I am a board-certified family law attorney from Dallas, Texas. I specialize in handling unusual and complex cases.
I represent clients in family law appeals, including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court and original appellate proceedings like petitions for writ of mandamus and habeas corpus.
I also represent clients in international and multijurisdiction family law cases, including international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention and the International Child Abduction Remedies Act.
I also handle contested divorce, complex property division, and child custody disputes.
In addition to family law, I represent clients in real estate and contract litigation at both trial and on appeal.
In addtion to litigation, I represent clients in negotiating and preparing marital property agreements, including prenuptial agreements and in estate planning.
7
Practice Areas
11 years
11 years
11 years
11 years
Always
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: Texas
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
7160 Dallas Parkway, Suite 650, Plano, TX, 75024
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Unfortunate to experience ongoing litigation, but fortunate to have John Kappel represent me against an appeal. John was patient, objective, and responsive during a stressful time. He helped explain the legal process and approach and was open to feedback as well. Successful outcome. Highly recommend...
Posted by Ariadna | August 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Like this? If you are going through a complicated divorce and having the misfortune to have to appeal a judge’s decision, I highly recommend you to hire John Kappel (Fox Rothschild, LLP) as your appeal attorney. Through this unpleasant experience, I learned that “only between 5% to 15 % of the...
Posted by Gregory | June 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I engaged John Kappel as my legal counsel for a divorce appeal. During our collaboration, he showed remarkable responsiveness in communication, even replying within an hour of my initial message through Avvo. He consistently tackled my inquiries and addressed any concerns I had. His commitment to kee...
Posted by Eric | February 1, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
I wanted to hire Attorney John, but he was honest with me that he wouldn't be able to make the mediation dates that we wanted for our case work, with his current schedule. We then talked for a long while. When I looked down to hang up my phone at the end of the phone call, I realized he had spent 38 ...
Posted by Rosalyn | January 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I was moving to Tx and needed a lawyer to represent me, the grandmother. I picked his name out of many on google under family law. He was everything you could want in an attorney. Smart, educated and responsive. Out of 20 court appearances, we won every time! It seemed unusual even to him that we alw...
"i recently worked with John on a case where he was representing one parent and my client and I were on the other side. John is an excellent lawyer who did a great job for his client. He is very knowledgeable about family law. He also has a great style of communicating with his client and with the other side, which is straightforward without playing games or over-complicating the issues. He focused on finding a solution the issues instead of creating new problems. As an opposing lawyer I truly appreciate that."
"John is bright, articulate, and personable. He is a rising star in the family law arena. He has a passion for excellence that shines through in representing clients in a variety of family law matters. I highly recommend John Kappel."
"I've known John personally and professionally for several years. He is bright and conscientious and has a passion for excellence in his representation of our clients. I highly recommend John."
"John's experience and capabilities far exceed the time he's actually been licensed as an attorney. He cares deeply about the clients he represents and will not hesitate to go above and beyond to do right by his clients."
Family lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
2020
Board Certified - Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2014
Cum Laude, Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law
2010
Dean's List, Baylor University
2022 - Present
Partner, Fox Rothschild, LLP
2019 - 2022
Partner, Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP
2014 - 2019
Associate, Holmes | Diggs, PLLC
2013 - 2013
Judicial Extern, Hon. Richard A. Schell
2021 - Present
Texas Academy of Family Law SpecialistsMember
2019 - Present
Annette Stewart American Inn of CourtAssociate
2018 - Present
Texas Bar CollegeMember
2014 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Family Law and Appellate Law SectionsMember
2012 - Present
Dallas Bar Association, Family Law and Appellate SectionsMember
2012 - Present
Dallas Association of Young LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Collin County Young Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - 2014
SMU International Law Review AssociationArticles Editor
2012 - 2014
SMU Board of AdvocatesMember
Defense in appeal from child custody case
Defense in Hague Convention case involving determination of habitual residence and application of grave risk, acquiescence, and age and maturity defenses.
Defense in mandamus review of child support contempt case
Defense in appeal from child support enforcement case
Defense in appeal from breach of contract action relating to marital property agreement
Defense in appeal from divorce case
Defense in appeal from divorce property division enforcement case
Defense in appeal from child support enforcement case
Appeal reversing award of attorney's fees child custody case
Hague Convention case returning child to Spain
Appeal from Hague Convention case involving determination of habitual residence and application of age and maturity defense.
Appeal from parental termination case
Defense in mandamus review of child support contempt case
Appeal reversing improper interest award in child support enforcement case
Restricted appeal overturning default judgment in divorce and child custody case
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
BS - Bachelor of Science
2023
Using Summary Judgments in Property Cases
2023
Appeals in Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship
2023
Hague Convention Issues and Child Custody Cases
2020
Retirement of the Fly: Understanding Retirement Plans
2023
2020
2014
2014
2013
2013
English
Legal Answers
My ex is going out of town w/o our son, but won’t let me have him except during my normal possession times, can she do that?
27 Jan 2024
Can I collect on back child support? My child is 23?
27 Jan 2024
What is classified as an absent parent ?
24 Jan 2024