Mason County Family Lawyers

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...

Mark has been licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas to practice in Texas state courts since November 1, 2013. Mark attended the University of North Texas in Denton, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in August 2005. He studied law at Texas Wesleyan School of Law and graduated with his Juris Doctor in May 2013, after which the school became Texas A&M University School of Law in the fall of 2013. Mark served in the United States Army from August 2005 until July 2009. He was stationed in Germany most of that...

Sandra L. Sprott is currently a solo practitioner and owner of the Law Office of Sandra Sprott, P.C. in Arlington, Texas. Ms. Sprott represents diverse clients in the fields of collections, small business planning, and commercial/consumer litigation. She also devotes her time representing clients in the areas of family law, landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning, and probate matters. From 2008 to 2013, Ms. Sprott was a Managing Attorney at the Law Office of Ben Abbott, P.C., in Garland, Texas. In this role she provided counsel and performed a full complement of legal activities in the plaintiff personal injury field....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Ken Bigham Jr. has been licensed to practice law since 1989. Since that time he has made it his mission to empower and defend those who find themselves up against the overwhelming odds of large corporations and organizations. With a focus on personal injury law and criminal defense, Ken has spent the last two decades providing experienced guidance and dedicated legal service.

Our practice is 100% devoted to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, grandparent rights, marital agreements, collaborative law, family law mediation, transgender issues, same sex marriages, and domestic partnerships. Because we limit our practice to family law, you can be assured that your case will get the attention and care you deserve. We can also offer you a better way to divorce using Collaborative Law, settling your case without utilizing the court system, or a relatively new program for high conflict cases called 'New Ways for Families.' Call us to request a free consultation...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Blake Watson is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and Baylor University. After graduating law school, Blake went on to work at a large firm in Houston, Texas that specialized in personal injury. While there he helped his clients receive far and lucrative settlements for cases involving auto and 18-wheeler accidents, wrongful death, slip and falls, and work related injuries. From Houston, Blake took his practice to Bastrop and Austin Counties where his practice included everything from real estate transactions to business litigation. When he is not practicing law, Blake is an avid outdoors-man who enjoys all types...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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

David was born and raised in the Dallas area and attended Mesquite schools. He is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Before he became a lawyer, David was a teacher and a coach in several Texas school districts. He also enjoyed coaching summer leagues for many years.

David served on the Forney ISD school board for six years and was president one year.

David has devoted his career to helping consumers in Texas. He has prosecuted and defended cases involving everything from collections and foreclosures to swimming pools, automobiles, and home foundations. He is proud to say that he has...

Shahzad R. Khan is an accomplished attorney/litigator. He has over ten-years of experience in the practice of law in Immigration, domestic relations, estate planning, and corporate matters. He is experienced in civil litigation and an author of several published articles on family law issues. Over the course of his career, Shahzad has honed his highly strategic legal skills by successfully litigating and settling numerous cases involving family law issues in Texas and Illinois.
Moreover, Shahzad is well experienced and versed in the areas of Employment and Family Based Immigration. He has prepared and overseen the preparation of...

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.

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....

Elena is a Texas native. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College of Law Houston. She began working at the Hunt Law Firm as a law clerk while she was a law student and was thrilled to join to accept a full-time attorney position after being licensed. She is a dedicated advocate who skillfully guides clients through difficult times with compassion and empathy. Her goal is to support my clients, both inside and outside the courtroom, while explaining the law in a way that is accessible and easy-to-understand. She helps clients find reasonable solutions 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.

Desireé Marie Bedasa is committed to helping families facing challenging family law issues, such as divorce. Due to her own personal experiences growing up, Desireé is inspired to advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, primarily children. As an individual who did not experience a "traditional" upbringing, Desireé knows the potential trauma of a child being caught in the middle of a custody battle. She has dedicated her career to assisting families with children determine what solution is in the best interest of a child. Desireé is dedicated to and experienced at advocating for families in a wide...