Fredericksburg Family Lawyers

Learn more at www.thewhitelawfirm.com.

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...

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.

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.

Tom Trahan is proficient in all facets of family law, from out-of-court settlements to courtroom litigation. His deep understanding of the litigation process enhances the chances of reaching negotiated or amicable resolutions, as opposing counsel and clients often realize that finding common ground can lead to beneficial outcomes.

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.

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 joined Minor & Jester, P.C. in April of 2025, where my practice is centered around civil litigation, family law, and probate matters. I graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law. During my time there, I stood out for my academic achievements and skills in the courtroom. I represented clients in the Criminal Defense Clinic and actively participated in national moot court and mock trial competitions. Additionally, I was a board member of the Board of Barristers, coaching and judging advocacy teams in various events such as negotiations, moot court, and mock trials....

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...

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...

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,...

John Lemos, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, has built a distinguished career as a family law and criminal defense attorney in the Houston/Cypress area. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University and his law degree from Baylor University School of Law in Waco, Texas, John established his practice and roots in Cypress, where he lives with his family. With a deep commitment to his clients, John thrives on tackling the complex and emotionally charged issues inherent in family law and criminal defense cases. He takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those...

Julio Paredes is a Licensed Attorney under the Texas Bar Association, and is a Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

He graduated with High Honors and obtain his Juris Doctor from the UNT College of Law in Dallas, Texas. Mr Paredes also has a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he graduated with the Highest Honors.

Upon obtaining his law license, Mr. Paredes opened up his own law firm and has been representing many people in all aspects of immigration, auto accidents, family law, criminal law, real estate...

Sherlyn ("Sherry") Smith has fought and advocated for the rights of others for more than 20 years. Prior to embarking upon her legal career, attorney Smith was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specialized in DCFS involved families and mental health issues. Observing the nexus between individual legal and family problems, she concentrated her legal practice on family law, probate/guardianship, and family-based/humanitarian immigration law. She truly cares for her clients and works to help them really move forward once their cases are finished.

Deeply rooted in her beloved Chicago, attorney Smith is the proud graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana...

I am Amie Augenstein, I thank you for considering my firm for legal representation. After living in Dallas for over 15 years, my family and I recently relocated to Corpus Christi. Prior to opening my firm here, I worked as an associate for a Dallas Employment Law Firm I represent both Employers and Employees, which gives me insight into both sides and keeps me sharp from every angle of any legal issue that comes up.

I am experienced in several areas of law, such as Criminal Law, Employment Law, Mental Health Law, Juvenile Law, Contract Law, Family Law, and Guardianship...

As the founding attorney at the firm Hopkins Law Group, PLLC, Corpus Christi lawyer Josh Hopkins offers legal assistance in criminal defense and personal injury cases. Since 1993, Attorney Hopkins has been licensed to practice law in the state of Texas. The Texas Board of Legal Specialization has certified him in the area of Personal Injury Trial Law. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law. Get more information today by contacting his firm.

Mr. Bridge serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney at Bailey & Galyen, one of the largest consumer law firms in Texas. A dedicated leader and experienced attorney, James has been instrumental in driving the firm’s success and overseeing its operations. James earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University (TCU) and went on to graduate from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 1998. During law school, he demonstrated his leadership abilities as the President of the Student Bar Association and as the President of his legal fraternity. With a proven track record in litigation, James is a...

Jennifer is very driven; which helps her be a strong and effective advocate for her clients. She believes in treating people who are dealing with difficult situations as well as happy events such as adoptions and prenups with dignity, compassion, and respect while providing excellent representation and personal service. Born and raised in the North Dallas area; Jennifer graduated from Plano Sr. High in 1993. Four years later, she received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Law and English from UNT. Following college, she took two years off to begin her family before continuing her education and going...

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...

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...

"I have always been of the opinion that unpopularity earned by doing what is right is not unpopularity but glory".(Marcus Tulius Cicero)

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY - Cynthia Guerra Attorney is a native Texan, passionately protecting the accused for more than 26 years.
She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern School of Law and has been licensed in the State Bar of Texas since 1991 and in the Southern Federal District since 1994. Since opening her practice, she has defended a variety of cases from murder to DWI.
When choosing a Texas criminal lawyer you...

Sarah Springer began her career in law in 1980 after earning her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. In her many years of practice, Sarah has worked as a litigator, mediator, and judge. She served as the state district judge in Mississippi where she covered family law and probate cases, as well as juvenile crime cases. After this, she moved to Katy, Texas and continued to dedicate to herself to clients as a skilled family law attorney – with her experience behind the bench serving as a valuable resource for her clients.

Sarah practices all aspects of...

David believes that an effective family law practice is about putting clients first and maintaining relationships. David graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2011 summa cum laude, with a degree in History. Prior to practicing law, David taught high school public speaking, history, and debate for several years. While teaching, David earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. As a former high school history teacher and debate coach, David believes the right arguments are just as important as remembering that every client’s needs are different, every client’s story is different, and every story needs an...

Family and divorce lawyer in Northwest Houston, off of F.M.249 and Jones Road. Our firm is dedicated to all matters within the area of Family Law including: divorce, custody, separation, adoptions, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, enforcement of child support or visitation order, and grandparent rights. We represent clients in Harris County, Montgomery County, and all other surrounding areas.

Prior to joining Hunt Law Firm, Mia graduated in the top five percent of her class, earning summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law after graduating with honors from Texas A&M University.

Mia is passionate about family law because of the client-focused assistance she can offer families during a time of need. She understands every case is different and focuses on working with her clients to achieve the best possible outcome together. As an attorney, Mia believes it is most important to effectively communicate and be prepared.

Previously, Mia worked as an attorney at a family law firm in Houston....

Kourtney is a trusted family lawyer working hard for families throughout the Houston area. As an experienced attorney, she has assisted families with divorce cases, child custody cases, adoptions, name changes, and estate planning. Kourtney's goal is to provide her clients stellar representation, while keeping the client's goals at the forefront. With Kourtney as their attorney, clients can expect a compassionate advocate committed to resolving their legal issues.

Hanna’s passion for family law grew out of her drive to help others going through difficult times. She prides herself on being a zealous advocate for her clients at every stage of their case. Her goal is to get the best outcome for her client while ensuring her client’s experience within the legal system is as stress-free as possible. Hanna prioritizes open, honest, and consistent communication with her clients because she knows support from an attorney is invaluable. Hanna understands that each case is different, and firmly believes that her role is to provide clients with the legal guidance necessary...

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. 

As a solo attorney, Kacie Biebas has spent the last several years focusing on family law in Bell and surrounding counties. She has helped hundreds of clients achieve favorable verdicts and stay well informed during their experience with the justice system.

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...

2025 Super Lawyers Rising Star 2024 Avvo Client Choice Award 2024 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Silver If you would like to discuss a customized approach for your case, call me at (361) 579-2490 or email cole@eckhoffpllc.com. My consultation fee is 300. I represent clients seeking strategic representation for divorce, child custody, child support, modification, enforcement, CPS, adoptions and appeals in family law cases where the Court has abused its discretion or misapplied the law in Victoria, Texas and the surrounding area, including Edna, Ganado, La Ward, Port Lavaca, Seadrift, Point Comfort, Cuero, Yoakum (DeWitt portion only), Yorktown, Goliad, Refugio, and Woodsboro. Learn more at...

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...

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...

Ms. Wright is an experienced litigator and advocate. Her direct approach and prompt communication have earned her the trust of her clients and the respect of her peers. Though she is trained as a trial attorney, Ms. Wright attempts to keep her clients out of the courtroom if possible for their benefit, both financially and emotionally. If going to court is necessary, Ms. Wright is trained and ready to be your advocate. She will prepare you thoroughly for each next step.

She is a goal-oriented attorney, and firmly believes in client involvement and keeping clients informed. One of the first requests...

Sugar Land family law attorney Chikeersha Puvvada can assist you in all areas of family law. He has been helping individuals with their family law matters since 2008, and, regardless of the issue, Chikeersha is committed to providing every client with experienced, client-focused and compassionate representation in an affordable manner.

Born in India, Chikeersha immigrated to the United States at age 5 and grew up in the New York/New Jersey area, where he also attended high school and college.

After finishing law school in Austin, Texas, Chikeersha returned to New Jersey and was admitted to practice law in New Jersey. While in...