Malakoff Family Lawyers

I bring an unusually wide range of both legal and business experience that bring a unique depth and breadth the services that I provide, including, but not limited to, real estate, contracts, commercial law, and banking. My business background prior to law school provided me with many unique insights and a greater appreciation of the many interrelationships between the law and business.

My career actually began in community banks and savings and loans in Arlington and Houston. I ultimately served as the president of a newly-chartered national bank during its organization and start-up phases.

After fifteen years in business, I...

Jeff is licensed to practice in all state courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. He currently is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Austin Bar Association, Austin Business Executives League (ABEL), and Business Networking International (BNI). Jeff’s legal practice focusses primarily on business & commercial litigation, collections, business transactional law, business entity formations, mergers & acquisitions, contracts, wills, trusts, estate planning, and probate. Jeff is also a certified Mediator. He mediates legal disputes in family, business, and civil law.

Jeff graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA...

Michael Araj has more than a decade of family law experience to draw from, including right here in Central Texas. Michael is ready to go to court to fight for his clients whenever the need arises but understands that the best path for many will be the path that resolves his clients’ disputes in negotiation, mediation, and settlement. Michael has handled high-asset divorce cases and complex and conflict-driven issues in all types of family law cases. He has successfully negotiated and tried cases involving complex assets. He has addressed cases involving the division of restricted stock, as well as family businesses...

Brandon is a Partner and Trial Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law in Austin, Texas. Practicing since 2009, he focuses on family law with a compassionate yet effective approach, balancing empathy for his clients with strength in the courtroom. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Hofstra University School of Law, Brandon is dedicated to resolving family matters with fairness and integrity.

Jacob A. Flores is a dedicated family law attorney with experience in litigation, estate planning, business transactions, and probate matters. A graduate of the University of Houston Law Center and a Dean’s Scholar, he is committed to guiding clients through complex and personal legal challenges with clarity and compassion. An 11th‑generation Texan, Jacob values community, tradition, and helping families navigate important life transitions.

I specialize in all types of Family Law cases. A substantial amount of is in traditional, litigated divorces. I prefer the former because it is (in my opinion) a less expensive and more efficient process which gives the divorcing couple the opportunity to improve their communications, settle their disputes with dignity and preserve valuable family relationships. Even in emotional circumstances, I help resolve your divorce through mediation, allowing you a strong voice in the outcome. But we are also prepared to take your case to court if that will provide the best resolution. I handle divorce cases involving a...

Christian Smith is the Managing Partner of Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She is a well-known Austin area trial attorney with a focus on complex family law disputes. She is known for her litigation skills, her knowledge of the law, and her client-focused approach. She welcomes challenging and difficult cases that other attorneys turn down. Christian runs a tight ship and maintains a standard of excellence by remaining detail-oriented, setting clear expectations and leading her team by example which is evident in her work product and client outcomes. Christian graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston...

Tyler is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, where he helps families navigate divorce and child custody matters with compassion and practical insight. Before practicing law, Tyler earned his nursing degree from Oklahoma City University and worked at children’s hospitals throughout Oklahoma, building deep experience in patient care and service. Tyler’s legal background includes mediating civil disputes, clerking for a District Judge, and serving as a Legal Intern for the Oklahoma County Department of Health. Committed to making a difference, Tyler combines his medical and legal experience to support clients through life’s most challenging transitions, always prioritizing service...

A native of Houston, John Timothy Cowart grew up in Bay City, Texas. His family roots are well-established in the Texas Hill Country. Tim has four beautiful children and currently resides in Horseshoe Bay. Tim proudly supports local school sports in Burnet and Llano Counties and plays an active part in the community.

At the University of Houston, Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1993, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1997. Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas, he moved to the Highland Lakes area the same year to raise his family and start...

Thomas H. Smith III was born and raised in Arlington, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2002 with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. He then attended the University of Houston Law Center where he served as an Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law. Tom began working at Roger G. Jain & Associates as a clerk in February 2004. When he graduated from UH Law Center in 2005, he continued here as an attorney, where he has worked through today. He is a trial lawyer, whose insight, analysis, and attention to detail have...

At Recalde Law Firm, we are proud to have Celina Recalde as our Houston workers’ compensation lawyer. Attorney Recalde extensive experience in Family Law and Child Welfare law as well as personal injury and workers' compensation. The Recalde Law Firm pay close attention to detail when building a case strategy and the focus is always on helping clients recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Contact the Recalde Law Firm to speak with someone Attorney Recalde or Attorney Brown about the details of your case.

With over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Kathy Johnson is an accomplished lawyer focusing her practice exclusively on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and other related issues. She has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1992 and in Oklahoma since 1992. She has been a family law mediator since 2000. As a strong-willed and tenacious attorney, Ms. Johnson refuses to back down from a fight. That said, her easy-going personality allows her to build strong connections with clients from all walks of life, making them feel comfortable and secure. Ms. Johnson started her career in the...

Cari Brownlee provides legal services in Harris County, Brazoria County and Galveston County.

Matt originally started his career as a paramedic and then a firefighter. He then joined the Ft. Worth Police Department where he was an Officer and a Detective for over a decade. During that time, Matt realized how much of a passion he had for law, and attended Texas A&M Law School, where he graduated with a JD. He was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 2006 and began working as a prosecuting attorney. After obtaining significant experience as a prosecutor, Matt realized the flaws in the criminal justice system and wanted to seek justice for those accused of crimes....

Ashley Nicole Green is a native Houstonian. Since the age of 13, Ms. Green has always had the desire to become an attorney. Her desire to help others, specifically children, developed at an early age while growing up as the oldest of five children. Ms. Green has been practicing family law since 2015 as a litigator, amicus attorney, ad litem attorney, and a certified family law mediator in the Houston and surrounding areas. Prior to becoming the managing attorney at the Law Office of A. Green, Ms. Green clerk for the 310th Judicial District Court under Judge Lisa A....

Kimberly G. Kleinhans was born in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, graduated cum laude from Penn State University and graduated with distinction from the Thomas Cooley Law School in 2008. Kimberly's achievements include representation of a client on the Dr. Phil show, representing Willie Nelson's co-defendant, and representing clients on countless leading numerous settlements and jury trials as represented on the verdicts/results page. Recently Kimberly completed all of the necessary educational requirements to become a member of the State College Bar of Texas. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending her time with her husband, 6-year-old daughter, 4-year-old son, attending Austin Ridge, running,...

Les Shireman is a licensed attorney who is Board Certified in Child Welfare Law and Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
He graduated with honors from South Texas College of Law. Before turning to the practice of law, Les worked in the mental health field as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Les’s practice is devoted entirely to family law matters, both trial, and appellate.
His past experience as a therapist provides Les with a distinctive skill set uniquely suited to family law. Because family law matters cases are generally charged with a great...

As Partner at Potts Law Firm, Matthew Tabakman uses his litigation experience to pursue property insurance and personal injury claims on behalf of his clients. Having practiced law in Central Florida since 2002, Matt has handled these types of cases from the time they are pre-suit claims, through the litigation process to negotiated settlement or jury verdict.

Matt studied political science at the State University of New York at Binghamton and international affairs at The George Washington University before pursuing his Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. While in law school, he participated in competitions...

I am a native Houstonian and have been a part of the Humble / Atascocita community for 30 years. Practicing Family Law can be rewarding and also very difficult. Lives that have been together day to day, separating or moving on can present great challenges. Not just financially, but also emotionally, and if there are children involved it can take great patience and understanding to help families navigate this difficult process. I have years of experience working with my clients to produce the best outcome possible for their families. I am familiar with the Harris County courts, and the judges...

I understand how difficult and upsetting changing family dynamics can be. I always aim to put my client’s minds to rest about legal concerns so they can focus on what is important, the well-being of their family.

For contested family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support, it is essential to have an attorney who is familiar with the law and comfortable in the courtroom. I enjoy being able to provide experienced advocacy to my clients and being able to support them through an unfamiliar and sometimes overwhelming process.

At Kubinski and Associates, P.C., we have been providing family law and probate law services to the El Paso, Texas, and Fort Bliss, Texas communities for nearly three decades. In those years, we have come across virtually every type of Texas family law case. If you live or work in the El Paso, Texas and Fort Bliss, Texas area and are considering divorce or separation, contact a certified Texas family law attorney. We handle divorce, paternity, modification, and enforcement. Our founding attorney, Paul J. Kubinski is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal...

Since I received my license to practice law in 1989, I have represented the State as an Assistant District Attorney in Cameron County, Texas and been elected to three terms as the first Judge of County Court at Law No. 3. I represent clients in criminal, civil, family law and probate cases in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy County. I have been a mediator since 2009 and am recently qualified to mediate family law matters. What sets me out from the rest is my extensive experience and personal approach to represent all of my clients as they deserve to be represented....

Dora Alicia Garza's diverse legal expertise and unwavering dedication to her clients have established her as one of Texas' most respected and accomplished attorneys. As the founder of Garza Law Office, PLLC, she leads a practice that spans a wide array of legal areas, including family law, guardianships, estate planning and probate, debt defense, criminal defense, personal injury, and immigration. Her relentless pursuit of justice, combined with her extensive legal knowledge, makes her a formidable and invaluable advocate for her clients. Throughout her career, Dora Alicia Garza has successfully navigated complex legal matters, delivering outstanding results for those she represents.

Reliable - Dependable - Proven Biography: Lupita Almaraz has been serving clients as a tenacious lawyer for over fifteen years. With over four decades of experience in the legal field, she works diligently and efficiently to maximize her clients' valuable time and resources. Lupita has earned the trust of her clients through her continued efforts to be mindful of having a strong attorney-client relationship. She is a powerful force as an advocate and is dedicated to her clients and her practice. Confiable - Segura - Probada Biografía Lupita Almaraz ha estado sirviendo a clientes como abogada tenaz por más de...

Kim practices Family Law exclusively and devotes her entire practice to ensuring client's families and property are protected during the crucial periods of litigation as well as the years that follow. Family law is the one area of the law that touches almost everyone at some point in their lives. Trust your most important assets to our law firm during your critical time.

I have practiced in multiple counties in Texas and have also appeared Pro Hac Vice in the State of Oklahoma. I have also served as a Municipal Court Judge.

Cheryl Crenwelge Sione grew up right here in Fredericksburg, Texas. Cheryl was heavily involved in FFA, 4-H, and other youth led organizations. She went on to attend Texas A&M, earning her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. While completing her Masters, Cheryl was offered an internship in Washington D.C.. She spent almost a year working with the Soybean Association, lobbying on farmer’s behalf in Washington D.C.. Soon after her time in Washington, She was accepted to studied law at Texas Tech University. After earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence, she began work at a small firm in Post, Texas. Her...

Sarah Anne Lishman was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated with honors from Communications Arts High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 2005, majoring in History and minoring in English. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she returned to San Antonio and attended St. Mary’s University School of Law. While in law school, Sarah Anne was an officer of the Women’s Law Association and helped raise thousands of dollars for local non-profits. She was frequently recognized for her academic achievements, and was consistently named on the Dean’s List. She was also a...