$ 150-450 per hour
PRO
Krista Balekian Hayes
also known as Kris Hayes, Kris Balekian Hayes
Virtual Consultation Available
About Krista
Biography
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.
Assisting Clients Wanting Big Firm Experience at Boutique Prices.
Need an honest attorney that cares about your circumstances?
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Child Custody
50%
Divorce and Separation
50%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Missouri for 9 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oklahoma for 10 years
State: Oklahoma
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 24 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Licensed in Georgia for 11 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Krista online.
Krista Balekian Hayes's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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 c...
Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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 m...
Posted by Krystal | October 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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, ...
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Not many like Kris
Kris has handle many cases for me. always with integrity and fantastic legal knowledge. I would highly recommend her.
Krista Balekian Hayes's Lawyer Endorsements
"Krista is an excellent attorney. I endorse this 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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+++"
"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."
"KBH is an awesome ball of fire. A small package, but when she gets going, watch out. She is a force. Pure force!"
"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."
"Kris is a tireless advocate for her clients but was a pleasure to work with professionally."
Jennifer Goldman
Child custody lawyer
Brett Nelson
Family lawyer
Daniel Ciment
Debt collection lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Family Law, Best Firms in America
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Family Law, Best Attorneys in America
2020
Family Law, Best Attorneys in America
2019
Family Law, Elite Lawyers of America
2018
A Lawyer of Distinction, The Lawyers of Distinction
2017
Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Americas Best Lawyers, Americas Top Lawyers
Work Experience
2003 - Present
President, Balekian Hayes, PLLC
Associations
2021 - Present
Dallas Bar Association- Child welfareExecutive Committee
2020 - Present
Texas Association of Family Defense LawyersBoard Member
2018 - Present
Dallas Bar AssociationBoard Member
2018 - Present
Texas Womens Law AssociationMember
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.
Education
2000
St Mary's University of San Antonio School of Law
JD/MBA - Juris Doctorate and MBA
N/A
Southern Methodist University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Adoption: Understanding the Legal System in Texas
Role of Ad Litem v Amicus
Publications
2019
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?”
2018
Texas Lawyer
“Big Changes Coming for Texas Family Code”
2017
Family Lawyer Magazine
Equal Parenting Time
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If A 17 year old is in the cps system and She gets married does cps have to leave her alone ?
08 Apr 2022
Q&A
Can CPS drug test me now from a prior case that has been closed. I just had a baby. Do they have the right? If so why? What are.
21 Oct 2016