Best Lawyers in America for Family Law Mediation

Lynne Weitzel began her college career at Boston University and graduated from UCLA in 1991. Her college days included a trip around the world via Semester at Sea in 1989. She then attended law school at Tulane Law School in New Orleans, clerking in San Francisco and Washington D.C. during the summers. After graduating from law school, she moved to Denver where she has continuously resided. Lynne has sat on various boards during her legal career including the Metropolitan Denver Interdiscipli...

Emma L. Whitley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Emma L. practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico Best Lawyers has recognized Emma L. Whitley 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 Emma L. Whitley is held by other lawyers.

Thomas A. Greenwald is a Board Certified Family Law attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and co-managing partner at Goranson Bain Ausley. With more than 30 years of experience, he focuses his practice on complex divorce and custody matters for professionals, executives, business owners, and their spouses throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Tom is recognized for bringing judgment, financial discipline, and long-term thinking to high-stakes family law cases. He regularly...

Charles F. Bowes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Charles F. practices law in Austin, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Charles F. Bowes since 2017. 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 Charles F. Bowes is held by other lawyers.

Samantha Klein is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Samantha practices law in Los Angeles, California Best Lawyers has recognized Samantha Klein since 2025. 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 Samantha Klein is held by other lawyers.

Thomas D. Colin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Thomas D. practices law in Stamford, Connecticut Best Lawyers has recognized Thomas D. Colin since 2006. 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 Thomas D. Colin is held by other lawyers.

Joanne E. Romanow handles high-conflict disputes in family law. Her practice encompasses all aspects of domestic relations and probate litigation, including divorce, custody, modification, child support, paternity, guardianship, and will contests. Joanne handles a variety of litigation involving asset division, complex business valuation, inheritances, custody disputes, domestic violence and non-traditional family structure. She has been appointed as a guardian ad litem by the Probate and Fam...

Kelly Ausley-Flores is a Partner at Goranson Bain Ausley in Austin, Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with more than 25 years of experience. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for Family Law and Collaborative Law since 2012, and for Family Law Mediation since 2024. She has been named Austin “Lawyer of the Year” multiple times. Kelly is also included in LawDragon’s 500 Leading Family Lawyers (2024–2026) a...

Emily Warren is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Emily practices law in Denver, Colorado Best Lawyers has recognized Emily Warren since 2023. 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 Emily Warren is held by other lawyers.

Across Pennsylvania, Brian Vertz is viewed as a powerful advocate for his family law clients. For more than 25 years, Brian has zealously represented clients in complex child support cases, high net worth divorces, prenup enforcement cases, difficult custody disputes, and appeals up to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. With his MBA background and financial training, Brian develops effective strategies for family law cases involving business valuation, executive compensation, double dipping, fam...

Missel Fernandez is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Missel practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Missel Fernandez since 2025. 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 Missel Fernandez is held by other lawyers.

Sondra Douglas is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Sondra practices law in Rockville, Maryland Best Lawyers has recognized Sondra Douglas 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 Sondra Douglas is held by other lawyers.

Melissa Jacobs is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. Melissa practices law in Miami, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa Jacobs since 2027. 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 Melissa Jacobs is held by other lawyers.

Recognizing that many people meet Heather Mehigan during times of significant personal and family turmoil, her legal insight and sincerity puts them at ease. A tireless advocate for her clients, she assesses the circumstances of each matter and then works collaboratively with all parties to affect the best possible resolution. Heather instills a sense of confidence in her clients, and opposing counsel respect her fair and firm efforts to achieve consensus. Her areas of focus include fiduciary...

Jennifer M. Babounakis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Jennifer M. practices law in Vienna, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer M. Babounakis 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 Jennifer M. Babounakis is held by other lawyers.

Elizabeth S. Owen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Elizabeth S. practices law in Rock Hill, South Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth S. Owen since 2025. 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 Elizabeth S. Owen is held by other lawyers.