Merit Family Lawyers

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

In life, nothing imparts knowledge better than experience. Having endured a high conflict divorce that ended her twenty-year marriage, Robin Rubrecht Zegen understands her client’s fears and concerns first-hand. Compassionately, but zealously, helping her clients get through the process and ready for a happy and healthy future is her main focus. With over twenty years of experience Robin Rubrecht Zegen will help you identify and prioritize your goals and she will explain the options available for achieving them. She knows that divorce is a life changing and very personal event. She guides...

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...

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.

John C. Ginn is a partner with the law firm of Smith, McDowell, Ginn in Sulphur Springs. He has a general personal injury practice and is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Advocate. He has served as chairman of the District 1A Grievance Committee and is a past member of the Professionalism Committee of the State Bar of Texas. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and formerly served as a director of the Texas Trial...

Michael R. Cramer’s practice includes extensive experience in business law, civil and commercial litigation, employment law, corporate law, construction law, real estate, civil defense and estate planning. Attorney Cramer has more than 21 years of practice. Michael developed a statewide practice focused on litigation. His cases range from breach of contract to construction delay claims against the State of Texas. He also works with Family Law and Divorce cases. His business litigation practice includes the representation of corporations of all sizes. Michael has considerable experience in assisting corporations to avoid litigation through consultancy and risk avoidance. He counsels business...

Kris is board certified in the area of family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Kris earned her law degree at St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio after completing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She continued her education by earning a Master of Business Administration at St. Mary's University School of Business. She is a credentialed mediator in Family Law and matters involving Child Protective Services. Kris is licensed to practice law in Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri. Kris has four children and lives in Dallas with her husband...

Andres was born in Tyler, TX, but at age 4, he moved with his family to  Miami, FL, where he was raised. In 2010, Andres moved back to Texas, and he has lived in Dallas since then. Andres has been practicing law in Texas since 2012, and he has experience dealing with complex issues in both family law and criminal defense. However, he focuses his practice on family law. Having experience in multiple areas of law gives Andres the unique ability to provide clients with insight and guidance on secondary issues that may affect their family law case. Outside of...

Jordan Watson discovered her passion for family law after interning for a family law District Court Judge the summer after her first year of law school. After law school, Jordan cut her teeth as an associate attorney for a top family law practitioner, trying cases on her own throughout North Texas. Now at Epstein Family Law, P.C. Jordan is a valuable member of a legal team that is 100% dedicated to their clients and securing a better future for them. Prior to working at Epstein Family Law, P.C., Jordan graduated cum laude from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of...

Paula Lock Smyth is a family law attorney who is dedicated to providing effective and efficient representation to clients in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding communities. She genuinely cares about her clients and invests in each and every case she handles, taking the time to ensure that clients understand all of their options so that they can make informed decisions about what is right for their family.

We pride ourselves on demonstrating outstanding commitment to issues of each case, whether it be – high value property divorce, valuing closely held family business, contested custody, vigorous impeachment and cross examination of court appointed custody experts who make recommendations adverse to our client, aggressive and thorough review of all child support, and excluding mental health professionals seemingly frequently increasing conflicting roles in family and divorce courts.

Mary Kate Brown is a dedicated attorney committed to providing exceptional legal representation and advocating for her client's best interests. She earned her undergraduate degree from Concordia University in Austin, Texas. Her passion for the law led her to pursue her Juris Doctor from St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, where she honed her legal analysis and advocacy skills. While at St. Mary’s she served as a Staff Writer and an Executive Board Member for the Law Review. During her studies, she gained valuable experience by interning at the Hays County District Attorney’s Office and the Third Court...

Michael Caolo Jr. was educated at the University of Notre Dame with a major in Political Science and a minor in Soviet Foreign Relations. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Letters Degree. Michael Caolo Jr. was on the Dean’s Academic List and was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, the Texas Club and was active in student government. After being awarded an academic scholarship and attending the University of Notre Dame Law School for one year, he transferred to the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence...

Augustus Corbett is building a reputation as one of the best DFW civil rights, personal injury, criminal defense, and family law lawyers in Texas. He represents people throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, which includes Collin, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise Counties. Mr. Corbett also practices federal criminal defense in the United States District Court in the Northern District of Texas. He's the senior partner at Corbett & Corbett LLP where he practices with his daughter, Chloe Corbett.

Born New York, N.Y., April 14, 1951 admitted to Bar: 1982, Texas; 1983, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; 1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1986, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas; 1989, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas (A.A. 1971); Trinity University (B.A., cum laude, 1973; M.F.A., 1976); Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1982). Adjunct Professor, Business Law, University of North Texas, 1992-1993. Lecturer, Lewisville Library Law Lectures, 1984-1986. Member, College of the State Bar of Texas, 1989-1998. Diplomate, National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Associate, Durand & Associates, P.C., 1990-2015. Sole Practitioner, 1986-1990....

Born just south of Dallas, and true to his Texas roots, Andrew M. Lloyd fights proudly for families and justice. He exemplifies the attitude contained in the phrase - Don’t mess with Texas! He doesn’t let people mess with his clients, either. Big government and belligerent litigators threaten his clients’ lives, so he defends them. He’s a negotiator by birth and an attorney by trade, whose ultimate prowess and skill lie in the courtroom. He’s tenacious, witty, intelligent, and scrappy. With a nickname like “Texas Spanker,” what else would you expect? A...

From complex million-dollar estates and complex custody cases to simple property division and agreed upon shared custody arrangements, Michael Youngberg has helped all kinds of clients achieve their goals. Mike’s practice includes divorce, child custody, child support, modifications of existing orders, enforcements, division of property, characterization of property, spousal maintenance, temporary restraining orders, and protective orders.

Mike understands the emotional and financial toll that a family law case can take on a person, so he lightens that burden for his clients through pragmatic and compassionate representation. Mike concentrates his efforts on prosecuting his client’s interests as well as the children’s interests...

In 2009, Drew Christman founded a law firm where he practiced law with his partners for nine years. In 2018, he parted ways with his then partners and formed Christman | Daniell Attorneys, where he continues to provide clients with outstanding legal representation in a variety of practice areas. He was voted “Best Business Attorney” in Denton County in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, and the firm has received similar accolades in Family and Business Law in the years since. Christman | Daniell Attorneys offers legal services in the practice areas of Business/Corporate, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Probate, Real Estate,...

Daniel Dower was born in Dallas, Texas in 1972. He graduated from the Texas Academy of Math & Science at University of North Texas before moving on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at University of Texas at Dallas, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from South Methodist University, and Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Daniel has a long career as a financial executive, including a long tenure as CFO for CHI Investment Corporation, a local real estate investment company. He also served as President of Boo Koo Beverages, Inc. and engaged in...

With over twenty-eight years of experience, Jennifer Ramos joined the Bouschor legal team with a focus on Family Law & Probate Law. A graduate of Baylor School of Law, Jennifer is fluent in Spanish and offers a diverse experience and unique skill set in order to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. Jennifer began her legal career with Legal Aid of West Texas (Fort Worth) and then served as Managing Attorney at the Denton branch of Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. Jennifer launched her private practice in 2012. The servant heart of her own parents is a driving influence...

Mr. Kollmeier is Board Certified in Family Law. The Law Office of Gary A. Kollmeier has been dedicated to providing competent and caring legal services in the areas of Family and Probate law since 1991. The firm provides comprehensive, superior, and respectful advocacy in an environment in which the clients receive full attention and loyalty with the highest level of personal legal services. It is our focus to educate our clients about the reality of what to expect in every aspect of their legal case. As a lawyer, Gary Kollmeier is committed to high standards, as evidenced by his certification...

The firm provides legal services exclusively on family law matters involving divorce, conservatorship and custody of children, child support, name changes and enforcement of court orders in Tarrant, Dallas and Denton counties. While always searching for an amicable settlement outside of the courtroom, we fight for our clients when the situation requires. Personal attention to each and every client's case is a priority. Mark E. Wewers has been recognized by his peers and named a Texas Super Lawyer and a Texas Rising Star in Texas Monthly Magazine’s SuperLawyer edition. An attorney who has practiced for approaching three decades,...

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My name is Andrés E. Martinez. I am a South Texas native, licensed to practice in the great State of Texas. I have a BBA in Finance and Management from Texas A&M University, an MBA from UT-Pan American, and a JD from Texas A&M University. My law practice includes Family Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate, as well as, Immigration. I practice primarily in the DFW metroplex for state law-related cases; however, for Immigration, I have clients from all over the world.

I am fluent in both English...

Attorney Martin Valko of Dallas immigration law firm of Chavez & Valko, LLP, represents individuals and families from around the world, private and publicly traded companies in employment-based immigration, international Olympic and professional athletes, car racers, artists, and musicians in various non-immigrant and immigrant matters, and visas to foreign countries. Martin Valko has a first hand knowledge about the U.S. immigration laws as he has been through the entire process – from being a high-school exchange student, college student to an H-1B worker to his permanent residency and dual citizenship. Martin's clients greatly appreciate his in-depth understanding of the complex...

Paul Grinke is Managing Partner of McCathern’s office at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Mr. Grinke has broad experience on a national level, litigating complex commercial and catastrophic event claims from both sides of the docket. He has successfully litigated commercial breach of contract, fiduciary duty, and employment covenant claims. In addition, Mr. Grinke prosecutes and defends claims involving personal injury, wrongful death, and disastrous property damage arising from construction defect, product defect, trucking, and liquor liability.

Mr. Grinke leads McCathern’s Construction Defect, Product Liability and related Fire Litigation practices. He has particular expertise in counseling institutional clients involved in tragic...

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Attorney Will Underwood is an attorney who prioritizes his clients’ needs in every case they bring to him. He is relentless like a bulldog and has even made cops cry on the stand before. However, he is compassionate with each of his clients and seeks to do everything he can in their service. At Underwood & Associates, everything is about the clients, not the firm. Attorney Underwood is always seeking to find an edge in his clients’ cases and aims to strategize innovative approaches to every situation his clients face. In fact, he is currently working on becoming a forensic...

Hi. I'm Rex Dwyer, I have been a practicing attorney for over 35 years. My practice currently serves Rockwall, Texas and the surrounding counties. I practice in the areas of Family Law and Business Litigation. I help people with family issues such as: divorce, child custody, child support and property division and business issues such as: non-competes, real estate litigation, employment litigation and contract litigation.

I opened Dwyer Law Firm in 2003 to serve the Rockwall community and to be closer to my family. I previously worked at a few larger firm's in Houston and Downtown Dallas: Farnsworth & Martin, Patterson...