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I am originally from Katy, Texas, and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a minor in Business Administration after receiving the Arizona Excellence Scholarship Award. From there, I attended Mississippi College School of Law, where I graduated Cum Laude, received the Justice Jess H. Dickinson Professionalism Award, and was inducted into the Order of Barristers for my oral advocacy and briefing skills. I am a member of the Texas State Bar and the Tarrant County Bar Association.. During Law School, I  spent two years at the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office working as a law clerk, and I also clerked for the 15th District Chancery Judge of Brookhaven, Mississippi. In addition to that, I served as a Research Representative for LexisNexis throughout my law school career. Today, my practice primarily focuses on family law. I am constantly striving for excellence and I am fully dedicated to acting on behalf of the best interests of my clients. Family law matters are straining, and I will provide a thorough explanation of your case and keep you fully informed throughout the process. I will always take the time to speak with you and give you an honest assessment of where your case stands.. Outside of the practice of law, I enjoy spending quality time with my family.

Kristin Kaye is a Senior Attorney with Blanchard & Thomas, LLP. She has over ten years of experience litigating primarily Family Law and CPS matters. Throughout her legal career, she has tried over fifty jury trials, ranging from simple traffic violations to complex capital murder cases. She continually proves herself more than capable of handling every aspect of a case from consult, to negotiation, to jury argument.. One of the most-treasured compliments Kristin has received is, “you're the first person who ever made me feel like they cared about my case.” This is a truth Kristin strives to impart on all clients she represents at B&T. She will work hard to earn the right to be your attorney indefinitely, not just for your current legal issue. She is zealous, fierce, and passionate advocate in and out of the courtroom. She can be trusted not to back down from any fight unless it is in your best interest and at your request.. Before joining the team at B&T, Kristin served as an Assistant District Attorney in McLennan (Waco), Harrison and Anderson Counties. In those positions, she initially handled a variety of criminal cases from misdemeanor traffic tickets to felony capital murders. She later represented the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (also known as CPS) before ultimately becoming a felony level prosecutor assigned to the Crimes Against Children Division. Through those experiences, Kristin became particularly adept at both storytelling and public speaking. She often moved jurors to tears in her closing arguments due to her ability to convey her passion for protecting children and the jury’s ability to make positive change through their verdict. She also developed a knack for speaking with children on their level and helping them express their hardships in a public forum. She has perfected the art of being welcoming and gentle with children while remaining direct and calculated with adult witnesses, attorneys, and Judges.. Kristin holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary's University School of Law (2011) where she was a member of the Mock Trial Team and National Black Law Students Association Mock Trial Team. Her team made it to the national level competition in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, Kristin participated in the St. Mary's University School of Law Clinic where she helped represent low income clients in family cases and other civil law matters. Kristin earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2006.. Kristin is a native Texan, born and raised in San Antonio. She is currently a member of the McLennan County Defense Lawyers Association, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section. In her free time, Kristin enjoys yoga, journaling, horror movies, gardening, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her two young children. If asked, her family would say her specialty in the kitchen is fried chicken wings, and enchiladas with a tomatillo-based sauce.

I didn’t know I wanted to be an attorney until I went to law school. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else! I particularly like the practice of family law because it allows me to carefully listen to the details of a client’s individual situation and come up with a unique strategy to help them accomplish their goals. Every case is different, and I enjoy the challenge of coming up with a course of action that will effectively address the concerns of the client and move the case towards a resolution.. For the last several years, I have also taken CPS cases through Court Appointment – representing children or parents when the Department of Family and Protective Services steps in and removes children from their home environment due to allegations of abuse or neglect. I find these cases to be extremely personally satisfying – especially in the role of Attorney Ad Litem when I represent the child or children. In 2019, due to my extensive knowledge, experience, and passion for this area of the law, I applied for and became Board Certified in Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.. I was born and raised in Abilene, Texas. I graduated from Cooper High School and spent a year at Abilene Christian University before transferring to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. People think I’m crazy, but I loved living in Lubbock! There is just nothing like a West Texas sunset. After college, I moved to Granbury, Texas and commuted to Fort Worth, where I attended Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law). I eventually settled down just west of Fort Worth where I live with my two kids, three cats, and various other foster pets depending on the day.

When I finally decided to go to law school, I thought it best to focus on doing the most good for the greatest number of people—family law. The emotional intensity and typical complexity of the problems faced by family members suddenly embroiled in that kind of a contest require a steady hand and firm purpose. Since I have heard everything, nothing human will shock me.. My father was a high-school coach, so we moved often; however, I consider myself a ‘Sooner’ since I was born in Miami, Oklahoma. I graduated from a small high school in Southeastern Kansas; spent one semester at a college hoping to play football at the next level; and then came to my senses by enrolling at Pittsburg State University. After graduation I considered medical school or law school BEFORE I finally agreed to enter the seminary. I was sent to Holy Trinity Seminary on the campus of University of Dallas. Ordained in 1977 I finally decided to go to law school in Georgia: the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia.. My daughter, Mary, graduated from Nolan High School and is currently enrolled at OSU, Stillwater, Oklahoma; she is majoring in Education. My wife, Johanna, is the manager of the Major Gifts Team, Catholic Charities, Fort Worth. She raises money for the agency to eradicate poverty, one family at a time. We attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, downtown Fort Worth. No pets now—our dear Asta died in 2016 at the age of 18 and we are not ready to adopt another dog YET.. Practice all areas of family law in the State of Texas: divorce; custody issues; child support; enforcement; and modification of existing orders. Also, since juvenile law is governed by the Family Code--juvenile delinquency and Department of Family and Protective Services cases!

Taly Thiessen is a battle-proven Houston family law and Houston criminal defense attorney at Thiessen Law Firm. In addition to being licensed in Texas, she is also licensed in Kansas and Colorado. She was born and raised on a ranch in Plains, Kansas. She attended West Texas A&M University, where she played basketball and soccer and graduated cum laude in 2007 with a B.S. in Mass Communications/Broadcasting. Next, she attended law school at Texas Tech University School of Law.. During law school, Taly clerked for the Law Office of Mark Snodgrass, helping with criminal defense, family law, and litigation. She also had an internship with the Innocence Project of Texas, supporting their initiative in overturning wrongful convictions and securing freedom for men and women wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.. After graduating from law school, Taly continued her employment with Mark Snodgrass, as an associate in his firm, for the next 5 years. Since that time, she has expanded her practice to include juvenile law and family law cases such as divorce, child custody cases, and child support issues.. While in Lubbock, Taly was the President of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association and served on the board of the Lubbock Bar Association. Taly is regularly and actively involved in several civic and charitable organizations, including The Junior League of Lubbock, Paul’s Project, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Food2Kids.. In late 2016, Taly made the move to Houston, Texas, to begin work with the Thiessen Law Firm. She is excited to bring her criminal knowledge to the firm as well as expand their family law client base. She understands that in Houston child custody and divorce cases, every family is unique. Whether you need an aggressive advocate or compassionate attorney, she will take the time to listen and understand your specific needs. Her goal is to give each client an honest appraisal of their situation so they can make informed decisions.. Taly is licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.

Rachel's focus in every case is on the client: she listens to determine her client's goals, then devises straight-forward strategies to achieve cleint success.. Rachel's interest in family law began with an internship at the Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division, while she pursued her undergraduate decree from Trinity University. At South Texas College of Law, Rachel continued to follow her interest in family law.. Rachel added labor and employment law to her legal practice when she began working with Judith Sadler, a partner at Diggs & Sadler where Rachel works. Rachel is Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law. Rachel has represented plaintiffs and defendants in matters involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilties Act, the Age Discrimination Act, Title VII actions, the Family Medical Leave Act, and numerous other labor and employment disputes.. Rachel currently splits her practice between family law and labor and employment law.

As a compassionate advocate, Tesha prides herself in knowing the details that make the difference. She knows that achieving the best possible result in each case is dependent on thoroughly listening to the client, understanding and analyzing the client’s specific facts and circumstances, and ultimately being a voice for that client. Tesha excels in telling her client’s story in a compelling and persuasive manner that gets results.. Tesha often receives referrals from her past clients- a true testimony to the care Tesha provides each case, the attention given to each client’s file, and the successful outcomes realized when the cases are complete.Tesha has handled and successfully resolved cases for several notable public interest figures, professional athletes, and other prominent sports figures, maintaining the strictest confidences to keep such cases out of the public arena and media. Tesha has also successfully handled more than half a dozen grandparent conservatorship cases and is equipped to handle any family law matter presented.. Tesha Peeples began her tenure with Holmes, Diggs & Sadler as a law clerk, and is now a shareholder with the firm. She has gained significant experience handling divorce, child custody, child custody modification, paternity, grandparent rights, and other family law cases, and has first-chair trial experience in family law.. Tesha’s dedication to her clients and reputation led to her nomination and selection as a Rising Star in Family Law by Super Lawyers in 2018. This honor was again bestowed on Tesha in 2019 and 2020. Only 2.5% of lawyers are chosen for this honor each year, and Tesha has now been selected three years in a row.. In 2019, Tesha was also named as a Houstonia 2019 Top Lawyer. Tesha was awarded AVVO’s Client’s Choice award for Child Custody in 2012. 2015-2017, Tesha was selected as one of the “10 Best” Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction for Texas by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.. Tesha is a member of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, the Family Law Section of the Houston Bar Association, and the Montgomery County Bar Association. In 2018, she was appointed to serve a three-year term on the District 4 Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, and is in her second year of service. Additionally, Tesha served on the State Bar of Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee in 2017 and 2018, and the Association of Women Attorneys Judicial Screening Committee from 2012 to 2014.. Tesha graduated from the University of Houston Law Center, where she excelled in advocacy placing in many competitive mock trial and alternative dispute resolution competitions. Tesha was 1 of only 10 students elected to the Order of Barristers, a national honorary organization whose purpose is the encouragement of oral advocacy and brief writing skills through effective law school oral advocacy programs. Tesha also served as the Chief Articles Editor of the Journal of Consumer and Commercial Law.

Dan-Phi is a former Assistant County Attorney with over 8 years experience in the area of Family and Child Welfare Law as a CPS Prosecutor for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Skilled in Motion Practice, Legal Writing, Discovery, Oral Advocacy, and First Chair Jury Trial Experience. He earned his post-graduate (JD) degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Texas Southern University) in 2010 and has been licensed to practice in the State of Texas since 2011. After departing from the County Attorney's office, he briefly worked under two reputable family law firms for a brief period of time, and learned a great deal of family law outside of the CPS realm, only to later realize that he was no longer built to work under anyone as an associate and decided to start his own law practice with the primary focus on family law and CPS defense.. Dan-Phi V. Nguyen is a native Houstonian who was born and raised in Sharpstown and Sugar Land, Texas in his younger years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University in February 2004 with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and Finance. After working a few years in commercial property management and real estate, he decided to pursue a legal career and attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law. During his tenure there, he took every opportunity to participate in trial simulation events, mock trials, and moot court competitions. Dan-Phi fell in love with the courtroom since his internship with the Harris County Attorney’s Office (Child Protective Division) and developed many meaningful relationships with his mentors where he was offered the job as an Assistant County Attorney two weeks after his admission with the Texas State Bar. He has experience in CPS and family law litigation in both the family courts and juvenile courts of Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Galveston in the counties. He was very active with TMSL Board of Advocates and has been invited every year to act as presiding judge over the mock trial competitions for TMSL’s rising lawyers in training.

Jelena Kovacevic earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 2006 and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Texas Tech University in 2009.  She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas inNovember 2009.. Jelena's practice is devoted to all areas of family law.  She assists clients through complex divorce matters, high asset property division and contested custody litigation.  Jelena is client focused and understands that each case, like each client, is different.  Her approach is to provide every client with personalized attention throughout each step of the case.. Along with her trial experience, Jelena is trained in the area of collaborative law.  Whether in the conference room or the courtroom, she is able to guide her clients through all of the challenges that present themselves during the process.

J. Shannon Cavers is a seasoned attorney at Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. in Houston, Texas. She focuses her practice on helping individuals and families with family law matters.. Shannon graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. She then graduated at the top of her class from South Texas College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctorate degree. Throughout her legal career, Shannon has handled cases involving civil litigation and health care liability claims; however, her passion is in family law. She is a certified family law mediator through the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association and is a parenting facilitator and coordinator.. Shannon is a long-time member of the Texas Bar College, an organization for judges, lawyers, and paralegals to enhance professional skills. She is also a member of several legal associations including the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and the Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inn of Court, and the Houston Bar Association where she served as a Co-Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.. Of her work, clients describe her as “honest,” “hard working,” and an attorney that is “amazing at walking her clients through difficult experiences.”

John Ransom has been an attorney for Laura Dale & Associates, P.C. since 2012. He focuses his practice on family law matters. Licensed to practice law in Texas since 2009, he has handled family related cases, including: prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, complex property issues, and bankruptcy.. John is a graduate of American University with a degree in International Studies. He obtained his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2008 where he was involved in the Student Bar Association. He later interned for the Honorable Jeff Bohm and worked as in-house counsel before working at Laura Dale & Associates, P.C.. John is a member of the Houston Bar Association and Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inn of Court. He is also a Co-Founder of American University Alumni Association’s Houston chapter and has volunteered his time on the board of various charitable organizations, including the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas, Constellation Foundation, and Camp For All Foundation, where he was a former Program Director. John was recognized in the Texas Rising Stars list by Thomson Reuters from 2018 to 2019. He is an advocate for family rights and passionately works in his clients’ best interest.

I am a native Houstonian with deep roots in Texas. I am a husband and father. Before law school, I worked as a family crisis interventionist. I saw first-hand the myriad of family dynamics and learned the importance of providing the right kind of help to families.I know that no two family law cases are the same. That is why I strive to provide personalized representation to each client. Clients expect more than just a lawyer when dealing with difficult and emotional matters. I have the extra-legal background to provide more than just legal representation. My work in family services and degree in psychology allow me to draw upon experience and education to provide advice and understanding to my clients.. Twice named to the Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2014 / 2015. Houstonia Magazine Top Lawyers of 2015. H Texas Magazine Top Family Lawyers 2016 / 2017 / 2018