Michelle May O'Neil, LGBT Ally and Advocate, www.lgbttexasfamilylaw.com
Michelle May O’Neil, LGBT Ally and Advocate, www.lgbttexasfamilylaw.com

Today marks the official launch day for my new family law blog focusing on LGBT issues in Texas. This month we expect a ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States in the Obergefell case, which will, one way or another, be a landmark decision in the history of gay rights in America. Whatever that decision, it will impact the lives of gay and lesbians right here in Dallas and in Texas. But, the ruling won’t magically solve all of the issues related to same-sex marriage, gay parenting, or other family law issues affecting members of the LGBT community. In fact, it will only open the doors to many new issues that gay and lesbians will have to face. What are some examples? Informal marriage based on prior commitment ceremonies, presumed parents versus nonbiological parents, community property laws, alimony, premarital agreements, and much more. This blog is designed to be a place for education on the intersection of LGBT issues and Texas family law. It cannot be considered legal advice, as you should get legal advice based on your specific set of circumstances from a lawyer qualified to assist you. If you need a lawyer, we are happy to help. But, don’t rely on our posts here as a substitute for the in-person, real time advice from a lawyer. Laws in different states vary, so if you aren’t from Texas, take what we say here with a grain of salt and get advice in your own state. This is an exciting time for the LGBT community and we will be here to educate and guide readers through it. Enter your email address in the subscription bar on the blog website so you will receive our updates via email. Share our posts on Facebook or other social media. Let’s get the word out and educate the public on this important time.

Special thanks to Kevin O’Keefe, Collin O’Keefe, and all the members of LexBlog for your support in getting this blog created in record time and in promoting our message through your network. Here’s the link to LexBlog’s post about our launch. Looks like we are the only LGBT family law blog on their network right now.

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Photo of Michelle O'Neil Michelle O'Neil

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes…

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, yet she can be relentless when in pursuit of a client’s goals. One judge said of Ms. O’Neil, “She cannot be out-gunned, out-briefed, or out-lawyered!”

Family Law Specialist

Ms. O’Neil became a board-certified family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1997 and has maintained her certification since that time. While representing clients in litigation before the trial court is an important part of her practice, Ms. O’Neil also handles appellate matters in the trial court, courts of appeals and Texas Supreme Court. Lawyers frequently consult with Ms. O’Neil on their litigation cases about specialized legal issues requiring particularized attention both at the trial court and appellate levels. This gives her a unique perspective and depth of perception that benefits both her litigation and appellate clients.

Top Lawyers in Texas and America

Ms. O’Neil has been named to the list of Texas SuperLawyers for many years, a peer-voted honor given to only about 5% of the lawyers in the state of Texas. Ms. O’Neil received the special honor of being named by Texas SuperLawyers as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas, Top 100 Lawyers in Texas, and Top 100 Lawyers in DFW for multiple years. She was named one of the Best Lawyers in America and received an “A-V” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directories for the highest quality legal ability and ethical standards.

Author and Speaker

A noted author, Ms. O’Neil released her second book Basics of Texas Divorce Law in November 2010, with a second edition released in 2013, and a third edition expected in 2015.  Her first book, All About Texas Law and Kids, was published in September 2009 by Texas Lawyer Press. In 2012, Ms. O’Neil co-authored the booklets What You Need To Know About Common Law Marriage In Texas and Social Study Evaluations.  The State Bar of Texas and other providers of continuing education for attorneys frequently enlist Ms. O’Neil to provide instruction to attorneys on topics of her expertise in the family law arena.

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