. Her journey into law began as a...

With nearly two decades of experience in family and business law, I specialize in high-stakes divorce, custody, and property matters—including those involving significant assets, international issues, and sophisticated financial structures. My background in litigation, tax law, and mediation allows me to approach each case with precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of what’s truly at stake. Whether you’re protecting your children, your business, or your peace of mind—I guide clients through divorce, custody, and complex family matters—always aiming for peaceful resolutions, but ready to fight smart when needed.

Taylor Mauro is a passionate and trial-tested attorney who focuses her practice on family law and civil litigation. A former prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience, Taylor thrives in high-stakes situations and brings a calm, steady hand to clients facing some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Taylor became a lawyer out of a deep interest in government and a personal calling to help people. Today, she’s driven by that same purpose—helping individuals and families navigate the legal system with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Whether advocating in a custody dispute or litigating a complex civil matter, she combines sharp legal...

Caring and compassionate consumer law attorney that will protect your rights. Over 20 years experience in financial matters, estate matters and family matters. Whether in financial distress or seeking to preserve wealth, our goal is your financial and legal well-being.

I hold Board Certification in Family Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. My legal practice is centered around child custody issues, divorce proceedings, modification suits, as well as premarital and postmarital agreements, among other family-law related matters. While I advocate for amicable resolutions, I am a strong and strategic advocate for my clients' rights. I take a solution-oriented approach and enjoy crafting creative strategies, especially in cases involving children. I primarily serve clients in Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Collin Counties.

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...

As a partner at Fears | Nachawati, John manages the firm’s criminal defense and family law practice sections. These courtroom intensive areas of law often carry high stakes for those involved. John enjoys the challenge of arguing his clients’ cases before a judge and jury. Originally from Louisiana, John attended high school at the Culver Academies in Indiana. He attended Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science. After college, John earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. John is licensed to practice in...

John B. Runge has been representing Texans in crisis since 1982, and has vast experience in litigating complex cases throughout the State of Texas.

A graduate of University of Texas School of Law, I have practiced in Tarrant and surrounding counties for years. Family and friends here. As a very young lawyer, I tried the first sexual harassment case Tarrant County had ever seen and much to the surprise of my older, mainly male colleagues, a Tarrant County jury awarded my client twice what we asked for! I've been on the forefront of a few other issues over the years and do not avoid controversy. Practicing on my own gives me the freedom to take cases that interest me. ...

Anita is a partner at Wilson, Lake & Savage, PLLC. She is admitted to practice law in Texas, Colorado, and Georgia and has practiced since 2006. After 2 decades as a litigator, Anita refocused her practice to assist parents and their children through collaborative law and mediation, which she sees is the best path toward healing and to avoid family and financial destruction. Anita is also a Parenting Coordinator and Facilitator, and she provides consulting services to assist colleagues, their clients, and Courts in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties. Being of mixed ethnicity, Anita is passionate about helping clients...