Carla M. Calabrese

Carla M. Calabrese

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2008
Awarded Practice Areas
Collaborative Law: Family Law Family Law Family Law Arbitration Family Law Mediation
Awarded Practice Areas
Collaborative Law: Family Law Family Law Family Law Arbitration Family Law Mediation
Carla M. Calabrese
Carla M. Calabrese
Dallas, TX
Works at
Calabrese Budner LLP

1 Best Lawyers award

Calabrese Budner LLP logo

Biography

Carla M. Calabrese is the founding and managing partner of Calabrese BudnerLLP, a Dallas-based boutique family law firm focused on complex divorce and custody matters. With more than 35 years of experience, she practices in FamilyLaw, Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law Mediation, and Family Law Arbitration.

Carla is a pioneer of Emotionally Intelligent Divorce®, guiding clients through high-stakes family matters with clarity, strategy, and a focus on long-term outcomes. A Master Credentialed Collaborative Divorce attorney, she is a leader in team-based, out-of-court resolution.

She is also widely regarded as an expert in adoption and marital agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Carla has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2008, reflecting consistent peer recognition for professional excellence.

Works at
Calabrese Budner LLP

1 Best Lawyers award

Calabrese Budner LLP logo

Locations

Education

  • Bowling Green State University, B.S.B.A., Magna Cum Laude, graduated 1986
  • University of Cincinnati, J.D. with Honors, graduated 1986

Affiliations

  • Collaborative Divorce Master Credential - Member
  • International Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys - member
  • A Cradle of Hope Adoption Center - Founder
  • Hope International Adoption and Humanitarian Aid Agency - Founder

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Collaborative Law: Family Law
  • Family Law
  • Family Law Arbitration
  • Family Law Mediation
Awards:
  • Recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by D Magazine – 18 years

  • Selected for Texas Super Lawyers – 23 years

Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.

Please use the print button to print this profile page.

Spinning circle Big letter B