Family law, like divorce itself, involves some very difficult emotional and legal issues. That's why it's important to choose an attorney with experience and a high legal IQ. "Family law is an intellectual challenge," explains Laura Dale, a founding member of the Houston law firm of Myres, Dale & Associates. "It's complex because a single case can involve child custody issues, torts (assault and battery, intentional inflection of emotional distress, conversion, conspiracy, and more), property division issues like real property valuation, valuation of closely held corporations (family businesses), tax related issues, issues, income generating issues -- long- and short-term. And then there's the emotional component --very good people struggling through the worst time in their lives...the low point. A good family law attorney has a lot of 'life experience' and is versatile. You must be prepared for the unexpected," says Dale.
Myres, Dale & Associates prides itself on meeting these challenges while providing warm, personal service. Myres explains, "after more than two decades of practicing family law, I believe that the attorney will best serve the client by objectively reviewing the facts, creatively applying the law, and genuinely showing concern about the client and his or her family." Unlike many firms that practice in this area, Myres, Dale & Associates has an extensive family-law staff that can quickly meet the immediate needs of their clients. "We can assess and address urgent situations, such as child abduction risks, abusive behavior, or even depletion or wastage of community assets," she adds.
Since 1988, the firm's co-founder, Susan Myres, has been a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She is a well-known trial lawyer who is very active in the legal community and serves on several different boards. She frequently publishes articles and lectures on such diverse legal issues as litigation, trial preparation, mediation, ethics, and insurance related issues. Dale, a certified mediator who holds a doctorate in psychology, also has an extensive background in business management - both valuable assets to the firm. "Mediation is almost always a better option than going to court," Dale says. "In the courtroom, your destiny is in the hands of someone who doesn't know you, your spouse, or your children - the judge. The mediation process allows the parties to retain control of their destinies, which may be far better than giving that power away. A trial is also very expensive, especially in Texas, where we can have a jury hear a divorce case."
The employees at the firm understand the emotional impact of divorce. "We're very good at walking clients through the emotional minefield of divorce," says Myres. "We find out what the client's goals and needs are; address those that are attainable within the resource constraints of the client, and we maximize our efforts by concentrating on reaching the goals as efficiently as possible."
With compassion, know-how, and service, the attorneys at Myres, Dale & Associates do everything in their power to effectively and efficiently achieve their clients' achievable objectives. "When we see that a client has weathered the storm and emerged even stronger and more in-control than when they came to us, we know we've really helped that person. We enjoy the satisfaction of helping individuals get through a difficult period in their lives," Dale says.
If you're looking for a team with the "right stuff" to help you resolve your family law matters, contact Myres, Dale & Associates. They have the knowledge, experience, and skills to help you through a difficult time.