I interviewed multiple family lawyers before deciding upon Melissa Williams. My criteria was really…read moretrying to find a lawyer that would pursue, and attempt to keep, an amicable divorce (especially if you have kids and will be coparenting..) However, you never know how these things might go and the selection of your lawyer is perhaps the biggest decision you need to make to try to keep it civil, but of course, be prepared for the worst. Melissa certainly showed her ability to aggressively push back and control the opposing counsel's outlandish requests while respecting my desire to try and find a balance and prepare us for coparenting. Not an easy request given the opposing counsel. She was always available to discuss the direction and requests and didn't nickel and dime me along the way. However, her knowledge not just of the law but of the opposing counsel's experience made all the difference. That's one of the things I never thought to interview for. Melissa's 20+ years of experience all over Travis Country was the game changer. Knowing not just the other lawyer, but also the mediators, forensic accountants and of course the potential judges really is her secret weapon. She could accurately predict what would happen next and could push back on outlandish asks knowing that the opposing counsel had tried that in the past and gotten rejected by judges so was simply trying to intimidate. Melissa, and her paralegal, really are the most experienced around and actually care, and listen, to their clients while still ensuring the best possible outcome.

Let's face it- divorce is never easy! But, after losing my Dad, my sister and then hearing my…read morehusband of 25 years was leaving me for "someone else and/or just to find himself"...all within 6 months...I was a mess. I needed honest, straight forward advice that was in my best interest. I couldnt think clearly and was overwhelmed. But, after some time with Melissa, I got centered and ready for the next steps. She guided me kindly yet firmly. She thought of things I did not even consider. How? By being wise, understanding my needs, and positioning my case in such a way that I got all I wanted and more. During one of the darkest seasons in my life, Melissa Williams was the just the light I needed. If you need her help, she will be there. If you have questions or concerns she takes her time to be sure you are clear on the facts. If you are not thinking clearly, she has your back. And Marilyn, oh sweet calm Marilyn, will be the voice on the phone that will help any way she can. The office is amazing and I couldnt be more grateful for them both. From my experience, in the end, you will realize that Melissa Williams is a brillant professional that becomes a real friend.

I'm extremely grateful to Aubrey for her support during such a difficult time. She has been…read moreincredibly patient, empathetic, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout my divorce case. She always takes the time to answer my questions, explain things clearly, and provide detailed guidance and advice. After having a very different experience with my previous attorney, I immediately felt the difference when Aubrey took over my case. She made me feel heard, supported, and confident that my case was getting the attention it needed. Going through a divorce is never easy, but having a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely compassionate has made a huge difference. I truly appreciate Aubrey and would highly recommend her!

Aubrey helped me understand what I needed to do as I had not sued anyone before and greatly…read moreappreciate her assistance.

Ilana is an exceptional attorney who truly advocates for her clients. She is knowledgeable,…read moreconfident, professional, and fearless in the courtroom. She stands firm, challenges what needs to be challenged, and makes sure her clients' voices are heard. It's refreshing to have an attorney who genuinely understands the importance of fathers' rights and is willing to fight for them. Her dedication, preparation, and courtroom presence speak for themselves. I highly recommend Ilana to anyone looking for an attorney who will stand up for them and fight for what matters most.

Ilana is super personable and down to earth. Through the whole process I felt safe and comfortable…read morewith her team doing their thing and I knew they were taking care of business. She is prepared, professional and speaks extremely well in the courtroom. If you are still considering options just Do yourself a favor and stop looking now! You've arrived in the right place

I hired Michael 7 years ago. I delivered enough "material" to him tied in a pretty red bow that…read moremade the divorce a no brainer. (Yes, I realize Texas is a no fault state.) This was Sept 2013. By Jan. '14 there still were no TO's filed. Michael made it clear to me, "you aren't in CA anymore sweetheart. You need to get spousal support out of your mind." (Really, because 3 of my friends who have divorced over the last 7 years received spousal support. And yes, my ex and I were married well over 10 years.) My ex has his own very successful financial planning company. I had been with him 14 of the 20 years at that point. However, Michael refused to insist on a Forensic Accountant to come and provide a Business Valuation and to look for hidden assets. Hello!!! I am the client and the one paying for these people. Who are you to tell me it will be a waste of time!?!?!?! My ex is extremely financially successful and Michael refused to fight for more child support than the Texas Family Code allowed for. I had quit my job of 20 years to stay home and care for the children 6 years prior to the divorce so to re-enter the mortgage industry post '08 crash in an entirely new state when my client base of 20 years was in another state was not going to provide the income I once had. Not to mention the mortgage underwriting guidelines had dramatically changed so it did not make sense to go back to that field. I trusted Michael to get me and my children the best settlement. In hindsight I am told by many different attorneys that "my attorney most definitely could have gotten me more child support than standard Texas Code when the children have been accustomed to a certain lifestyle and receiving the standard child support would mean they would not be able to continue living in the manner they have become accustomed to." Michael didn't do that for us. He took the easy way out. Michael never fought for me on anything. My new husband's decree and many friend's decrees state the two parties will split extra curriculars 50/50. My ex and I split them 50/50 for a few years until he just decided he didn't want to do that anymore. I have no recourse now. In the Springtime of 2014 we went to mediation. Michael was useless and didn't fight for me at all. Of the EIGHT HOURS we were in mediation, my Ex had the mediator for 6.5 HOURS and I had the mediator for 1.5 HOURS!!! That's it!!!! COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!!!! When we were FINALLY go to court in May for our Temporary Orders hearing (WHICH WAS AFTER MEDIATION?!?!), Michael, my ex and my ex's attorney already had a divorce settlement prepared for me to review and sign off on that day. Michael had NO INTENTION that day of having a TO hearing. When Judge McMaster asked how long we would need for the TO hearing, Michael said, "Your Honor, we actually have a settlement prepared for my client to review so if we could have about 3 hours to go over it, I believe we can be finished today?!?!?!" I was in shock, horrified and blindsided! I knew NOTHING about this! Michael did the strongest used car salesman pitch on me for the next 3 hours as to why and how this settlement in front of me was such a great deal. It was a Friday. He never once encouraged me to take it home over the weekend and think about it before I signed it. He just wanted to be done. Then in the fall when my daughter started saying things that indicated she might be being sexually abused by my ex's friend, and my 4th and 2nd grade boys all of a sudden had porn on their kindle's at the same time I FREAKED OUT and called Michael. He told me to "relax, I'm sure all is fine." A report was filed by CPS by one of my family members and I told Michael I was taking my kids to Dallas until this was cleared up. I just was not comfortable returning the children to my ex until there was certainty about what was going on in his home. He said, "I understand. I just don't recommend it." On late Sun night he called me at me at my parents to tell me Judge was requiring me in court at 9am following day. MICHAEL TELLS ME "JUST STAY IN DALLAS WITH THE KIDS. I'll handle this for you." INSTEAD, Judge was INCREDIBLY ANGRY AT ME for not appearing and has been angry ever since! Michael did NOTHING for me except cost me almost $20,000 in attorney and court fees and get me a divorce settlement that I have had to fight and deal with one regret after another for the last 7 years. Do not even think of using Michael Burnett. You will thank me.

I'm so very disappointed in Michael Burnett, the lack of genuine effort he gave my case, his…read moreparticipation in the family law systems' racketeering, and his deceitful techniques. He knew how my case was going to turn out before he even really lifted a finger, which reflects how broken the system is and how little invested he was in helping my son and me. I've met some other parents who had similar experiences with him; hence, me learning that some of his actions were actually common techniques of his. It's so heart-wrenching because these are families in crises and typically one parent gets alienated from the child[ren] and extremely abused by the family law systems. Clients be wary of Mr. Burnett's close connections with Jake Gilbreath (attorney involved in the tragic Kaplan case) and that he and Turner were once partners with Mr. Piper and several other attorneys. All these attorneys are fish swimming in the same pond. The judges swam in that same pond, too; many of them are golf and former drinking buddies. Not only are there paradigm issues, but also loyalty and implicit & explicit bias issues. Parents really need to understand that family law is a complete racket. Just so the readers know, I was able to resume 50/50 JMC once the attorneys got out of the picture and my ex-husband was no longer negatively empowered by the family law systems. So often when a parent posts a negative review, the attorneys will come back with a statement to invalidate the review. I believe the attorneys are in the front lines of accountability for the violence these families in crises are experiencing. If anyone would like additional information regarding what I've shared, please email ATX change agent at gmail dot com.

How do you find the words to describe the worth of your quality of life? The worth of your…read morechildren's future and best interest? The worth of less conflict and stress? The worth of your safety, sleep, time, and financial means? Divorce and custody matters can be life altering. One choice can greatly change the course and outcome. Making the right choices are difficult when you are scared, vunerable, or facing the complex issues that are common during a family law matters. However, the single MOST IMPORTANT choice you will make in a family law matter is who you choose to represent you. Last year I cringed, with my stomach in knots, at the thought of hiring another lawyer. After four years of suffering through constant litigation, I said enough. I began researching, and was on a mission to find the best law firm for our family, particularly for our children. We needed someone that understood high conflict. We needed someone who cared about what really is in the best interest of the children. We needed someone that understood our past legal experiences, and our need to feel we could trust again. Today, we couldn't be more happy and relieved with the choice we made. I could say all the things that help you feel warm and fuzzy. I could say all the things Evans Family Law greatly possesses and surpasses- Professionalism, efficiency, tactfulness, communication, strategy, and attention to detail. Or, I could just say what is most important. We hired the best person to represent our family, and most importantly our children. I absolutely believe our custody matter was treated as if it were our lawyers own. Evans Family Law settled our ongoing high conflict case, carried us through the adoption process and ensured our children will have a future that aligns with their best interest. A future that includes an actively involved, nuturing, and supportive father. Most importantly, they enabled us to gain our joy and quality of life again. We will recommend Evans Family Law over and over again. I will never find adequate words to describe how grateful we are. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Jimmy, Jenni, Katherine and the entire firm at Evans Family Law Group.

I am still trying to get my $33,000 trial retainer from this office for a trial that never happened…read moreand no further work was done. After many years of working together, Jimmy Evans acknowledged owing and promised to work it off or return my trial retainer. He has done neither, instead delaying and making excuses, including talking about friendship. I don't gift friends $33,000. I want my money back.

This is an update, three years after the finalization of my divorce and my subsequent bankruptcy…read moredue to Ms. Bustos's disastrous handling of my case. I don't want this to happen to anyone else. (Ms. Bustos dropped my case at the last minute, after burning her way through my line of credit entirely). As a result of my bankruptcy (for over $70,000, $50,000 of which had gone into Bustos's pockets), I have had to forfeit 50/50 custody of my now 10-year-old son, and now I'm forced out of the state entirely. She will not protect you. She will not do the work you pay her for. And I am not the only person she has done this to either. Note that non-profit lenders won't work with her anymore because she has a record of this immoral and unjust behavior. She had to hire her own attorney to fight the grievance that I filed with the State Bar of Texas for professional misconduct against her that took a year to resolve. Write to me if you would like more information, if you need help planning to fight back, or even if you just need to talk about it: hitchens.michaela@gmail.com. I have heard four others who were also her former clients. Divorce is hard enough with the best of attorneys. Bustos will make you wish you'd never been born, but you will recover with time.

Since Thomas is no longer at this firm, I will update this review. I will also update again pending…read morethe closure of my case. Lisa and her team have been working hard and have done a good job, even when dealing with difficult opposing counsel. I appreciate her team responding so quickly and getting right to the point with the matter at hand.

Amie assisted with my divorce that was complicated by my husband being deported and residing in…read moreanother country. She handled everything with professionalism. I never once felt less than her top priority. She was very responsive and ensured everyone involved provided updates. Divorce is not easy because emotions are involved. Amie and her staff understood my feelings, which is very important. Thank you Amie and Precious.

Amie is a terrific divorce and family lawyer. She's board certified, has practiced for a long time,…read moreknows everyone (including the legal assistants of her courtroom opponents), has common sense, and is a darned fine attorney. Plus, she'll return your calls and talk with you. Amie was a great advocate for me and put things in my decree that are now saving my posterior. She's extremely calm and collected, is pragmatic, and to boot, has a wonderful sense of humor. Her legal assistant Paula is also a tremendous asset. I have recommended Amie to at least three people since my own divorce, and not just for her services as a divorce attorney, but for issues like grandparent rights. I've also known two people who I've since run across who also had Amie as their attorney and who told me what she was able to accomplish for them. I highly recommend her to most anyone who is seeking legal counsel where a divorce or family law matter is imminent. Amie is really worth it.

From my personal experience (I have a lot of experience with attorneys) Elizabeth Schwartz and her…read moreoffice are a great team. On our court date, the opposing party had not provided us with any information despite several attempts by Elizabeth and her office to contact them to give us some kind of information regarding the hearing. We received none. Walking into court I was unsure of what to expect. Despite being unprepared due to the lack of communication by the other party Elizabeth stood up and fought and argued the points that were being attempted to be made against me. She stayed focused and confident and ultimately resulted in a dismissal. An ability like that can only come from experience. A great experience during a rough time.

I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate Elizabeth and her entire team. Although custody and…read morechild support issues are never going to be easy to maneuver through, I felt heard, understood, and even appreciated during my entire ordeal. They kept me looped in on important updates through timely emails and were willing to jump on calls to talk through questions and events as needed. Thankfully, Elizabeth and Kate were able to put my nerves at ease while preparing for and attending zoom depositions and court. I felt prepared as I knew exactly what to expect. Although my situation often felt scary and overwhelming, they were able to help calm these intrusive feelings by being upfront and direct with me. (They also helped me laugh at some of the ridiculous things as well, which I truly appreciated!) I hope this review helps for anyone feeling stuck and scared in their situation, unsure of what their next move looks like. When you enlist the services of Elizabeth and her team, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.