Harwood Family Lawyers

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. ...

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...

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.

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....

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....

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...

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.

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.

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...

I am a Family Law Attorney with over 25 years of experience in the family law field. I am a bilingual speaker fluent in both English and Spanish.

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...

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,...

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

Learn more at www.thewhitelawfirm.com.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Founding Attorney Papa Dieye is dedicated to helping our clients obtain a positive outcome to their case. He greatly enjoys going to court for every person we help and stops at nothing to ensure their interests and goals are thoroughly represented. He works closely with each client to get to know their unique situations and craft a case strategy that works best. Papa attended Tulane Law School in New Orleans where he successfully served on the Moot Court Board. He was a finalist in the Junior Appellate Competition and won the Senior Appellate Competition where he argued a case before...

Cory Krueger is an experienced trial lawyer and litigator who focuses his practice on probate, family law, estate planning, and asset protection. He also practices transactional law in connection with drafting contracts, legal documents, and wills and trusts.

Cory attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 2002 before receiving his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston Law Center in 2006. During his time in law school, Cory was a member of the Oil and Gas Legal Organization, the Sports and Entertainment Legal Organization (SELO), and he volunteered with the University of Houston Law Center Mentor Program. In...

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.

Randy Canche has represented a diverse array of clients and devotes the majority of his practice to complex litigation matters. He has successfully settled hundreds and tried dozens of cases in state, federal, administrative, and arbitration courts throughout the world. Mr. Canche received his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry and Economics from Baylor University, where he graduated with highest honors and was on the Dean’s List every semester.
Since his law school graduation, Mr. Canche has worked at some of the country’s most prestigious law firms, where he has represented Plaintiffs in large personal injury, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, product...

I graduated from Michigan State University in 1990 with a degree in Political Philosophy and a minor in Criminal Justice. This minor led me to an internship and eventually to a career as an Intelligence Research Specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). I served at the DEA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and in regional field offices in San Francisco and Houston. In 1992, I enrolled at the University of Houston Law Center, earning my Juris Doctorate in 1995. Following law school, I practiced civil litigation, focusing on oil and gas trucking and oilfield injury litigation. However, a personal tragedy involving...

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...

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

Attorney Ned Gill III, is a reputed lawyer who has been committed to the field of family law for quite a handful of years. Belonging to a family associated with law and jurisdiction in Texas, Mr. Ned Gill III is undoubtedly a name with a high recall value amongst the people of Texas. Under his scope of work lies litigation/Mediation for divorce cases, arbitration and more. Being one of the most sought after professional lawyers in the arena of family law in United State, what distinguishes him is his intelligent and expert legal advice to all his customers seeking legal...

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...

Originally from Provo, Utah, Randall Perrier has practiced law in Texas since 2002. Mr. Perrier earned his law degree from the University of Idaho School of Law and furthered his legal education at New York University School of Law, where he obtained a post-law degree in taxation. Upon graduating from NYU, Mr. Perrier was recruited by Baker Botts, LLP to work for their Houston office in the Business and Estate Planning group (renamed the Private Clients group). Mr. Perrier is certified by the State Bar of Texas in Estate Planning and Probate Law.

Mr. Perrier left Baker Botts, LLP...

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.

Attorney Hal Agron began his career as a criminal prosecutor in the Montgomery County Attorneys Office responsible for defending Montgomery County and its elected officials in State and Federal court. After several years on the criminal side, Hal served as a civil litigator for the county until he left for the public sector in 1994 and began practicing law as in-house counsel for several national insurance carriers. Over the years, Hal Agron has tried and settled countless cases involving misdemeanors and felonies. Much of his success can be attributed to his skills in laying the groundwork and...