Best Lawyers in America for Collaborative Law: Family Law

Aimee Pingenot Key is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a partner at Goranson Bain Ausley in Dallas and Midland. With over 23 years practicing exclusively in family law, Aimee has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law (2015–2026), Collaborative Law: Family Law (2024–2026), and Family Law Mediation (2025–2026). She has been selected to Texas Super Lawyers (2014–2025), the Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers (2017&...

Laura Baldwin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Laura practices law in Park Ridge, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Laura Baldwin since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Laura Baldwin is held by other lawyers.

Maria Montoya Chavez is an attorney with Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 for her work in Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation. This recognition is based on peer review by attorneys practicing in the same geographic and practice areas. Maria Montoya Chavez has practiced law since 2000 and focuses exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, child custody...

Jeralyn Lawrence is the Managing Member and Founder of Lawrence Law, and devotes her practice to matrimonial, divorce, and family law, and is a trained collaborative lawyer, divorce mediator, and arbitrator. Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, Jeralyn represents clients with matrimonial and family law needs, including divorce litigation, mediation and arbitration, custody and parenting time issues, alimony and child support, separation and property sett...

Jeff is a highly experienced litigator, mediator, and collaborative law attorney. With such a versatile skill set, he is exceptionally equipped to advise clients on the best approach to resolve their family law matter, and achieve an outcome that is ultimately successful. Jeff manages the full range of family law issues, with special expertise in high net worth business and complex property cases. Time as a civil business litigator early in Jeff’s career honed his technical skills and b...

Jonathan T. Lane is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Jonathan T. practices law in New London, Connecticut Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan T. Lane since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jonathan T. Lane is held by other lawyers.

Deanna Rusch is an attorney at McKean Smith's Vancouver office. Highly respected as a skilled family law attorney in Southwest Washington, Deanna's poise in court, knowledge of the law, and trial experience sets her apart. She focuses her practice on complex divorce cases (particularly those involving high net worth property ownership and complicated assets), custody cases, relocation, third party custody, modifications, and all other areas of family law. Deanna was drawn to family law over a...

Founder and owner of Bliss Law Group, Heather Z. Bliss, was drawn to family law largely because of the unexpected tragic loss of both her parents at a young age. She and her brothers experienced a unique childhood after their parents’ deaths, and this incited her passion for helping families navigate through the legal system and the potential turmoil they face when dealing with court and the legal world when it directly impacts children and families. Her hope is to assist in alleviating...

Candice L. Komar’s legal career spans nearly four decades as a prominent practitioner recognized equally for excellence in litigation and alternative dispute skills. Incorporating her affinity for business and her understanding of the sensitivity surrounding marital break down, Pittsburgh family lawyer Candice L. Komar is a skilled and formidable opponent in the courtroom who also shines in the alternative dispute arena as a collaborative lawyer, mediator and arbitrator. Candice provide...

Meredith A. Johnstone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Meredith A. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Meredith A. Johnstone since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Meredith A. Johnstone is held by other lawyers.

Making strategic decisions for the future can be challenging during a family crisis like divorce. Jonathan Dana, a compassionate and straightforward divorce attorney with more than 35 years of experience, helps clients navigate these difficult times to make educated, informed and optimal decisions for their circumstances. “I present clients with options, letting them know that my role is to guide, rather than tell them what to do,” says Jonathan. “It’s important that t...

Thomas L. Ausley is the founding partner of GoransonBain Ausley’s predecessor firm Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores, LLP. He has devoted his legal career to the practice of family law and has earned the respect of peers and judges alike for his unwavering integrity in guiding and advising clients. Tom was bestowed the prestigious Sam Emison Award by the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists in 2013 in recognition of his significant contributions to the practice of family law and...

Jenny Quattlebaum is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Jenny practices law in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Jenny Quattlebaum since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jenny Quattlebaum is held by other lawyers.

Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Susan Myres has over 35 years of experience practicing family law in Harris County and the Greater Houston area. Susan works closely with all of her clients to develop a legal strategy that best fits her client's goals and needs. Her background in business studies allows her to work through complex issues involving the characterization and valuation of a business, closely-held business interests, characteri...

Emily P. Koekkoek is a shareholder at Sherr Puttmann Akins Lamb PC and a dedicated family law attorney serving clients throughout Colorado. Known for her compassion, strategic thinking, and tenacious advocacy, Emily has spent over a decade helping individuals navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions—divorce, custody disputes, post-decree modifications, and complex domestic relations matters. She combines the skill of a seasoned litigator with the genuine empathy of som...

Paul M. Leopold is a double Board Certified attorney in Family Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He focuses on family law appeals, helping clients across Texas protect their rights in difficult legal situations—like divorce, custody battles, child support issues, or international child abduction cases. With years of experience arguing in both state and federal courts, Paul has a proven track record of handling complex family law appeals. He works cl...