Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Family Law
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Ryan Curington is a native-born Texan who brings a practical, grounded approach to his work as a family law attorney in Austin, Texas. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, he spent time living in New York City, where he attended Hofstra University School of Law on Long Island. While he gained valuable perspective during his time in New York, Ryan ultimately felt called back to Texas, where the culture and community felt like home. Upon returning to Texas, Ryan joined Bryan...
Caitlin S. Martinez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Caitlin S., who practices law in Denton, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Caitlin S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Thinking back to when she made the decision to become an attorney, Caroline Near remembers her father, who taught her that getting the result you want could be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Practicing Family Law, Ms. Near knew that many of her clients would be coming to her during the hardest times in their lives. She wanted to be prepared to do all she could to help them. Less than a year after graduating law school, Ms. Near went into private practice, overseeing the manage...
Hailey Klingbeil is an Associate at Varghese Summersett in the Family Law Group, where she is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate times of change and crisis. She has a deep understanding of the emotional and legal challenges that come with divorce, child custody disputes, property division, and other family matters. Hailey is committed to providing personalized attention to each client so she can understand their unique situation and tailor a strategy to achieve the bes...
As an associate attorney at Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, Melissa Cowle represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, parental visitation, spousal support, property division, marital agreements, paternity and modifications. In her own practice, Melissa approaches those she represents with genuine concern and a desire to put them at ease. She understands those who come to see her are good people who may be at a particularly low point in their lives. She provides...
Clever, caring, and fully committed to her clients and her team, Daniela is a next-generation family law attorney. She graduated with a degree in biology from Louisiana’s Centenary College where she was active in philanthropic projects and student government. She received her law degree from the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law. Daniela is a member of the International Legal Honor Society, Phi Delta Phi, and a CALI Award Winner. “I was a member of the varsity swi...
Tom Trahan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation. Tom, who practices law in Plano, Texas, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tom is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jack Wall provides dedicated representation to his clients with a practical and empathetic approach. He is committed to guiding his clients through each phase of their legal journey, assisting them in envisioning new possibilities for their future. A graduate of Baylor University School of Law, one of the nation's top litigation school, Jack was awarded a full scholarship from the Del Sampels Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund in Law.
Mary Barefield is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Mary, who practices law in Plano, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Carlos E. Gracia is a family law attorney at Goranson Bain Ausley in Austin. Carlos was admitted to the Texas Bar in 2023 and has practiced family law at Goranson Bain Ausley throughout his career, having served as a law clerk at the firm from 2021 through 2023. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (2025–2026) and Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2025). He is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association, the Austin Bar Association Family Law Section, and the Austin Y...
Karen Bryson is a family law attorney in the Dallas office of Goranson Bain Ausley. She represents clients in divorce, child custody, premarital agreements, family violence, modifications and enforcement, and adoption. Karen brings experience in both litigation and constructive resolution to her work. Trained in Collaborative Divorce and mediation, she helps clients evaluate the approach best suited to their circumstances. Some matters can be resolved through negotiation or a collaborative pr...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.