Harker Heights Family Lawyers

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....

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.

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...

Brooke is a focused and devoted advocate, who works diligently for her clients. Brooke began her career in family law as a law clerk for the firm during her studies at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Throughout law school, Brooke focused her study on family law matters, and excelled academically in her course work. She received accolades for her work. Upon graduation from South Texas College of Law Houston and being admitted into the State Bar of Texas, Brooke began her position as an associate for the Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers. Brooke has worked alongside...

Mike Von Blon is an attorney specializing in high conflict divorce and contested custody cases. He is Board Certified in Family Law as a specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has previously served on the Family Law Section of the Houston Bar Association, as well as other state bar committees over the years.

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...

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...

Nicholas Traylor is an experienced attorney in Houston, Texas who focuses his practice on helping individuals and families facing family law challenges. He regularly advises clients on cases involving divorce and separation, complex property disputes, and child custody. Nicholas joined Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. in 2018 after working for several family law firms in Houston. Nicholas spent the majority of his life living abroad in Asia and the Middle East. He returned to the United States after high school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Baylor University. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he enrolled in...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

At the Law Office of Kristin Kline, we understand that you are going through a traumatic time, and our goal is to help you efficiently resolve your legal concerns with as little emotional and financial turmoil as possible. Whether it’s the tumultuous breakup of the family unit or the death of a loved one, it is important to have a fair, honest, and affordable attorney on your side. Kristin has over 14 years of experience representing clients in all family law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, adoption, estate planning, and probate. Call today to...

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.

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...

I am Attorney Kesney Nichols, and I assist the firm in managing cases and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. My responsibilities encompass conducting legal research, drafting documents, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing for hearings and trials, and aiding in the formulation of legal strategies aimed at resolving cases favorably for each client. I am dedicated to supporting clients through the most challenging periods of their lives and tirelessly advocating on their behalf. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy golfing and spending time with my rescue dogs, Nash and Ollie.

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.

Carrie R. Marquis has 30 years of family law experience, working with clients during very difficult times. She works with an eye on zealous representation, while also keeping a cautious eye on saving her clients’ time and money. Carrie has a bachelor’s of business administration (Finance) from the University of Texas at Austin; a master’s of science (Accounting) from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and her juris doctorate from South Texas College of Law. Carrie lives in Houston with her wife, Laura, and their three dogs, Sam, Scout and Charlie PRACTICE

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

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...

Mr. Maddox is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and was admitted as a member of the State Bar of Georgia in 1984. Mr. Maddox has represented hundreds of individuals for serious injury and wrongful death matters, divorce, child custody claims, contempt, and other family law matters. Mr. Maddox is admitted to practice before all State, Superior, and Federal District Courts of Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Maddox is also a State registered Mediator and Arbitrator and has been rated by Martindale Hubbell as 'A-V' for the...

Juan is from the town of La Feria, Texas where he grew up on a farm and ranch. His upbringing instilled in him the value of respect and a purpose to help others. These values helped Juan as he pursued his studies at the University of Texas Pan American and University of Texas, where he graduated with his law degree. Prior to practicing law in the great state of Texas, Juan had the privilege of working in Washington, DC in the U.S. House of Representatives and United States Treasury Department where he worked on national issues related to...

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...

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’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. ...

Reynaldo Garza III, comes from a long line of attorneys in Brownsville Texas. He along with his cousin and associate attorney, Gustavo Elizondo, III, are continuing their family tradition of providing high quality legal services. He is a Divorce Attorney, Child Support Attorney, Child Custody Attorney and Family Law Attorney in Brownsville Texas. Additionally, he works as a Criminal Defense Lawyer and he has helped numerous clients through tough times. As an Attorney in Brownsville Texas, he is following his father and grandfather's footsteps. He also has an uncle, and five cousins who are lawyers...

Aida was born in Matamoros, Mexico and came to the US with her family at the age of 4. She attended the public school system in Brownsville and graduated in the Top 5% of her 2006 graduating class at Porter High School. After high school, Aida attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 3 years with her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies-Political Communications. In 2009, Aida began law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, where she simultaneously received her Master’s Degree in International Relations-Security Policy and National Security Issues....

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.

Our teams start with a deep understanding of our clients’ business objectives. We share knowledge across practices and regions. We help our clients not only mitigate risk, but also discover opportunity. And each success begins with the same simple question…

How can we help you?

By pooling our energy, talents and resources, we are able to achieve the highest order of excellence in the practice and profession of the law. Through such practice we are able to give back to our communities, and in all things to govern ourselves as members of a free democratic society with responsibilities both to our profession...

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...