Moving Forward, with Skill and Compassion
I recognize that divorce and other family law issues can have a lasting impact on clients and work to create a best-possible “new normal” for their lives moving forward. By listening carefully and finding solutions, I help clients feel more in control of the process. My clients include young families, working parents, and professionals who value finding a creative solution with dignity. I have assisted numerous clients in complex property division, custody matters, same-sex divorce, and paternity suits and have extensive experience providing support in contested trials, court hearings, and mediation.
Here’s how:
- Achieve a settlement in a way that does not create unnecessary pain and minimizes the destruction for families, even with cases that seem intractable and headed for trial.
- Build trust by focusing on my client’s situation, listening in a non-judgmental way, and simplifying matters to relieve anxiety.
- Explain options along the way and offer cost-benefit analysis so clients can make informed decisions.
- Execute a constructive, organized, and detail-oriented approach, preparing agendas for meetings, addressing all concerns, and planning and communicating next steps.
- Advocate fiercely in the courtroom as a tenacious litigator when the situation requires, but do not take litigation casually and will use it as a necessary means to an end.
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Experience and Professional Credentials
Rachel has significant experience in all aspects of family law and passionately advocates for her client’s best interests through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. A graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law, Rachel served as an intern with family court judge Dennise Garcia, presiding judge of the 303rd Judicial District Court of Dallas County. She also gained hands-on experience working with Dallas area family law clients as Chief Student Counsel with the SMU VanSickle Family Law Clinic. Had Rachel not pursued law, her next choice would have been mental health and counseling because of her affinity for listening to people’s stories and passion for helping them through difficult and emotional times.
Interests
Rachel grew up in Plano. When she is not practicing law, Rachel loves adventuring outdoors, especially traveling to Colorado to hike or ski. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, sweet baby boy, and their two dogs.
Services
Services
- Family Partner Violence And Divorce
- Divorce
- Negotiated Divorce
- Contested Divorce
- Child Custody
- Parenting Schedules
- LGBT Parenting Rights
- Visitation Rights
- Grandparent Visitation and Custody Rights in Texas
- Child Support
- Modification and Enforcement
- Modifying Child Support
- Divorce for Women
- Divorce for Men
- Mental Health and Addiction in Divorce
- Complex Property
- Dividing the Marital Home
- Characterization of Separate and Community Property
- Business Valuation in Divorce
- Becoming a Foster Parent
- Alimony & Spousal Maintenance
- Divorce for Business Owners
- Family Law/Divorce Appeals
- Pre-Divorce Guidance
- High-Conflict Divorce
- LGBT Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- High Net Worth Divorce
- Litigated Divorce
- Property Division
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Adoption
- Paternity
- Amicable Divorce
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
- Best Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, 2024 & 2025
- Selected to the Texas Rising Star list, Thomson Reuters, 2024
Articles
Articles
- “What Do I Do After Divorce?”: How to Position Yourself for a Better Life After Divorce December 16, 2024
- Your Husband or Wife Wants a Divorce: Now What? December 11, 2024
- Understanding No-Fault Divorce in Texas July 31, 2024
- Understanding Collin County’s Standing Order for Divorce and Other Family Law Disputes February 20, 2024
- What Steps Can Be Taken to Maintain Privacy and Confidentiality Throughout Divorce Proceedings? November 20, 2023
- Understanding Child Custody Laws in Texas November 20, 2023
- What Happens When a Child Refuses Visitation with a Parent? June 1, 2023
- Texas Divorce and Property Rules: What Is Property Division, and How Does it Work in Texas? March 1, 2023
- 4 Helpful Tips to Becoming Successful Co-Parents July 7, 2022
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
- Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
- Collin County Bar Association Family Law Section
- Annette Stewart American Inn of Court, Member
Education
Education
- SMU Dedman School of Law, 2017
- Juris Doctor
- New York University, 2011
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Cum Laude
Bar Admissions
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, 2018
