Panna Maria Family Lawyers

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...

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,...

Attorney Rogers was born and raised in Edinburg, TX and graduated from the University of Texas Pan American (UTRGV). As a former misdemeanor and felony prosecutor Mr. Rogers has tried dozens of cases and was exclusively a family violence prosecutor for a year.

While in Law School, Mr. Rogers was on the Editorial Board of the St. Mary’s Law Journal and competed in moot court and mock trial competitions. Attorney Rogers was also a pupil in the prestigious William S Sessions American Inns of Court and was admitted to Phi Delta Phi, the international legal honor society.

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...

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...

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...

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...

-Published Cases: Nueces County v. Ferguson, 97 S.W.3d 205, Tex.App. - Corpus Christi, 2002 (No. 13-02-230-CV); Counsel for Appellants Soliz v. Nueces County, 134 S.W.3d 298, Tex.App. - Corpus Christi, 2003 (No. 13-02-197-CV); Counsel for Appellee

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...

Peter Sayadzad is an associate attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, and focuses his practice on family law matters. Peter previously practiced at The Montgomery County Women’s Center in Conroe, Texas, where he gained invaluable experience assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.He uses this experience in advocating for his clients at our firm, and strives to make a difference in the lives of his clients and their children.Peter believes in educating those he represents and explaining to them how the law can assist them in their particular situation. He goes the extra mile to give each and every client...

Since launching her career in family law in 1993, Dessiray has dedicated over three decades to assisting individuals and families navigate their legal challenges. Her commitment to her practice is evident through her board certification in family law, which she achieved in 2014, affirming her deep understanding and proficient handling of complex family law issues. Complementing her role as an attorney, Dessiray is a certified mediator, actively mediating disputes in the family law arena. This role not only emphasizes her expertise in finding amicable solutions for contentious issues but also highlights her proactive approach to conflict resolution. Dessiray’s dedication to staying abreast...

I graduated from Michigan State University in 1990 with a degree in Political Philosophy and a minor in Criminal Justice. This minor led me to an internship and eventually to a career as an Intelligence Research Specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). I served at the DEA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and in regional field offices in San Francisco and Houston. In 1992, I enrolled at the University of Houston Law Center, earning my Juris Doctorate in 1995. Following law school, I practiced civil litigation, focusing on oil and gas trucking and oilfield injury litigation. However, a personal tragedy involving...

Jedediah D. (“Jed”) Moffett is originally from Amarillo, Texas. Jed attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree in 2000. In 2005, Jed earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law Houston and was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas that same year. Jed is admitted to practice law in state district courts in Texas and the United States District Court – Southern District of Texas. Jed is a member of the Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section, the State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, and the Houston Young...

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.

Sound Advice. Realistic Expectations.
Tailored Solutions.

My practice is exclusively dedicated to resolving divorce and child custody disputes. Call me now to schedule a consultation.

Attorney Hal Agron began his career as a criminal prosecutor in the Montgomery County Attorneys Office responsible for defending Montgomery County and its elected officials in State and Federal court. After several years on the criminal side, Hal served as a civil litigator for the county until he left for the public sector in 1994 and began practicing law as in-house counsel for several national insurance carriers. Over the years, Hal Agron has tried and settled countless cases involving misdemeanors and felonies. Much of his success can be attributed to his skills in laying the groundwork and...

Marivonne Essex, of the Essex Law Firm, is your Spring TX Divorce Lawyer. She is the Red Headed Lawyer who will fight for you! Don't think you can go the battle alone, because in the end, you may end losing more than you bargained for. Let Marivonne Essex help you in this time of need.

Nancy Whittemore is a full-service family law attorney with many years of experience in the area of divorce and family law. At Whittemore Law Firm, Nancy offers responsive, personal attention in a friendly atmosphere. She strives to provide compassionate advice tempered by reality.

Dealing with divorce and family law issues can be a stressful and uncertain time for clients. Nancy will listen attentively to your unique situation, help you understand your options, and together formulate a strategy to reach your desired outcome. Her goal is to assist you in achieving the best resolution for your case while minimizing stress, conflict, and...

Personal Injury, Divorce, Criminal Defense, Probate, Family Law
There is no second place in litigation.
I have one goal: to work tirelessly toward successful resolutions for you. My professional life has taught me that communication and caring is paramount to building trusting relationships with your customers. For many, litigation is an unfamiliar and scary process. My career as an insurance claims adjuster showed me that my clients, whether individuals or small businesses, most feared the unknown and needed communication for comfort during the process. I discovered that the more they were...

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.

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...

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,...

Attorney Mark Nacol has been serving clients in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex for over 30 years. Mark offers legal advice and representation in a broad scope of practice areas, with an emphasis on the following: - Civil Litigation - Commercial Litigation - Family Law & Divorce - Fathers Rights - Business Transactions - Intellectual Property - Probate Law and Will Contests - Real Estate Litigation Mark Nacol has a reputation as a smart and tough advocate who has a natural ability to communicate...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Before joining McCathern as a partner in 2019, Scott J. Becker presided over the 219th State District Court in Collin County, Texas from 2010 through 2018. As a court of general jurisdiction, Judge Becker presided over a broad variety of matters including multi-million dollar civil litigation, family law matters including divorces and child custody disputes, and felony criminal matters including murder. Two of the cases over which Becker presided have been the subject of television episodes: CBS’s 48 Hours: Taken Away (aired September 2017) and Dateline NBC’s: Someone Was Waiting (aired December 2016).

Judge Becker is Board Certified in Family Law...

Erin R. Clegg joined McCathern in 2017 as part of the Family Law division and offices at the firm's Frisco, Texas office. Erin has extensive litigation experience in family law from working on cases involving divorce, custody, child support, modifications, enforcements, domestic violence, and cases involving Child Protective Services. She also has experience as a mediator for family law cases, helping parties reach creative and unique results that might not otherwise be available through the Court system.

Erin is a member of various organizations, including the Texas Young Lawyers Association (serving on the Board of Directors as a Director of District...

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.

Ronda Haynes is a solo practitioner who opened her own law firm in December 2017. She received her J.D. from Texas A&M School of Law in 2015. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Business and an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Ronda was born and raised in Azle, having graduated from Azle High School in 1990. After moving away for many years, she returned home to open her law practice. She is involved in her local community and in the Fort Worth Community. She volunteers with the VITA program and sits on the Board of Directors of Guardianship Services, Inc.

Ronda held...

Howdy,

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...