Best Lawyers Near You in McKinney, Texas for Family Law
Mary Barefield is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Mary practices law in Plano, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Mary Barefield 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 Mary Barefield is held by other lawyers.
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...
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...
Family law is innately sensitive and personal – there’s never a “one size fits all” approach to a case. Emily’s empathy and exceptional ability to connect with clients on a personal level helps them feel heard, understood and supported. That’s what makes her so special. “I’ve always wanted to work in family law because of my two main passions – learning and working directly with people,” Emily says. “Family law is as diverse as...
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...
Megan Decadi is a family law attorney at Goranson Bain Ausley in Plano. With over six years practicing exclusively in family law — and 16 years as a family law paralegal before that — Megan brings a practical, organized approach to case management and an eye for what matters in a file. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (Family Law, 2023–2027) and as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers (2024–2025). Megan is a member of the Curt B. Hender...
Lexi earned her law degree at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. And that seems appropriate. With her intellect, winning attitude, and innate skills, Lexi’s already on track to make quite a name for herself in the practice of law. Over the years, she has excelled in handling virtually every aspect of family law, from litigation to mediation; case initiation to client retention; final judgement to post-decree modification and appeal. But Lexi says ...
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.
Tom Trahan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation. Tom practices law in Plano, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Tom Trahan 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 Tom Trahan is held by other lawyers.
Kaleigh Downing has always been passionate about children and at a young age wondered if she might become a teacher. She eventually decided she could best serve those in need as an attorney and pursued a career in Family Law. Divorce and child custody are personal experiences for Ms. Downing and very close to her heart. Growing up in a blended family gave her a strong understanding of the delicate issues Family Law often deals with. She knows what it’s like for children to experience a ...
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.
