Business Details
Trusted Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorneys in Houston
At Horak Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation in family law and criminal defense matters. With a steadfast commitment to each case, our team employs personalized strategies to address the unique circumstances of every client, ensuring their rights are fiercely protected. Our practice spans complex divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and defense against serious criminal charges, with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes for clients across Houston and surrounding communities. Founded by attorney Matthew Horak, a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist with over 17 years of experience, we combine trial-tested expertise with compassionate advocacy. Our team includes seasoned paralegals and legal professionals who bring specialized knowledge in family law, criminal defense, and client support.We prioritize open communication, practical solutions, and a client-centered approach, ensuring clients feel heard and empowered throughout their legal journey. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our track record of successfully handling cases ranging from uncontested divorces to high-stakes criminal defense matters. We serve clients throughout Texas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, and Fort Bend County, with offices in Houston and The Woodlands. Our philosophy centers on integrity, empathy, and unwavering dedication to our clients' best interests. We offer confidential case reviews to help clients understand their legal options and navigate complex legal processes with confidence.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
DWI Defense
Criminal Defense
Protective Orders
Prenuptial Agreements
Felony Offenses
Drug Charges
Custody Modifications
Asset Division
Highlights and features
- We offer board-certified expertise in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- Our personalized strategies address the unique circumstances of each client's case.
- We provide compassionate support with a client-centered approach to legal representation.
- Our team includes experienced paralegals and legal professionals with specialized knowledge.
- We have a proven track record in handling complex divorce and criminal defense cases.
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Kept in touch
Handled efficiently
Case dismissed
Patient and delivered
Knowledgeable and great results
Services
Divorce
Our divorce practice addresses equitable property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. We guide clients through both uncontested and contested divorces, ensuring their interests are protected while minimizing emotional and financial strain. Our team prioritizes amicable resolutions through mediation but remains prepared for courtroom advocacy when necessary. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of Texas community property laws and commitment to securing favorable outcomes.
Child Custody
We handle child custody cases focusing on the child's best interests, including legal and physical custody determinations. Our attorneys assist with creating parenting plans, modifying existing arrangements, and resolving disputes over visitation rights. We emphasize maintaining stable relationships between children and both parents while addressing complex factors like parental relocation and work schedules. Our goal is to protect clients' parental rights while ensuring children's well-being.
DWI Defense
Our DWI defense team challenges charges through strategic legal approaches, aiming to mitigate penalties or secure dismissals. We handle cases involving first-time offenses, repeat violations, and commercial DWI charges, addressing issues like breath test accuracy and field sobriety test validity. With extensive trial experience, we identify weaknesses in prosecution cases, including evidence suppression opportunities, to protect clients' driving privileges and future opportunities.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients against misdemeanor and felony charges, including drug offenses, weapons violations, and domestic violence allegations. Our approach includes pre-trial negotiations, evidence challenges, and courtroom representation to reduce or dismiss charges. We leverage relationships with expert witnesses and investigators to build strong defenses, focusing on minimizing long-term consequences like criminal records and employment impacts.
Protective Orders
We assist clients seeking protective orders for domestic violence victims or those facing false allegations. Our services include emergency order applications, court representation, and modification proceedings. We balance immediate safety needs with long-term implications, ensuring clients understand their rights and obligations while navigating sensitive family dynamics and potential criminal case intersections.
People
Matthew P. Horak
Attorney at Law and Founder
Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist with 17 years of experience. Former Harris County prosecutor known for trial wins and relentless work ethic. Handles complex criminal defense and family law cases across Texas.
Ana McLaughlin
Senior Paralegal
14-year legal professional with expertise in family law and transactional law. Holds advanced training from UH Downtown and contributes to community organizations like the Junior League of The Woodlands.
Corrina Morales
Office Manager and Paralegal
Integral team member since 2009 with paralegal certification from Center of Advanced Legal Studies. Manages office operations and provides client support in English and Spanish.
Nicole Maldonado
Associate Attorney
Experienced family law and criminal defense attorney with military and teaching backgrounds. Focuses on divorce, child custody, and misdemeanor cases while emphasizing practical solutions.
Alma Vargas
Senior Paralegal
Over 20 years of family law experience with fluency in English and Spanish. Attends advanced legal education courses and specializes in helping families navigate complex legal challenges with compassion.
Questions
How long does a divorce take in Texas?
Texas requires a 60-day minimum waiting period, but most cases take longer depending on complexity. We help streamline the process while protecting your interests.
What factors determine child custody decisions?
Courts consider the child's best interests, including parental relationships, home locations, financial situations, and health factors when determining custody arrangements.
Can I modify an existing child custody order?
Yes, modifications are possible with significant changes in circumstances affecting the child's best interests through formal court proceedings.
Do grandparents have visitation rights in Texas?
Texas allows grandparent visitation under specific conditions like parental incarceration, death, or terminated parental rights through court petitions.
How are property divisions handled in Texas divorces?
Texas uses community property laws to divide marital assets equitably, considering factors like marriage duration and each spouse's financial contributions.
What differentiates Horak Law from other firms?
We combine big-firm trial experience with personalized attention, prioritizing client needs through compassionate advocacy and strategic legal representation.
