Best Divorce Lawyers in Mckinney texas
Camille R. Borg
Divorce Lawyers
Prior to law school, Camille worked as a social worker, helping victims of abuse and crimes, patients with eating disorders and other mental illnesses, and at-risk youth. After teaching bilingual special-education students in a McKinney ISD elementary school, she directed a Dallas battered woman’s shelter. Throughout each of these experiences, Camille repeatedly had clients who faced legal problems.
It was not long before Camille decided to take the next step for her clients and apply to law school. In 2014 she came back to her McKinney as a licensed divorce and family law attorney to share her legal skills with the injured in Collin and Dallas counties. Camille’s psychology and social work background combined with her legal experience provides her with unique insight in family law matters. Her compassionate heart and zeal for client advocacy through legal representation ensure her clients fight for the best outcome possible.
SHARON RAMAGE
Divorce Lawyers
Sharon Ramage has devoted her entire professional career to helping families and children as a social worker and as an attorney. As a former social worker, she saw first-hand the devastation that conflict causes for children and families. Since 1992, Sharon has devoted her law practice to helping families and children. Sharon primarily helps clients in family law and special education matters.
From 1992-1997, Sharon served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Tarrant County, and she was assigned to the Crimes Against Children Division from 1995-1997. Since opening a private practice in 1997, Sharon has worked tirelessly for her clients as they experience a time of transition in their family, always keeping the best interest of their children in mind. As an adoptive parent herself, Sharon also delights in assisting families grow through foreign and domestic adoptions.
In addition to family law, Sharon is passionate about helping families with disabled children obtain services the children need and deserve. For 12 years, Sharon served as a Special Education Hearing Officer and Mediator for the Texas Education Agency, conducting special education due process hearings and mediating disputes between schools and parents. Sharon uses her experience and knowledge to provide representation to families with special needs children.
Sharon co-authored a book about children and the law, All About Texas Law and Kids, published by Texas Lawyer Press. She is frequently called upon to instruct other attorneys and share her knowledge. She has lectured other professionals on special education law topics by serving on the faculty of the National Academy for IDEA Administrative Law Judges & Hearing Officers, as well as the National Administrative Law Judiciary Conferences. Sharon frequently lectures on special education and family law topics for local bar associations, parent groups, and disability organizations.
KEITH D. BECKER
Divorce Lawyers
Keith joined North Texas Litigation Solutions so he can apply his experience and skill to help facilitate settlements – where the participants, not a court, determines the destiny of the parties and the children of the suit. His experience allows him to explore with the parties the most creative options for resolving complicated family law litigation disputes of all types.
For more than three decades, Keith successfully represented clients in family law litigation, including nearly 50 jury trials; 30 appeals; 100’s of trials before the bench and 100’s of mediations. He understands that litigants today are savvy, informed and educated about the process and they want to exercise more control over what happens to their finances, children and property in the divorce litigation. As mediator, Keith will work hard and apply all of his experience and creativity to resolve the contested issues before the parties.
Keith is from the northeast and moved to Texas in 1990. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and Western New England University School of Law (located in Springfield, MA). He received his law degree in 1990 and took the Texas Bar Exam in 1992. Keith has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1998. He has served as a chair of the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association and a member of the Collin County Bar Association. Keith is a former adjunct instructor at Southwestern Paralegal College where he taught Family Law and Civil Procedure and was named as Best Family Law Attorney under 40 years of age.
Keith was selected as a Super Lawyer in 2021, 2022 and 2023, an honor that goes to only the top 5% of attorneys in Texas.
Puhl, Michael R.
Divorce Lawyers
Michael R. Puhl, a certified mediator, is a 1982 graduate of The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He is licensed to practice law in Texas before the United States Supreme Court. He is an active member of state and local bar associations and former president of the Plano Bar Association. In 2006 he was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Board of Examiners for Marital & Family Therapists. He was a Texas State Delegate in 2006 and 2007 to the national conference of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards and the National Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation. He previously served on the McKinney Economic Development Corporation.
Currently, Michael serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Secretary of the Collin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization.
Michael has long been active in education, and previously served as a board trustee for the McKinney Independent School District from 2002-2008. In the past he has been chairman of the Plano Independent School District Lawyer-Youth Mentoring Program and chairman of the Allen, Frisco and McKinney High Schools “Now You Are 18” education program. He has been honored as a Collin County Bench/Bar Foundation Fellow and in 2000 was accepted as a life member of the National Registry of Who’s Who.
Robert J. Matlock
Divorce Lawyers
With a legal career that spans more than three decades, Robert J. Matlock practices exclusively in the area of family law. His expertise includes matters involving divorce, post-divorce modifications, child custody, child support, enforcement, marital property agreements and all other aspects of family law. He is also accomplished in the practice of collaborative law and divorce mediation.
Bob assists clients with sophisticated marital property matters, business valuation disputes, child custody and support issues, modification suits, divorce litigation, and all other areas of family law. He was among the first family law practitioners to broaden his practice to include divorce mediation. As a charter member of the first collaborative law practice group in Texas, Bob has again widened his areas of expertise to include collaborative law techniques.
Bob is well known as a lecturer and seminar speaker on subjects including collaborative law, marital property law, divorce and modification suits, mediation, arbitration, ethics and other family law-related topics.
Holly J. Draper
Divorce Lawyers
As the CEO and Managing Partner, Holly Draper oversees all cases at the firm and ensures the team handling each case follows her standards of excellence. Ms. Draper is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and she has experience handling a wide variety of complex family law matters, ranging from high net worth divorces to highly contested child custody cases and everything in between. She is also an accomplished family law appellate lawyer. Most notably, Ms. Draper won a landmark parental rights case in the Texas Supreme Court that garnered national attention (In re C.J.C.). The Texas Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in favor of Ms. Draper’s client, issuing what may be the most important parental rights opinion in Texas history.
Ms. Draper is active in the Family Law Sections of the Collin County Bar Association and State Bar of Texas and has served on the leadership team with the Collin County Bar Association’s Family Law Section. She founded the specialty section Attorney Moms of Collin County in the CCBA and has served in leadership positions in the section. She also participates in the Collin County Women Lawyer’s Association, the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, and the Curt B. Henderson American Inn of Court. Beginning in June of 2020, Ms. Draper began a three-year term on the State Bar of Texas’ Law Practice Management Committee. She also speaks regularly at continuing education seminars and bar association meetings statewide, particularly on the topic of parental rights in cases involving nonparents. Ms. Draper was recently appointed to the Family Law Council Appellate Committee for the State Bar of Texas. The Appellate Committee reviews cases pending in the Texas Supreme Court that would have a significant impact on family law and makes recommendations to the Family Law Council regarding the filing of amicus briefs in such cases.
GREGG M. GIBBS
Divorce Lawyers
Leah Coulter
Divorce Lawyers
Leah is an experienced family law attorney handling cases of varying complexity. Since each case is unique, Leah tailors a legal strategy that meets the needs of each client and their specific circumstance; however, the goal always remains the same: resolution. As she understands that generally her clients are going through tumultuous times, Leah believes in giving each client personal attention and remains personally involved in all aspects of your case.
Leah, a litigator at heart, has participated in numerous successful jury and bench trials. Those litigation skills are used primarily in family law disputes. She has assisted many clients to a positive resolution of their disputes at all stages of litigation, including informal settlement negotiations, mediation, and final hearings.
Leah is a native Texan, born in Waxahachie, Texas. She graduated from Lancaster Elsie Robertson High School in 1994. After high school, she attended Kilgore College and Hardin Simmons University. She graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1998 earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science with minors in history and legal studies. At both Kilgore College and Hardin Simmons University, Leah was inducted into various academic honor societies and received numerous scholarships for leadership and academic performance.
She frequently participated in the Texas Undergraduate Moot Court Association, were she was repeatedly recognized as an outstanding advocate. Leah then attended Baylor Law School and received her law degree in 2004. While at Baylor Law School, she again distinguished herself as an outstanding advocate. She was a member of the Order of Barristers and the Harvey M. Richey Moot Court Society. During law school, Leah was selected to clerk for a United States magistrate judge in Waco.
Leah lives in Allen, Texas with her family and dogs. When not practicing law, Leah enjoys reading, travel, spending time with family and friends, but most importantly, being a mom.
Bryan D. Perkins
Divorce Lawyers
With more than 25 years of experience in family law, estate planning, business law, and employment-related disputes, the Law Office of Bryan D. Perkins can confidently claim to be one of the leading law firms licensed to practice in Texas and Colorado. We take pride in our ability to satisfy clients by anticipating, understanding, and solving each of their unique problems. We make use of our extensive academic knowledge, industry experience, and litigation skills to not only protect our client’s interests, but also to consistently deliver the best results possible.
Bryan D. Perkins, the firm’s founder, owner, and namesake, was educated at the University of Texas at Austin (BBA with highest honors) and the University of Texas School of Law (JD with honors). He is a Certified Public Accountant, member of the Texas Bar, the Colorado Bar, the Family Law and Labor and Employment Law Sections of the Dallas Bar Association, the Family Law, Labor & Employment Law and Litigation Sections of the Texas Bar, the Bar Associations of the Fifth and Tenth Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the U S Tax Court.
Despite his business training and diverse practice area experience, Bryan considers himself first and foremost a trial lawyer. In fact, his skill and experience in litigation have helped him achieve noteworthy and even law-making results in several significant cases, including one where he served as the lead counsel in an ERISA based class action involving more than 1,200 plaintiffs, and in an FLSA collective action involving over 2,200 class members. In addition, he has prevailed at trial and in arbitration against negligence, intentional tort, statutory discrimination, deceptive trade practices and breach of contract claims; has obtained significant awards in favor of his clients in commercial litigation matters; and has successfully argued appellate matters before the federal Fifth Circuit and Texas state courts of appeal.
Hiring the best divorce lawyer in McKinney, Texas, can provide you with several benefits during the divorce process. McKinney is located in Collin County, Texas, and each state and locality may have specific laws and regulations related to divorce. Here are some advantages of having a top divorce lawyer in McKinney:
Expertise in Texas Family Law: Laws related to divorce vary from state to state. A top divorce lawyer in McKinney will have a deep understanding of Texas family law, ensuring that your case is handled in compliance with the state’s legal framework.
Customized Legal Strategy: Every divorce case is unique. A skilled lawyer will develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, considering factors like property division, child custody, alimony, and more.
Effective Communication: A top divorce lawyer will be an effective communicator, both with you and with other parties involved in the case. Clear communication is vital to ensure that your rights and wishes are accurately represented during negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases can be resolved through negotiation. A skilled lawyer will have strong negotiation skills to help you achieve favorable settlements while minimizing conflict and stress.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, their well-being is paramount. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer can help you navigate child custody arrangements and child support calculations, always prioritizing the best interests of the children.
Property Division: Texas is a community property state, which means marital assets are generally divided equally. A top divorce lawyer can ensure that all assets are properly classified, valued, and divided according to Texas law.
Alimony and Spousal Support: Determining spousal support requires consideration of various factors. A skilled lawyer can advocate for a fair arrangement based on your financial situation and the length of your marriage.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Texas encourages alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation for resolving divorce issues. A skilled lawyer can guide you through these processes, helping you reach agreements without a lengthy court battle.
Protection of Rights: Your divorce lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process, from property division to custody arrangements, to financial matters.
Emotional Support: Divorce can be emotionally challenging. A compassionate and experienced lawyer can provide not only legal guidance but also emotional support, helping you navigate the emotional aspects of the process.
Minimization of Mistakes: Divorce paperwork and legal processes can be complex, and errors can have long-term consequences. A top divorce lawyer can help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case or future.
Timeliness and Efficiency: A seasoned divorce lawyer understands the importance of resolving your case efficiently. They will work to ensure that your case progresses smoothly while avoiding unnecessary delays.
Court Representation: If your case needs to go to court, having a skilled lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success. They will know how to present your case effectively and navigate the legal process.
In McKinney, as elsewhere, the process of divorce can have profound implications on your life emotionally, financially, and legally. Hiring the best divorce lawyer can help you navigate these complexities, make informed decisions, and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.