Leon County Family Lawyers

Brendin Miguez is the founder and lead attorney at The Miguez Law Firm, PLLC. He is a graduate of South Texas College of Law Houston, one of only three schools in the nation that is consistently ranked in the top 10 for trial advocacy by U.S. News & World Report. Prior to attending law school, Brendin’s past displays an impressive history of public service as he worked both as a teacher and served four years in the United States Army as a paralegal. Brendin’s practice draws upon his experiences of serving others in delivering the best possible legal outcomes for...

Kim Hegwood, born in Bay City, is an Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney based in Houston, Texas. Kim has been a practicing Attorney since she graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1996 and passed the Bar in 1997. After watching her grandparents struggle to maintain their independence as they grew older, trying to navigate the challenges of aging, and deal with the legal, financial, and emotional challenges that our loved ones face in their golden years, Kim dedicated her career to helping families preserve their dignity and protect their assets. Kim started her own law firm in...

I am Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and have practiced Family Law for more than 25 years. I received my Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law Houston and graduated from the University of Houston in 1993 with a degree in Business Administration. I practice exclusively in the area of family law. That includes divorce, custody, paternity, modification, child support, collaborative law, mediation, and adoption. I enjoy helping individuals and families navigate the complex legal and emotional aspects of Family Law. I only take cases that are in Tarrant County. I...

Melissa A. Aldape has been an attorney with Laura Dale and Associates, P.C. since 2019. She is a bilingual attorney, fluent in both English and Spanish, focusing her practice on helping individuals with family related matters. Melissa is licensed to practice law in Texas and is experienced in handling high conflict custody cases as well as property division in highly contested divorces.

Melissa graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Business Administration in 2011. She obtained a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2014 where she was the Secretary...

Chris is an experienced trial and appellate attorney respected throughout the State of Texas who is frequently called on to handle high-profile matters. He served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and has worked to reform and standardize custody and possession rules statewide. Chris is well known for his appellate experience and deep understanding of marital property laws. He is especially adept at dividing business ownership and ensuring value and security for the non-owning spouse. Dual Board Certified in Family Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Chris...

Ashley V. Tomlinson is an experienced attorney with Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. She focuses her practice on helping clients with their family related matters. With over ten years of legal experience, Ashley has helped many families with all aspects of family law, including cases involving child abduction under the Hague Convention. Ashley graduated magna cum laude from Hollins University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Tulane University in New Orleans where she was the Senior Articles Editor for Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law, one of the...

Callie Cole Dodson practices Family Law in Tarrant and surrounding counties in North Texas. She is focused on handling divorce, child custody, modification of child custody, child support, contested terminations and adoptions, protective orders, and any other facet of family law cases. Ms. Dodson is proud to be known among lawyers and judges for her integrity, honesty, and preparedness in the courtroom. Ms. Dodson has a background in psychology and uses that to inform her cases, and is honored to fight for and protect her clients and their families, either through contested litigation, mediation, or settlement agreements. Ms. Dodson...

I grew up in an immigrant family, experiencing the challenges and complexities of the immigration process firsthand. My parents moved to the United States seeking a better life, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the opportunities that U.S. citizenship provides. Driven by a desire to contribute to the community that fostered my success, I became the first in my family to attend university, graduating *summa cum laude* from the University of New Mexico. After completing my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to education, teaching in the bilingual school system in Madrid, Spain. Upon returning to the United States, I pursued...

Rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell; Houston Magazine's Top Family Lawyers; National Academy of Family Lawyers - Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award 2014; Board Certified in Family Law and in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Katrina has been practicing law since 2015 and is a member of the Texas Bar College. Additionally, she is a Certified Guardian Ad Litem and Certified Civil and Family Law Mediator. Katrina’s practice focuses on divorce, child custody, estate planning, guardianship, real estate transactions and mediation services.

Attorney Kayla E. Harrington is a proud Aggie. She lives in Fort Worth with her husband, son, two cats, and two rescue dogs. Mrs. Harrington prides herself on educating her clients on the legal process so they feel confident in making informed decisions that effect their lives. When Mrs. Harrington is not in the office, she is either hiking, horseback riding, or traveling to her favorite cities: Toronto, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

Patricia Brown has been practicing family law since 1997 in Williamson and Travis counties, with an emphasis on people and families, focusing principally on family law and divorce. Ms. Brown is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Both her paralegals are also Board Certified in Family Law. Having gone through a divorce, and raising 2 children as a single mother, Ms. Brown founded the firm based on her personal philosophy: genuine empathy and compassion for men and women seeking help. She focuses on understanding each client's individual needs, and has the...

Tina is passionate about advocacy. Her approach to family law matters is responsive, straightforward and client-focused. Tina possesses all the sincere language, confidence, and zeal you would expect from a litigator raised in a strong Italian family. She deploys these traits at maximum effect. Clients love Tina because she is confident and efficient. She is a family law litigator with an impressive range of experience and knowledge. Tina’s interest in family law and advocacy began during her studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she received a Master of Science degree in education. This master’s program focused on educational policy...

Heather M. Bachman is a Board-Certified Family Law attorney committed to resolving family issues through collaboration and mediation. Guided by the principle that family relationships should be preserved and protected during crises, Heather prioritizes out-of-court settlements, using the courtroom as a last resort. Her extensive experience includes divorce, child support, visitation rights, enforcement of visitation and child support, collaborative law, and mediation. With a compassionate approach and thorough understanding of the law, Heather offers clients expert legal advice aimed at educating them about legal procedures, exploring solutions, encouraging settlements, maintaining reasonable fees, and protecting their rights when litigation becomes necessary. Her...

Attorney Rafee’a S. Majeed is the Owner and Managing Attorney of The Law Office of R.S. Majeed. I am a Texas licensed Family Law attorney representing clients in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I have been representing clients in this area for over 5 years, primarily handling divorces (contested and uncontested), child custody cases, child support cases, and modifications and enforcements of all family law cases.

One of my most key characteristics enabling me to be a successful attorney is adaptability. Because the laws are constantly changing, each and every case brings a unique set of challenges and issues and...

The entire team at Hargrave Family Law is dedicated to helping our clients find effective legal solutions in a way that allows them to bring closure to this chapter, so they can get on with the rest of their lives. Whether a client is in need of a prenuptial agreement that protects their assets and provides a smooth start to a new future, a divorce agreement that protects their children and helps them maintain a peaceful co-parenting relationship with an ex-spouse, or a modification to their prior orders that will accommodate the new normal, our team is here to help.

I am a solo practitioner and my primary focus is family law and probate. If you are looking for an attorney who will truly listen to your issues and will work with you throughout the process, then give me a call. Solving your problem and getting you back on track is my primary concern. I am diligent, responsive, tenacious, reliable, and I truly care about my clients.

This is a full service law firm that provides quality representation for individuals and businesses in the State and Federal trial and appellate courts throughout Texas.

My practice is focused on Family Law, and Business Law, especially startups. I have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and I have have served my Bar Association as a Qualified Mediator and Past President of the Denton County Young Lawyers Association.

As the founder of the Law Offices of David L. Thornton, Galveston County lawyer David L. Thornton offers legal counsel in family law and personal injury cases. Since 1976, he has been licensed to practice as an attorney. He is also a certified mediator who received meditation training at Harvard Law School. On four occasions, Mr. Thornton has been selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers®. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Association for Justice and Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. For a free case evaluation, contact his firm today.

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...

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...

Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen believes in putting her clients first. Passionate about the best interest of her clients, she has earned a reputation for aggressively advocating on their behalf. As a mother herself, she is keenly aware of how divorce can adversely affect the children. She helps clients minimize the impact that divorce and separation have on their children. She has long had an affinity for children and family issues.

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

A renowned super lawyer for over four decades, Garry Lewellen has a stellar reputation, earned by case preparation and courtroom skills. A former Chief Justice describes Lewellen as having the innate ability to, "cross examine witnesses with surgical precision, exposing falsehoods, and revealing the truth."

Lewellen graduated from the University of Texas, in 1970, with a degree in Political Science. He subsequently attended the University of Texas School of Law, while serving as Governor Preston Smith’s Student Affairs Advisor for all college campuses within the state.

Thereafter, with approval of the...

John R. Gilbert joined his father, Ralph W. Gilbert’s practice in 1973, when they established the law firm of Gilbert & Gilbert. He has continued and built upon the tradition of client service and excellence in representation that has been a hallmark of the firm since its founding. Mr. Gilbert maintains a civil litigation and appellate practice focusing on commercial litigation, personal injury, and products liability. He has tried cases before state and federal courts on a range of challenging issues, and has handled a number of significant appeals. Mr. Gilbert’s practice includes serving as counsel for numerous...

Jennifer represents clients in adoptions, premarital planning and estate planning.

Sugar Land family law attorney Chikeersha Puvvada can assist you in all areas of family law. He has been helping individuals with their family law matters since 2008, and, regardless of the issue, Chikeersha is committed to providing every client with experienced, client-focused and compassionate representation in an affordable manner.

Born in India, Chikeersha immigrated to the United States at age 5 and grew up in the New York/New Jersey area, where he also attended high school and college.

After finishing law school in Austin, Texas, Chikeersha returned to New Jersey and was admitted to practice law in New Jersey. While in...

Founding Attorney Papa Dieye is dedicated to helping our clients obtain a positive outcome to their case. He greatly enjoys going to court for every person we help and stops at nothing to ensure their interests and goals are thoroughly represented. He works closely with each client to get to know their unique situations and craft a case strategy that works best. Papa attended Tulane Law School in New Orleans where he successfully served on the Moot Court Board. He was a finalist in the Junior Appellate Competition and won the Senior Appellate Competition where he argued a case before...

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

We understand nobody desires to hire an attorney. But serious circumstances require a seriously-effective attorney. Whatever issue you face, you don’t have to face it alone. Let us help you solve your problem so you can get on with your life.

A graduate of Tarleton State University and Oklahoma City University School of Law, during which he was inducted as a Member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi - Hand Inn, Chad Allman founded Allman Law, a general practice firm, in 2007 with the intent of serving those in need. Having grown up in a large family, Chad easily relates to people, allowing him to be sensitive to his client’s needs. 

Emily chose family law to help protect clients’ well-being. She works with clients to find a personalized solution for their situation. Emily understands that divorce and other family law matters are not simply a transaction, but a significant life transition. She offers practical and sound advice to help guide clients through this time to a hopeful future.

Candice B. Deyerle is a founding partner of Deyerle Silva Smith, PLLC and is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Clients with particularly complex family law issues, including divorce with businesses involved, multi-million dollar estates, privacy or publicity concerns, contested custody matters, children or parties with disabilities and/or special needs, or difficult issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or personality disorders involved particularly benefit from Candice’s expertise. From the initial consultation, she will listen to and thoughtfully evaluate the facts of your case and work with you to...

Jamie Kerr graduated from Rice University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2000. He spent nine years in education, working mostly with high school and university students through the process of application for admission to undergraduate, graduate, business, and law schools. In 2009, Jamie returned to school himself and graduated three years later from the University of Texas School of Law with a Juris Doctor. During his tenure at UT, Jamie focused heavily on clinical education, the study of the dynamics of domestic violence, and criminal law. He spent a year helping victims of domestic violence with their civil cases...

Linda Risinger has been in private practice since 1989, focusing on the needs of North Texans primarily in Collin, Dallas and Denton Counties. However, her expertise has been called upon in cases across Texas. Linda is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Southern Methodist School of Law in 1983 with a Juris Doctor. In 1989, she moved to Collin County, preferring the opportunity to meeting her client's needs in a more personal, committed level. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Collin County Bar Association. Her commitment to maintaining the highest level of knowledge and experience...

Carla De La Cruz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Carla has practiced family law in DFW and surrounding counties since 2017 and joined the Bogdanowicz Family Law team in 2020. She has experience in all areas of family law and is a native Spanish speaker.

Carla graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and later attended Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law. While in law school, she gained family law experience interning at the Child Support Offices in the District Court of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She further developed her skills...

Mary Jones has been resolving family law matters, including complex financial issues, custody and visitation concerns, immediate and long reaching ramifications of settlement provisions for more than 25 years. Mary’s long-standing focus has been in all aspects of family law and collaborative divorce, including traditional and same-sex divorce, child support, spousal support, child custody, modifications, complex property division, maintenance, post-divorce disputes, paternity, adoptions, enforcement, pre- and post-marital agreements, and grandparent access.

The Barrows Firm provides effective solutions in high conflict divorce cases, criminal and juvenile criminal matters, probate, guardianship and more.

Clients with family law concerns can rely on Jack to put them on a better footing for the future. People going through divorce and other family issues make decisions that affect the rest of their lives, and Jack helps them prioritize what really matters. He steps into his clients’ shoes and advocates for them from a practical and empathetic perspective.