Cindy Hide | Houston Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

One of the most satisfying cases I resolved involved a mother with a young son who was mistreated by her husband. My client was formerly a resident of another country and her husband had brought her and their son to the US to live together as a family. When she arrived, however, the room he had prepared for her and their son was furnished only with a carpet on the floor. Her husband would abandon her during the day and limited her mobility. She was not allowed to obtain a driver's license or a social security number and the only funds she had available to her were for small purchases for food. Ultimately my client received an impressive financial settlement, primary conservatorship of the child and a passport restriction so that her child would not be removed from the state, or the country. Now divorced, she has found employment and is living happily with her son in her own properly furnished apartment. Soon she plans to purchase a car.

The majority of my cases are referrals from colleagues, friends or former clients. I have a boutique law practice and intentionally limit my caseload so that I can offer personal attention to every client. I've built my practice slowly and surely over a long period of time, relying primarily on word of mouth marketing.

One of the most critical aspects of any case is selecting a lawyer who is the right fit. To help with this decision making process, I've written a booklet called "How to Select a Divorce Lawyer." It is available on Amazon.com.

During an initial free phone consultation I ascertain whether my firm handles the type of case that the caller needs. This requires some time in conversation to learn about the facts and needs of the caller, but I do not give legal advice on the phone to someone who is not my client. If after a brief conversation both the caller and I feel that I am a good fit for the needs of the case, I ask the caller to schedule an initial client consultation in my office. I charge a flat fee for the initial client consultation and there is no time limit. During this meeting I may give legal advice, if appropriate, and, quote a retainer in the event we both wish to move forward with my counsel.

Basic facts of the case and the reason(s) the caller is seeking a lawyer.

I am unique in family law world in that I try to avoid the courtroom as much as possible. While I am a strong, firm advocate, I also believe that sensitive, emotional matters are not best sorted out in a stiff, litigious setting. In cases of divorce I do my best to move clients peacefully through the system while offering insights and education about the legal system. I have personally experienced the challenges of divorce with children, and, bring years of experience in business, politics and negotiations. I handle simple and highly emotionally charged complex cases. I also enjoy crafting prenuptial agreements. I find the process very rewarding because I try my best to address the short and long term issues that will ensure a happily ever after result for my client.

I often receive gifts of appreciation for my counsel, which is very meaningful and satisfying. Knowing that I've done my best to help my clients and that they are happy with my work makes a great day. Call 713.623.4433 today to schedule your appointment. Your initial consult is a reasonable flat fee with no time limit.

• Member, State Bar of Texas, Family Law Sectionn
  Burta Rhoads Raborn Inns of Court
  Member, Houston Bar Association
  The College of the State Bar of Texas
  Texas Association of Mediators
  American Bar Association (former)
  Ohio State Bar Association, Family Law Section (former)
  Ohio State Bar Association, Juvenile Justice Section (former)
  Supreme Court of Ohio Gender Fairness Committee (former)
  OSBA, Member, Family Law Committee (former)
  OSBA, Member, Juvenile Justice Committee (former)
  E-women Network (former)
  National Association of Women Business Owners (former)
  American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (former)

• CLE Contributor, The Intersection of Bankruptcy and Family Law, Team Leader, Burta Rhoads Raborn Inns of Court, 2009
  Divorce After 60, CLE contributor, Mental Health and Capacity, Burta Rhoads Raborn Inns Of Court, Houston, Texas, 2007
  CLE Presenter, Get Ready-Be Happy! Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Mexican American Bar Association, Houston, Texas, 2007
  Founder and Director, Women and Divorce: Smart Women Get the Facts, 2003 and 2004
  Co-Sponsor and Presenter, CLE Presenter, Divorce from a Client's Perspective, The Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus, OH, 2004
  Domestic Violence, University of Notre Dame Int'l Conference for Separated & Divorced Catholics, Notre Dame, Indiana, 2002
  Founder, Author, Presenter, Ten Seminars About the Legal Process During Separation and Divorce, Divorce Education For Women, 2002 - 2007
  CLE Presenter, Calculating Damages in Child Sexual Abuse Cases, The Ohio State Bar Association Columbus, Ohio, 2003
  7 Steps to Divorcing Wisely: Do I Stay or Do I Leave?, Penelope Price, Inc., 2004
  Resident Guest Columnist, Divorce Education for Women, Columbus, Ohio, Just Women Magazine, August 2005 - May 2006

• Cindy Hide | LinkedIn