About

Born and Raised in the Hill Country

Growing up in San Antonio, my parents instilled in me two valuable lessons, ones that I have carried with me through my three decades of practicing family law here in Houston, my eight years as a Harris County family court judge, and now in my service to you as a family law arbitrator and mediator. From my father, I learned that every conversation starts with listening, and from my mother, the compassion to accept people as they are.

Invaluable Experience and Insight

Prior to taking the bench, I served as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County before running a successful general civil litigation practice and, soon, devoting my practice to family law. As an Assistant District Attorney, I gained invaluable criminal law experience, and in my civil litigation practice, invaluable experience in business dissolution and bankruptcy issues, tax issues related to retirement accounts and alimony, and issues related to separate vs. community property, all of which come up frequently in family law matters. I have tried cases in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Galveston County, Dallas County, Bexar County, and in State and Federal Court.

Success in Resolving Cases

As judge of Harris County’s 308th Family District Court, I resolved over 400 cases per month across the full spectrum of family law matters. These included everyone from professional athletes and millionaires to pilots and firemen, and mothers and fathers working multiple jobs to make ends meet. They included visitation and geographical restriction issues, as well as complex property divisions. With the insight gained from these cases—over 38,000 of them—I will, in serving as your arbitrator or mediator, help you see the strengths and weaknesses of your case as a judge or jury would, and thus help avoid the unnecessary expenses and stress of going or returning to court.

Love Houston, Dogs and My Granddaughter

I am a proud graduate of the University of Houston, where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and of South Texas College of Law. I enjoy fishing, Houston’s original restaurants and professional sports, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Duke, and attending my granddaughter’s soccer games.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctorate