Macdona Family Lawyers

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...

Amber Shemesh is a divorce and family law attorney in Dallas Fort-Worth area with passion and dedication of helping her clients with complex divorce and family law matters. She has represented clients in different counties of Texas, including Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis. Amber Shemesh has been practicing family law in Texas for over 10 years now, and over the years she has helped her clients with contested divorce, uncontested divorce, child support, child custody, parental rights, property division, domestic violence protection, and restraining orders. Her passion to help her clients with their legal matters, dedication to...

Learn more at www.thewhitelawfirm.com.

Megan was a family law paralegal for 16 years before becoming a family lawyer, and has seen firsthand what matters to clients: knowing their case is in good hands with an attorney who understands their personal situation and who is capable of providing personalized options for addressing their legal issues. With a combination of sound legal counsel and practical advice, Megan guides clients toward goal-oriented decision-making that positions them for a better future. Megan was named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch © list in the field of Family Law.

Tom Trahan is proficient in all facets of family law, from out-of-court settlements to courtroom litigation. His deep understanding of the litigation process enhances the chances of reaching negotiated or amicable resolutions, as opposing counsel and clients often realize that finding common ground can lead to beneficial outcomes.

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

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...

Shahzad R. Khan is an accomplished attorney/litigator. He has over ten-years of experience in the practice of law in Immigration, domestic relations, estate planning, and corporate matters. He is experienced in civil litigation and an author of several published articles on family law issues. Over the course of his career, Shahzad has honed his highly strategic legal skills by successfully litigating and settling numerous cases involving family law issues in Texas and Illinois.
Moreover, Shahzad is well experienced and versed in the areas of Employment and Family Based Immigration. He has prepared and overseen the preparation of...

Our teams start with a deep understanding of our clients’ business objectives. We share knowledge across practices and regions. We help our clients not only mitigate risk, but also discover opportunity. And each success begins with the same simple question…

How can we help you?

By pooling our energy, talents and resources, we are able to achieve the highest order of excellence in the practice and profession of the law. Through such practice we are able to give back to our communities, and in all things to govern ourselves as members of a free democratic society with responsibilities both to our profession...

I am a Family Law Attorney with over 25 years of experience in the family law field. I am a bilingual speaker fluent in both English and Spanish.

Desireé Marie Bedasa is committed to helping families facing challenging family law issues, such as divorce. Due to her own personal experiences growing up, Desireé is inspired to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, primarily children. As an individual who did not experience a "traditional" upbringing, Desireé knows the potential trauma of a child being caught in the middle of a custody battle. She has dedicated her career to assisting families with children determine what solution is in the best interest of a child. Desireé is dedicated to and experienced at advocating for families in a wide...

Katherine's fervor lies in leveraging her experience and talents to aid others, a trait instilled in her by her upbringing as the daughter of two dedicated public school teachers in the Dallas area. This early exposure to community service molded her aspiration to pursue a career in family law, shaping the very essence of her professional approach. In 2012, Katherine attained her juris doctorate with honors from the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. Throughout her tenure there, she excelled as the Symposium Editor of The Oklahoma Law Review, earning recognition with the Gene H. and Jo Ann Sharpe Award for...

Reynaldo Garza III, comes from a long line of attorneys in Brownsville Texas. He along with his cousin and associate attorney, Gustavo Elizondo, III, are continuing their family tradition of providing high quality legal services. He is a Divorce Attorney, Child Support Attorney, Child Custody Attorney and Family Law Attorney in Brownsville Texas. Additionally, he works as a Criminal Defense Lawyer and he has helped numerous clients through tough times. As an Attorney in Brownsville Texas, he is following his father and grandfather's footsteps. He also has an uncle, and five cousins who are lawyers...

Kourtney is a trusted family lawyer working hard for families throughout the Houston area. As an experienced attorney, she has assisted families with divorce cases, child custody cases, adoptions, name changes, and estate planning. Kourtney's goal is to provide her clients stellar representation, while keeping the client's goals at the forefront. With Kourtney as their attorney, clients can expect a compassionate advocate committed to resolving their legal issues.

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. 

Sherlyn ("Sherry") Smith has fought and advocated for the rights of others for more than 20 years. Prior to embarking upon her legal career, attorney Smith was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specialized in DCFS involved families and mental health issues. Observing the nexus between individual legal and family problems, she concentrated her legal practice on family law, probate/guardianship, and family-based/humanitarian immigration law. She truly cares for her clients and works to help them really move forward once their cases are finished.

Deeply rooted in her beloved Chicago, attorney Smith is the proud graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana...

Originally from Provo, Utah, Randall Perrier has practiced law in Texas since 2002. Mr. Perrier earned his law degree from the University of Idaho School of Law and furthered his legal education at New York University School of Law, where he obtained a post-law degree in taxation. Upon graduating from NYU, Mr. Perrier was recruited by Baker Botts, LLP to work for their Houston office in the Business and Estate Planning group (renamed the Private Clients group). Mr. Perrier is certified by the State Bar of Texas in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

Mr. Perrier left Baker Botts, LLP...

Brooke is a focused and devoted advocate, who works diligently for her clients. Brooke began her career in family law as a law clerk for the firm during her studies at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Throughout law school, Brooke focused her study on family law matters, and excelled academically in her course work. She received accolades for her work. Upon graduation from South Texas College of Law Houston and being admitted into the State Bar of Texas, Brooke began her position as an associate for the Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers. Brooke has worked alongside...

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...

Mr. Maddox is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and was admitted as a member of the State Bar of Georgia in 1984. Mr. Maddox has represented hundreds of individuals for serious injury and wrongful death matters, divorce, child custody claims, contempt, and other family law matters. Mr. Maddox is admitted to practice before all State, Superior, and Federal District Courts of Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Maddox is also a State registered Mediator and Arbitrator and has been rated by Martindale Hubbell as 'A-V' for the...

Attorney Ned Gill III, is a reputed lawyer who has been committed to the field of family law for quite a handful of years. Belonging to a family associated with law and jurisdiction in Texas, Mr. Ned Gill III is undoubtedly a name with a high recall value amongst the people of Texas. Under his scope of work lies litigation/Mediation for divorce cases, arbitration and more. Being one of the most sought after professional lawyers in the arena of family law in United State, what distinguishes him is his intelligent and expert legal advice to all his customers seeking legal...

Mike Von Blon is an attorney specializing in high conflict divorce and contested custody cases. He is Board Certified in Family Law as a specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has previously served on the Family Law Section of the Houston Bar Association, as well as other state bar committees over the years.

Nicholas Traylor is an experienced attorney in Houston, Texas who focuses his practice on helping individuals and families facing family law challenges. He regularly advises clients on cases involving divorce and separation, complex property disputes, and child custody. Nicholas joined Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. in 2018 after working for several family law firms in Houston. Nicholas spent the majority of his life living abroad in Asia and the Middle East. He returned to the United States after high school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Baylor University. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he enrolled in...

Family and divorce lawyer in Northwest Houston, off of F.M.249 and Jones Road. Our firm is dedicated to all matters within the area of Family Law including: divorce, custody, separation, adoptions, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, enforcement of child support or visitation order, and grandparent rights. We represent clients in Harris County, Montgomery County, and all other surrounding areas.

At the Law Office of Kristin Kline, we understand that you are going through a traumatic time, and our goal is to help you efficiently resolve your legal concerns with as little emotional and financial turmoil as possible. Whether it’s the tumultuous breakup of the family unit or the death of a loved one, it is important to have a fair, honest, and affordable attorney on your side. Kristin has over 14 years of experience representing clients in all family law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, adoption, estate planning, and probate. Call today to...

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...

Sarah Springer began her career in law in 1980 after earning her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. In her many years of practice, Sarah has worked as a litigator, mediator, and judge. She served as the state district judge in Mississippi where she covered family law and probate cases, as well as juvenile crime cases. After this, she moved to Katy, Texas and continued to dedicate to herself to clients as a skilled family law attorney – with her experience behind the bench serving as a valuable resource for her clients.

Sarah practices all aspects of...

David believes that an effective family law practice is about putting clients first and maintaining relationships. David graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2011 summa cum laude, with a degree in History. Prior to practicing law, David taught high school public speaking, history, and debate for several years. While teaching, David earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. As a former high school history teacher and debate coach, David believes the right arguments are just as important as remembering that every client’s needs are different, every client’s story is different, and every story needs an...

Prior to joining Hunt Law Firm, Mia graduated in the top five percent of her class, earning summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law after graduating with honors from Texas A&M University.

Mia is passionate about family law because of the client-focused assistance she can offer families during a time of need. She understands every case is different and focuses on working with her clients to achieve the best possible outcome together. As an attorney, Mia believes it is most important to effectively communicate and be prepared.

Previously, Mia worked as an attorney at a family law firm in Houston....

2025 Super Lawyers Rising Star 2024 Avvo Client Choice Award 2024 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Silver If you would like to discuss a customized approach for your case, call me at (361) 579-2490 or email cole@eckhoffpllc.com. My consultation fee is 300. I represent clients seeking strategic representation for divorce, child custody, child support, modification, enforcement, CPS, adoptions and appeals in family law cases where the Court has abused its discretion or misapplied the law in Victoria, Texas and the surrounding area, including Edna, Ganado, La Ward, Port Lavaca, Seadrift, Point Comfort, Cuero, Yoakum (DeWitt portion only), Yorktown, Goliad, Refugio, and Woodsboro. Learn more at...

Elena is a Texas native. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston. She began working at the Hunt Law Firm as a law clerk while she was a law student and was thrilled to join to accept a full-time attorney position after being licensed. She is a dedicated advocate who skillfully guides clients through difficult times with compassion and empathy. Her goal is to support my clients, both inside and outside the courtroom, while explaining the law in a way that is accessible and easy-to-understand. She helps clients find reasonable solutions to...

John Lemos, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, has built a distinguished career as a family law and criminal defense attorney in the Houston/Cypress area. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University and his law degree from Baylor University School of Law in Waco, Texas, John established his practice and roots in Cypress, where he lives with his family. With a deep commitment to his clients, John thrives on tackling the complex and emotionally charged issues inherent in family law and criminal defense cases. He takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those...

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...

Rudy Taylor is a past Assistant District Attorney and a Special Prosecutor. He has practiced only Criminal Law since 2006 and has over 30 Jury Trials to his credit. He is experienced in all areas of criminal law from Capital Murder/Death Penalty to Simple Assault, Meth to Marijuana, Sex Crimes, and everything in between. He has recently began representing the Director of Morale @StoolFrederic in the Chicago Cubs @cubs baseball organization in Trademark matters.

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.

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.