Barbara has specialized in family law for more than three decades, all in North Texas.   She approaches the dynamics of family law from both a litigation and a mediation perspective.  Barbara has tried hundreds of contested divorce cases, been a mediator for such cases, and negotiated successful outcomes for her clients in the remainder.  She believes the uniqueness of each family's situation should be addressed in all aspects of the divorcing process.  

Barbara is passionate about protecting children involved in difficult situations such as divorce, family violence or abuse.  She has on numerous occasions been appointed by the courts to represent children in high conflict or serious sex abuse accusation cases.  Barbara's philosophy it that adult court matters should not be shared with the children, and she works to shield the children as much as possible. 

Every case is unique.   Barbara counsels her clients to find creative solutions - ones that will work now and in the future.  Even with so many provisions required by the family law code, each final order and decree is customized to fit a client's situation.  

Barbara was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in a small college town in Oregon .  She returned to Texas to attend Rice University , where she met her first husband.  In 1972 she and her husband moved to Santa Fe, where she finished her architectural studies at the University of New Mexico with a Masters Degree in Architecture in 1973.  She then went immediately to law school at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1976. 

Her personal family situation has been the focus of a major newspaper article on joint custody, and the family has given presentations on the practical aspects of joint conservatorships - how to put the words of documents into actions that benefit children.  She is committed to making the situation of divorce work - no one dreams of having a divorce, but sometimes that is what happens.  

Barbara is now married to a University of North Texas professor, and enjoying life in a town with two great universities.  She also enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, and a variety of sports.  When she is not attending to her clients or spending time with her husband, she is traveling to the far reaches of this planet to be with her children and grandchild.  

Areas of Practice:

            Family Law

            Mediation

            Collaborative Law

Litigation Percentage:

            90% of practice devoted to litigation

Bar Admissions:

            Texas 1976

Education:

            Rice University, Houston, Texas

            1968-1970

            University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico

            1972, Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in architecture

            1973, Master of Architecture

            Southern Methodist University

            J.D. 1976

Professional Associations and memberships:

            State Bar of Texas

            State Bar of Texas Family Law Section

            State Bar of Texas Probate Section

            Denton County Bar Association

            Denton County Family Law Section

            Visual Arts Society of Texas