Krista Hayes - Lawyer in Dallas, TX - Avvo

State Years

Missouri - MO 7 years

Oklahoma - OK 9 years

Georgia - GA 9 years

Texas - TX 22 years
Licensed for 7 years

State MO

Acquired 2016

Status
Good Standing, Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 9 years

State OK

Acquired 2015

Status
Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found
Licensed for 9 years

State GA

Acquired 2014

Status
Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found
Licensed for 22 years

State TX

Acquired 2001

Status
Eligible to Practice in Texas No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Krista Balekian Hayes

Divorce and separation Attorney at Dallas, TX

About
Location
Reviews
Cost
Resume

If you want an EXCEPTIONAL family attorney, look no further

Kris Hayes is without a doubt the best attorney our family could have hired. She has great instincts and you can tell she analyzes things very quickly to come up with the best strategy. She advocates for what is best for her clients but ultimately, what is best for the children. She is an amazing court litigator, quick with questions, and does not back down. She is respectful in court and is NEVER unprepared. Ours is a very complex case which is still ongoing. There is no way a less experienced family attorney could have handled things the way Kris has. She is quick to respond to texts and emails. If I could give her 10 stars instead of 5, I would!

Divorce Representation

About Krista

Learn Krista’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Child custody

50%

Child custody, mediation, contested divorce
Divorce and separation

50%

Child custody, mediation, contested divorce

20 years

ASSISTING CLIENTS WANTING BIG FIRM EXPERIENCE AT BOUTIQUE PRICES.

Since 2001, Attorney Kris Balekian Hayes has been the Dallas family law attorney of choice for many people throughout Texas. Her commitment to her clients has earned her a long list of positive client reviews and a 9.4 Superb Avvo Rating. If you are facing a family law concern, call Balekian Hayes, PLLC today and schedule your initial consultation. Their team can help you better understand your situation and proceed with confidence. You do not have to face your case alone. There is hope. Get started planning effectively for your and your family’s future.

Krista “Kris” Balekian Hayes, Attorney of Family Law is double board-certified in the areas of family law and child welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been identified as one of Best Attorneys in America©. Kris earned her law degree at St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio after completing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She continued her education by earning a Master of Business Administration at St. Mary’s University School of Business. Kris worked in the area of family violence at the District Attorney’s office and spent years defending matters involving family violence allegations. Kris also spent over fifteen years practicing in various areas of civil litigation before finally finding her home in family law. Having practiced in criminal, civil, and family matters, Kris brings a vast amount of experience to her family law clients.

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Location

Balekian Hayes, PLLC

(214) 643-8956 Office

4144 North Central Expressway

Suite 1200

Dallas, TX, 75204-3157

bh-pllc.com/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

6 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2021

If you want an EXCEPTIONAL family attorney, look no further

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Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2017

Divorce Representation

Ms. Hayes was not only an excellent attorney throughout the pendency of my case, but counseled me through some very tough financial decisions and marital obstacles outside of litigation. We forged a friendship that will last well beyond our professional relationship and I was blessed to have her on my side.

Posted by Krystal | October 24, 2016

Professional, Prompt, and Personal

I was introduced to Mrs. Balekian Hayes after hiring 2 awful attorneys to represent me in my custody case. She was and continues to be professional, caring, and honest. Ms. Balekian Hayes is a "bulldog" who fights for what's best for the child. She has always walked me through each step of the long, drawn out custody process. Her and her staff are always friendly, supportive, and quick to respond to all my questions. Mrs. Balekian Hayes is the best Family Attorney in Dallas, hands down.

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Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2016

Excellent!

Kris represented me in my divorce. She was very impressive. She really listens and offers sound advice based on what you want, but will also counsel you on what is reasonable. She is super reliable, and has excellent trial and negotiation skills.

Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2016

Not many like Kris

Kris has handle many cases for me. always with integrity and fantastic legal knowledge. I would highly recommend her.

Posted by Tamera | October 24, 2016

SO great to have someone behind me!

Kris is an amazing litigator. I couldn't have made it through without her. She is tough, smart and will get the results you are looking for.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

President
Balekian Hayes, PLLC
2003 - Present

Education

St Mary's University of San Antonio School of Law
JD/MBA - Juris Doctorate and MBA
2000

Southern Methodist University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A

Sample of Legal Cases

Divorce Case
Mother wins all financial, primary and dad gets limited possession

Termination Trial
Mothers rights NOT terminated. Foster family awarded managing conservators.

Associations

Dallas Bar Association- Child welfare
Executive Committee
2021 - Present

Texas Association of Family Defense Lawyers
Board Member
2020 - Present

Dallas Bar Association
Board Member
2018 - Present

Texas Womens Law Association
Member
2018 - Present

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Family Law
Best Firms in America
2022

Family Law
Best Attorneys in America
2021

Family Law
Best Attorneys in America
2020

Family Law
Elite Lawyers of America
2019

A Lawyer of Distinction
The Lawyers of Distinction
2018

Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2017

Americas Best Lawyers
Americas Top Lawyers
2016

View all awards

Publications

State Bar of Texas
“What You Need to Know About Millennial Divorces”
2019

Family Lawyer Magazine
“Do Expert Witnesses’ Opinions Depend on Who Hired Them?”
2019

Texas Lawyer
“Big Changes Coming for Texas Family Code”
2018

Family Lawyer Magazine
Equal Parenting Time
2017

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Adoption: Understanding the Legal System in Texas
Role of Ad Litem v Amicus
2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)

Given (3)

Endorse Krista

Mark Williamson

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Krista is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Roxanna Robertson

Unknown Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Kris started as a mentor to me, but became a close friend over the years. She continues to be a mentor, and is my go-to referral for family law issues. She fights for her clients and is one of the most hard working attorneys I have ever known."

Travis McBride

Business Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly endorse Kris Hayes. Kris has been, and continues to be, a great mentor both in the courtroom and office. Her ability to navigate through complex legal issue is astonishing...Extremely knowledgeable and experienced."

Justin Whiddon

Family Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Co-worker

"Kris and I have worked together for nearly 2 years. I could not have asked for a better leader and mentor to guide my career as a young attorney. Kris' experience and ability to navigate complex cases is unparalleled. She knows exactly when to be an aggressive litigator and when to take her foot off of the pedal to reasonably negotiate. If you are looking for an attorney that will treat you like family, look no further. She truly cares for her clients. Needless to say, I highly endorse Kris."

Willis Ma

Family Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ms. Hayes is extremely knowledge and experienced. We have handled cases together as well as on opposing sides. I respect and endorse her as an attorney."

Shelly Greco

Family Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Kris is a knowlegeable, caring and overall quality family lawyer. I have referred numerous clients to her over the years and never had anyone dissatisfied with the service and results they received from Kris and her team. I highly recommend her and her firm."

Sahar Haji-Abdollahi

Family Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse Kris. She is very knowledgeable and a passionate counsel. She always serves the best interest of her clients. Kris is well versed in Divorce, Child Custody, and CPS matters."

Mary Smith

Litigation Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is passionate about helping her clients reach the best possible outcome. She is very thorough and brings great experience to every case."

Shannon Timberlake

Family Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I absolutely endorse Kris!! She is very thorough and a great advocate in court and out of court. She goes over and beyond for her clients and their families. Five star+++"

Jennifer Goldman

Family Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kris is one of the most tenacious lawyers I know--she is a nonstop advocate for her clients, yet she is also reasonable and compassionate. I have witnessed this firsthand during cases I have worked with her on and cases that I have mediated for her. She is a great mediator as well, as she has the ability to cut to the chase on any issue and quickly resolve a case. Definitely one of the best attorneys in Dallas."

Michelle O'Neil

Litigation Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"KBH is an awesome ball of fire. A small package, but when she gets going, watch out. She is a force. Pure force!"

Holly Draper

Family Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Kris on several matters, both as opposing counsel and with her as the mediator. She has always been straightforward and easy to work with, even when the clients made that difficult. Kris does a great job for her clients in litigation and is an effective mediator."