Benavides Family Lawyers

Dave Bunger grew up in North Texas and began a successful career in 1992 in mental health. During his career in public schools as a Licensed School Psychologist, Dave conducted extensive assessments of children with psychological and educational challenges. He assisted in the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) process for provision of special education services and advised Section 504 committees in the implementation of academic and behavioral accommodations. Dave also worked extensively on the development of educational programs to assist in monitoring the behavior of emotionally disturbed children. Dave spent countless hours providing knowledgeable,...

Paul G. Daly has a strong desire to help people resolve their legal issues. Since joining Anderson Legal Group, P.C., in August of 2012, Mr. Daly has resolved a variety of family law (including adoptions, divorces, custody disputes, and child support modifications) and criminal law cases for his clients.

Education and Goals
In addition to his Law Degree, Mr. Daly also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology, or the study of the physical, cultural and societal developments of people. As such, Mr. Daly has a deep understanding of a wide range of cultural backgrounds and ideologies....

Morgan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a minor in Poverty Studies and Social Justice from Baylor University where she was also an Honors College student. While at Baylor, she was the President of the Baylor chapter of the International Justice Mission and volunteered with local anti-humanitrafficking organizations, like Unbound Waco. Morgan became interested in the law after listening to a lecture by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, on the opportunity for lawyers to do good with their law degrees. She then spent a summer interning at the Sacramento District Attorney’s office in her hometown. There...

I am a Texas custody and divorce lawyer. I fight for your children and your money. What could be more important? To have me as your lawyer, is to have an honest southerner who cares about you and your case. I've been through this myself, so I know how important it is to have a lawyer who will protect you, give smart advice and help you keep a cool head. Allowing a lawyer to do these things for you requires an immense amount of trust. I do not take such a...

J.C. was admitted to the bar and to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas in 1988. He received his undergraduate degree from Abilene Christian University and his law degree from the Baylor University School of Law. J.C. is a member of the Order of Barristers, the State Bar of Texas, and the Tarrant County Bar Association. A frequent speaker on a wide array of subjects, he enjoys making presentations for professional groups, businesses, churches and schools. Addressing challenges in a constructive and professional manner is the highest priority of Mr. Bailey’s practice. J.C. has...

Andrew pursued family law after realizing his passion for client advocacy and the many opportunities for championing a client’s best interests. He is especially drawn to courtroom litigation and mediation as solutions for clients’ cases and a match for his skills. Andrew's goal is to build trust with his clients so that they find peace of mind knowing he is in their corner.

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.

Jane Mapes has been practicing law for 26 years and has devoted her practice to Family Law for the past 16 years, in Texas. Prior to relocating to Texas in 1996, she concentrated on real estate and personal injury law in the State of Florida, where she went to law school, and was admitted to the Bar in 1988. Upon moving to Texas, Ms. Mapes was admitted to the State Bar of Texas, and began practicing with a general practice law firm in Grand Prairie, where she familiarized herself with the courts in Tarrant and Dallas Counties. Jane then joined...

Doug Wright is a native of Fort Worth who graduated from Paschal High School in 1972 before earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin in 1976. He then attended St. Mary University School of Law. After graduating and getting licensed in 1979 he returned to Fort Worth where his father was a Family District Judge and began his legal career.After being in private practice for almost 30 years Mr. Wright joined the firm of Bailey & Galyen in 2009 as Managing Attorney of the Fort Worth Office. He has committed his practice to Family...

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. 

Christine Clary was raised in Bridgeport, Texas and graduated from Bridgeport High School. She discovered a passion for law while working in her father’s law firm and competing in speech and debate tournaments on the weekends. Christine went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After college, Christine worked for Dr. Phil McGraw at his trial consulting firm, Courtroom Sciences, Inc. Christine then attended St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she was active in the Student Bar Association and mock trial competitions. During law school, Christine also interned...

A diverse skill set, the ability to empathize with client's issues, and a dedication to solving problems is the reason Jonathon Storment's clients speak so highly of his services. Jonathon is a tireless advocate for his clients and will fight to ensure that their legal issue is handled with the utmost competence and skill. Jonathon has been a decorated soldier in the U.S. Army, a federal law enforcement officer with the U.S. Treasury Department, an award winning accountant, and a public school administrator. Whatever position he held, he was one of the best in his field. "Some would call it a...

I grew up in Anson, Texas, not far from Abilene. I was raised on a ranch out in the country, and it helped shape my early life. I graduated Valedictorian of my high school in 1995, and went to Texas A&M University where I graduated in 1999 in the top 10% of my class with a B.B.A. in Accounting. After graduation with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from A&M, I went straight to law school at Texas Tech University School of Law on a full scholarship. I graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from...

After practicing for over 10 years in Houston, I was blessed to be able to return home and enjoy life as a small town attorney for the last 20 plus years. It is nice to have a practice to keep you on your toes and seeing new and different things every day. My practice in Family, Criminal, Consumer Collection Defense, Contract, and Personal Injury will definitely keep me on my toes. I also act as a Mediator and believe every case can be settled if it goes through Mediation. It is a way to allow parties...

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...

Licensed to practice law in Texas since 1996. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2004.

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...

Brandon Joseph is an Attorney at McClure Law Group. As a persuasive advocate, Brandon's intense work ethic and passion for the law makes him a real asset to the McClure legal team and their clients.

Brandon has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. During his first month at McClure Law Group, Brandon successfully persuaded a court to reconsider and overturn its ruling which granted an emergency protective order. Since that time, Brandon has successfully prosecuted and defended against multiple family violence protective orders. Additionally, Brandon has received numerous victories in suits to modify prior court orders,...

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...

Over 20 years of litigation and counseling experience. We make every reasonable attempt to resolve and settle disputes. If the opposition is unreasonable, we file a lawsuit and litigate as far as necessary. Sometimes a dispute is settled in litigation and other times we prepare for and conduct trials. We also do appeals if necessary in both the Civil and Criminal arenas.

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...

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.

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...

Francesca Blackard is a partner at McClure Law Group, exclusively practicing family law since graduating from law school in 2012. Prior to law school, she worked for family law firms in Chicago, New York, and Dallas as both a paralegal and law clerk.

Francesca is of Mexican descent and is fluent in Spanish. Her travels have often taken her to Mexico, and she attended Instituto Alpes San Javier in Guadalajara, Jalisco to perfect her native tongue. Conversant in French, Francesca loves the study of languages and world cultures.

One of Francesca's finest qualities is how she relates to clients on a...

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

I’m a former El Paso prosecutor and a captain in the U.S. Army JAG Reserve with extensive trial experience. After years of handling high level felony cases as a prosecutor, I left government work to go into private practice, where I provide aggressive legal advocacy in criminal and family law. I’ve been the lead attorney in thousands of criminal cases ranging from DWI and family violence to first-degree and “super first”-degree felony charges. I always put my clients first, so you can count on me to treat you with respect and fight hard to get you the best results possible. I’m...

I am a former prosecutor with extensive litigation experience in three states: Arizona, Texas, and Washington. After 18 years of litigating high level felony cases, I left government work to go into private practice to provide members of the community with aggressive legal advocacy in the areas of criminal and family law. I have successfully litigated thousands of cases across three states involving DWI, Family Violence, Sex Crimes, Drug Possession and Drug Trafficking as well as Homicide. Throughout my lengthy career I have strived to be fair to all involved while fighting for justice. I am a Virginia native who...

Janis Alexander Cross has practiced law in Texas since 1979. Her practice is primarily in the Texas Panhandle, but she also routinely goes to court in the South Plains (Lubbock & surrounding area) and to Childress and Wichita Falls. Her practice primarily involves family law, such as divorce, child custody, child support, and adoptions She also practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. Janis handles criminal law, including felonies and misdemeanors, as well as traffic tickets. Additionally, Janis handles business organizations (such as forming LLCs) and general civil litigation. ...

Graduated University of North Texas BA 1963; Graduated Baylor Law School Doctor of Jurisprudence 1966; admitted to practice before U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas; County Judge, Cooke County, Texas, 1970-76; District Judge, 235th Judicial District Court, 1976-88. Member of Cooke County and North Texas Bar Associations; State Bar of Texas (District 14-B Grievance Committee, 2001-07); Texas Trial Lawyers Association; Partner Sullivant Law Firm 1989 to present.

Larry's Legal Assistant is Kim Moudy.

I am a solo practitioner and my primary focus is family law and probate. If you are looking for an attorney who will truly listen to your issues and will work with you throughout the process, then give me a call. Solving your problem and getting you back on track is my primary concern. I am diligent, responsive, tenacious, reliable, and I truly care about my clients.

Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen believes in putting her clients first. Passionate about the best interest of her clients, she has earned a reputation for aggressively advocating on their behalf. As a mother herself, she is keenly aware of how divorce can adversely affect the children. She helps clients minimize the impact that divorce and separation have on their children. She has long had an affinity for children and family issues.

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.

My practice is focused on Family Law, and Business Law, especially startups. I have been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and I have have served my Bar Association as a Qualified Mediator and Past President of the Denton County Young Lawyers Association.

After gaining 13 years’ experience as a collaborative law divorce attorney, litigator and mediator with extensive experience representing families in Plano, Richardson, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, and Dallas in Texas courts, Sharon Corsentino made the decision to dedicate her practice exclusively to mediation. Sharon recognizes the value of taking a non-adversarial approach to family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support, to help parties maintain long-term relationships and keep children’s best interests at heart.

Sharon helps couples settle their disputes privately in a dignified manner, without involving a judge who could impose decisions on them that do not meet their...

Sandy M. Liu concentrates her practice in the areas of family law and immigration law. With roots in Taiwan, China, and France, Ms. Liu's background and experience have given her a unique understanding of the goals and struggles of the immigrant family. Ms. Liu received her bachelor's degree in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of Texas at Dallas and her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's University School of Law in 2003. A member of Phi Delta Phi, Ms. Liu became licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 2003 and began her legal career at Legal Aid of NorthWest...

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...

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...

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.