Best Lawyers in Texas, United States for Family Law
Cities
Katie Valle’s practice focuses on divorce, complex child-custody and property disputes, and cases involving family violence and substance use. She brings a steady, trauma-informed approach to high-conflict matters. Prior to private practice, Katie served as Family Legal Services Director with Volunteer Legal Services, representing families fleeing violence and substance abuse, and mentoring attorneys new to family law. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Austin Bar Asso...
Kathryn SamlerProtecting and serving children and families is a longstanding commitment of Katie’s. She strongly advocates for clients when they are going through one of the most difficult times of life, and ensures that her clients goals are prioritized. Katie has a special interest in helping families with challenges that include complex property division, mental health issues (including personality disorders), and substance abuse issues.
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...
Benson Varghese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Family Law. Benson Varghese is the founder and managing partner of Varghese Summersett, a premier Texas law firm known for its elite attorneys and exceptional results in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense. In addition to overseeing the firm — which has offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston — Be...
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...
Grady Reiff is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Grady practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Grady Reiff 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 Grady Reiff is held by other lawyers.
Laci Bowman represents clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, modification proceedings, premarital and post marital property agreements, suits affecting parent-child relationship, and enforcement issues. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2013, Ms. Bowman has extensive experience negotiating difficult settlement agreements or, when appropriate, taking a case through trial. She has tried multiple jury trials, bench trials, and arbit...
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...
Charla Davies, a partner at Goranson Bain Ausley’s San Antonio office, is recognized for her client-centered approach and dedication to guiding families through complex legal matters—including divorce, child custody, child support, and enforcement of court orders. She is known for her compassion, integrity, and commitment to constructive solutions. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Charla empowers clients to reach resolutions that prioritize...
Andi believes that many family law matters can be resolved through thoughtful negotiation and problem-solving, allowing people to move forward without further strain on already sensitive relationships. She approaches each case with the goal of reaching agreement when possible, while also preparing carefully for litigation when settlement is not achievable. This balanced approach allows Andi to advocate effectively for her clients at every stage of a case, with the support of her dedicated par...
Coleen Kinsler is a Family Law attorney with Bryant Colletti Kaplan Kinsler & De La Reza LLP in Austin, Texas. During her third year of law school, she recognized that she wanted to build her career around helping individuals and families navigate difficult transitions through thoughtful legal guidance and practical solutions. Since the beginning of her legal career, Coleen has focused exclusively on Family Law and has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Special...
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.
