Best Family Lawyer in Harris County, TX
amena a. choudhury
Family Lawyer
Houston divorce & family law attorney, Diane Reul has lived in Houston all her life. She graduated from South Texas College of Law in December 1991 and immediately opened her law firm. Diane has represented thousands of men and women in divorces, adoptions, child custody cases, child support enforcement cases, and modification actions. Although she prefers to try her best to settle cases fairly and amicably, if needed she aggressively and honestly represents her client’s interest in trials before a judge or jury.
Diane was board-certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in December 1999 and is committed to protecting her clients and their children.
Mollie Levar
Family Lawyer
Mollie Levar is the legal office administrator at The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. She excels in this position as she is a people person with an upbeat personality. Mollie is an ever-present resource for clients and staff alike, using her 22+ years of experience in office management to find creative, accommodating solutions to their problems. She also has experience in accounting, which has been helpful in her job capacity.
Having been with the firm since its inception, Mollie has been instrumental to the firm’s growth and continued success. Her favorite part about working at the firm is the ability to help others change their lives for the better.
When not at the office, Mollie enjoys spending time with family and friends at the beach or snow skiing. She is also a 17 out of 21 free-throw shooter in basketball!!
Education
Rice University, Leisure Studies, 2017
The University of Houston, Legal Studies 2014
The University of Houston, 2001
Houston Community College, 1991
Nicole Bush
Family Lawyer
Attorney Karleana L. Farias is a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Karleana is a graduate from the Colegio Puertorriqueno de Ninas, a prestigious all girl school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the age of eighteen, she left the island of Puerto Rico to attend her undergraduate studies at the American University in Washington, D.C. Karleana obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2006. During her time in Washington, D.C., Karleana worked at Mirbagheri & Smith, an immigration law firm, primarily focused with providing legal services to individuals from the Middle East. While there, Karleana worked in a wide variety of petitions and applications which included citizenship applications, asylum petitions, visa applications, applications for travel documents, while also handling many of the firm’s communications with its Spanish speaking clients. During her undergraduate studies, Karleana attended a program at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, completing comparative studies, and traveling through most of the southern areas of the African continent. Karleana organized the Latino Youth Conference, which features seminars for Latino youth in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas focusing on strategies to encourage participation in civil processes, college education initiatives as well as providing information on financing a college education.
Upon her graduation from American University, Karleana was selected for the Honors Paralegal Program at the United States Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, Natural Resources Section in Washington, D.C. As a paralegal specialist for the Justice Department, Karleana participated in multiple litigations, which included matters in the Federal Claims Courts, and District Courts throughout the county. In addition to providing litigation support, Karleana was involved with the Hispanic Heritage Committee in charge of organizing the National Hispanic Heritage Month activities hosted by the Attorney General of the United States.
Allecia Lindsey Pottinger
Family Lawyer
Before Hollywood gave us superheroes in the Justice League, the leader of the true justice league was in Houston being a voice for those who would otherwise have no voice.
Your family comes first with Allecia! It’s not about winning cases or making money. You’ll learn this in your first meeting with her – she’ll recommend counseling with the hopes you won’t need her services. As a divorcee, she has first-hand knowledge of the challenges, complexities, and heartbreak involved in family law cases. Because of what she went through, she is committed to giving you a voice in a safe space when you work with the ALP Law Firm! She is also a member of the National Association of Divorce Professionals.
Allecia is the author of the book, “What’s Love Got to Do With It …Really? – A guide to Divorce in Texas”. She is a wife, mom to a son and 2 fur babies, and loves bowling.
Move over Wonder Woman – Allecia Lindsey Pottinger with more than 20 years of experience, levels the legal field so your family has a fighting chance!
Mary Ann Shurley
Family Lawyer
Mary Ann Shurley, General Manager of the offices in Tarrant, Parker, Johnson & Harris Counties.
With an impressive 20-year tenure as a family law paralegal in Dallas County, Mary Ann Shurley embarked on a new chapter in her career when she joined Bailey & Galyen in September 2000. Specializing in Family Law, she found deep fulfillment in assisting clients during their most challenging times. Notably, during the period when Bailey & Galyen had an office on Hulen Street, Mary Ann’s compassion was so profound that clients went beyond simple words of appreciation, bringing office lunches, sending flowers, and sharing cookies.
Mary Ann’s journey within Bailey & Galyen is marked by notable achievements. Starting in Arlington, she transitioned to the Bedford Office in 2002. In 2004, her dedication earned her a promotion to Office Manager, responsible for overseeing the Hulen (now Burleson) Office. Further gratitude came in 2007 when she was appointed as Firm Paralegal Coordinator. The pinnacle of her career within the firm occurred in 2016 when Mary Ann was asked to take on the role of General Manager. Her enthusiasm for traveling to various offices and connecting with employees and attorneys reflects the joy she finds in her role. Although primarily located in the downtown Ft Worth Office in recent years, Mary Ann’s professional journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the diverse experiences she brings to her role.
Casaceli, Debra S.
Family Lawyer
Throughout her legal career, Debra S. Casaceli has represented numerous family law clients in divorce, custody and property disputes. She is a dedicated advocate, and has represented clients in all phases of litigation, in both trial court and in appellate court. Debra advises clients on all aspects of family law, divorce, adoption, paternity and mediation issues. Debra is experienced in drafting marital property agreements, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements.
Debra is board certified in Family Law and a member of the Family Law Sections of the Houston Bar Association and State Bar of Texas.
Debra received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Queens College, New York (cum laude), and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Debra then attended Tulane Law School where she received her law degree. She has been licensed in the State of Texas since 2000.
Jeffrey Casazza
Family Lawyer
Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is recognized and respected throughout the Houston legal community for dedication in effectively representing clients’ rights and interests. Mary understands the emotional side of divorce and brings a special compassion to each and every case.
She also offers clients knowledgeable and competent legal advice with the following family law goals:
- Educate the client about the law and court procedures
- Explore options and create solutions
- Encourage settlements through competent negotiation and mediation
- Maintain reasonable fees and control litigation costs
- Exhaust all reasonable alternatives, but when all else fails, to fight aggressively when necessary to protect the clients’ rights
Daniel Ogbeide, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Daniel graduated from Loyola New Orleans Law. He is passionate about family law. He is a father and a husband, and well respected among his peers. Daniel has successfully completed jury trials in Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery Counties. Having Daniel by your side as a family law Attorney is the best thing that can happen to you in your family law matter.
- LLM – Boston University, 2013
- JD – Loyola University New Orleans, 2012
- BA – Political Science- City College of New York, 2008
When Divorce Is On The Horizon, What Do You Need To Know?
Facing the prospect of divorce can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging, but being informed about the process and knowing what steps to take can make the transition smoother. Divorce involves not only the legal dissolution of a marriage but also decisions about finances, property, children, and emotional well-being. Understanding your rights and responsibilities, and preparing for what’s ahead, can help you navigate the process more confidently. Here’s what you need to know when divorce is on the horizon.
1. Assess Your Financial Situation
One of the most critical aspects of divorce is understanding your financial situation. Divorce often leads to a division of assets and debts, so it’s important to have a clear picture of your financial standing early on.
a. Gather Financial Documents
Start by collecting all relevant financial documents, including:
- Bank statements
- Credit card bills
- Tax returns (at least three years)
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Mortgage statements or rental agreements
- Loan and debt information
- Pay stubs and income records
Having these documents in order will help your attorney, mediator, or financial advisor determine how to divide assets and debts fairly.
b. Assess Joint and Separate Assets
Understand which assets are considered joint (acquired during the marriage) and which are separate (owned before the marriage or received as gifts/inheritance). This distinction will impact the division of property during the divorce.
c. Create a Post-Divorce Budget
Start planning for your financial future by creating a post-divorce budget. Consider how your income and expenses will change, including housing costs, utilities, insurance, child support, and spousal support (if applicable).
2. Understand the Divorce Process
The legal process of divorce varies by state, but generally follows a similar structure. Understanding the steps can help ease some of the stress and give you a clearer sense of what to expect.
a. Filing for Divorce
Divorce begins when one spouse files a divorce petition with the court. This document outlines the grounds for divorce, requests for division of assets, child custody, and other key matters. The spouse who files is known as the “petitioner,” and the other spouse becomes the “respondent.”
b. Types of Divorce
There are two main types of divorce:
- Contested Divorce: This occurs when spouses cannot agree on important issues such as asset division, child custody, or spousal support. A judge will resolve these matters in court.
- Uncontested Divorce: In this case, both spouses agree on all key issues and simply need court approval to finalize the divorce. Uncontested divorces are typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful.
c. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
If you want to avoid a court battle, you might consider mediation or collaborative divorce. These approaches allow spouses to work together with the help of a mediator or team of professionals to reach an agreement outside of court. These methods are usually more amicable and less expensive than litigation.
d. Waiting Period
Many states have a mandatory waiting period between filing for divorce and the finalization. This gives both parties time to reflect on their decision and work out agreements. The waiting period varies by state, so be sure to know the specific requirements in your jurisdiction.
3. Consider Child Custody and Support
If you have children, one of the most significant aspects of divorce will be determining custody and support arrangements. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and both parents are encouraged to focus on what is best for their children.
a. Child Custody Types
- Physical Custody: Refers to where the child will live and which parent will handle day-to-day care. Physical custody can be shared (joint custody) or awarded to one parent (sole custody).
- Legal Custody: Refers to which parent has the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious practices. Like physical custody, legal custody can be joint or sole.
b. Parenting Plan
Developing a parenting plan can help outline the custody arrangement and visitation schedule, ensuring that both parents know their rights and responsibilities. It’s often beneficial to create a plan that is flexible and allows for changes as children grow older.
c. Child Support
Child support is financial assistance provided by the non-custodial parent to help with the child’s living expenses, such as food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is typically determined by state guidelines, considering the income of both parents and the needs of the child.
4. Consider Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support, or alimony, is designed to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse after a divorce. The amount and duration of spousal support depend on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the earning potential of each spouse, and their standard of living during the marriage.
- Temporary Alimony: This may be awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse meet their needs.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Temporary payments to help a spouse become financially independent, such as by gaining education or job training.
- Permanent Alimony: This is rare but may be awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse cannot become self-sufficient.
5. Prepare for Emotional Challenges
Divorce is not only a legal and financial process but also an emotional journey. The stress, sadness, anger, and uncertainty that come with ending a marriage can take a toll on your mental health.
a. Seek Support
It’s essential to seek emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. Counseling can help you process your feelings, cope with the changes, and make rational decisions during the divorce process.
b. Practice Self-Care
Focus on maintaining your physical and mental well-being during the divorce. Exercise, eat healthily, and take time to relax. Divorce can be emotionally draining, but prioritizing self-care will help you remain resilient.
c. Focus on the Future
While it may feel overwhelming in the moment, divorce also marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Focus on what lies ahead and use this time to reassess your goals, relationships, and personal growth.
6. Hire an Experienced Attorney
An experienced divorce attorney is essential for guiding you through the process and protecting your legal rights. They will help you navigate complex issues such as asset division, child custody, and spousal support, ensuring that your best interests are represented.
- Specialization: Look for an attorney who specializes in family law and has experience handling cases similar to yours.
- Communication: Ensure that your attorney communicates clearly, answers your questions, and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Conclusion
When divorce is on the horizon, being prepared is essential to protect your financial future, safeguard your children’s well-being, and navigate the emotional challenges ahead. By understanding the legal process, assessing your finances, and seeking support, you can approach the divorce with clarity and confidence. With the help of a skilled attorney and a focus on the future, you can emerge from the divorce process ready to build a new life.