Biography
Janet is a nationally respected trial attorney known for her skill and success in the courtroom. Janet has represented clients in hundreds of complex divorce and custody cases. Despite her skill as a litigator, Janet’s cases are routinely resolved amicably whenever possible to save the client the time, cost and pain involved in litigation. If litigation cannot be avoided, you need the services of a respected and skilled litigator.
Janet is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She was also selected to be a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an organization of the nation’s top divorce attorneys.
Janet is a frequent author and speaker on divorce and custody issues.
Away from the office, Janet is a mother of three children. Janet has a passion for physical fitness, reading, the arts, traveling and community service. In the recent years, Janet has enjoyed learning to sail.
Education
J.D., Whittier College School of Law, Whittier, CA
B.S., Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Awards & Affiliations
Texas Super Lawyers – 2008, 2010 – present
Best Lawyers in America, Family Law – 2011 – present
Martindale-Hubbell – “AV” rating
Community Involvement
Legal/Social
Helping Hand Home for Children
Austin Gives
SafePlace for Domestic Violence
Impact Austin, Women’s Philanthropy
Austin Bar Foundation – Sustaining Fellow
Texas Bar Foundation – Sustaining Life Fellow
Travis County Women Lawyers Foundation
University of Texas Center for Women in Law
Arts
Youth Education in Arts (YEA!) – Board of Directors (2012 – present)
Blanton Museum of Art – Directors Circle
Austin Symphony Orchestra
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Crossmen Productions, Inc.
The Cadets
Health
Imagine A Way
People’s Community Clinic
Temple Free Clinic
Faith Based
Diocese of Austin, Texas
Assembly of Catholic Professionals
Our Faith, Our Legacy Campaign
Catholic Services Appeal
Annunciation Maternity Home
Society of St. John, The Evangelist
Associations
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – Fellow
Robert W. Calvert Inn. American Inns of Court – Associate (1995-1997); Master (2012-present)
Austin Bar Association – Family Law Section
Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialist
Travis County Family Law Advocates
Sample Articles & Presentations
“5 Tips for Moving on After Divorce,” Influential Magazine, January/February 2015.
“Is it Time? When to Consult with or Hire a Divorce Lawyer: Top 5 Considerations,” Influential Magazine, July/August 2014.
“Balancing (Health, Fitness, Family) & Family Law,” Influential Magazine, March/April 2014.
“Financial Cheating,” Texas NSIDE Business, December 2014.
“International and Domestic Jurisdiction Issues,” Family Law on the Front Lines, Austin, Texas, June 2011.
“Termination and Step-Parent Adoptions,” Advanced Family Law Drafting Course, Houston, Texas, December 2010.
“Marital Property Agreements: And You Know It Don’t Come Easy,” 2009 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, June 2009.
“Different Ways to Trace Separate Property,” New Frontiers in Marital Property Law, Napa, California, October 2008.
“Proving Economic Contribution and Reimbursement Claims,” 30th Annual Marriage Dissolution Institute, El Paso, Texas, May 2007.
“Temporary Orders: Yes, It’s Really a Trial – How to Get Prepared,” 32rd Annual Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, Texas, August 2006.
“Factors and Issues Judges Use in a SAPCR Case,” 29th Marriage Dissolution Institute, Austin, Texas, April 2006.
“Business Evaluation in Small Estates,” Family Law on the Front Lines, Galveston, Texas, June 2005.
“I’ve got a Divorce in My Guardianship Case!,” Guardianship and Advanced Elder Law Course, Dallas, Texas, March 2003.
“Defending a Respondent in a Child Support Enforcement Matter,” Trial Tactics in Family Law Cases Involving HIV/AIDS, AIDS Services of Austin, Austin, Texas, November 2000.
“Family Limited Partnership Basics,” State Bar Section Report: Family Law, Volume 2000-2, Spring 2000.