James R. Hedlesten

James R. Hedlesten

5.0
Rating: 9.4

Licensed for 23 years

Family Lawyer at Houston, TX
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation

1004 Prairie St Ste 300, Houston, TX

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 225-425 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 23 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2002

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Ketterman Hedlesten & Associates, PLLC

1004 Prairie St Ste 300, Houston, TX, 77002-3133

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James R. Hedlesten's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Keila | June 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Negotiates Beautifully

I came to James with a unique situation in which my ex wanted to enforce a geographic restriction despite never having lived in or around Harris County. I called several attorneys prior to calling James, and could not get any to look past me having moved without first modifying orders (which I won't... do again). James quickly gathered that my ex could be bully and petty, and came fully prepared to our hearing for enforcement. Over the course of the two hours we waited at the court, I witnessed James negotiate calmly with my ex and his attorney. We came to an agreement that met each of my requirements and did not compromise on anything I wanted. James kept me calm, even when I wanted to lose my temper. I am blown away by his demeanor, his passion for his work and clients, and his ability to diffuse any fears I had before and during the process. I was initially impressed by the way he heard me and got to the root issue with my ex. I am extremely grateful for his firm, and will happily recommend Hedlesten Law to any person who needs a caring and knowledgeable attorney.

Posted by Amanda | June 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

I cannot speak more highly of James and his associate Kellie. I was in a difficult situation with my husband regarding substance abuse and our small children. James and Kellie worked quickly and effectively to ensure the kids and I were safe and settled - I couldn't be more grateful to both of them. ...James and Kellie also stayed extremely supportive, engaged and effective for the entire 9 months until we reached an agreement. James and Kellie were both always available to me, quick to respond and they both always made me feel like their #1 priority. We ended up having a harder-than-anticipated mediation, and I could not have gotten through it without the two of them by my side. James and Kellie went above and beyond to ensure we didn't have to go to trial and that my children and I are safe and secure to start this new chapter of our lives. Don't hesitate to hire James!

Posted by Mike | May 1, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Custody case

I watched him in court, and he is fantastic. The way he handled the case just proves he knows exactly what to do. Highly recommend after seeing what he was able to do.

Posted by Amy | May 1, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

BEST Houston family law attorney!

James is an amazing attorney. I came to him completely broken, 0 confidence and no hope. I had spent 9 years with a narcissist and had previously signed an agreed order that was truly absurd. James gave me the confidence to stand strong and believe in my case. James was extremeley professional an...d very knowledgeable. He fought for me and my childern in that court room and never missed a beat during the whole process. If you are looking for an attorney that will go the extra mile for your case, James is your guy! His staff is phenomenal and very commutative. His expertise and knowledge of the law is above and beyond. I will be forever greatful of both him and his staff!

Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Assertive, Ethical, Compassionate, Tenacious, and Efficient

Mr. Hedlesten demonstrated excellent discernment, communicated well in and out of the courtroom, and was persistent, passionate, and prepared in and out of the courtroom. He had a no "BS," type of style while maintaining and fostering a safe and calm environment for me through a very delicate time as... a parent. James and his team were consistent about addressing the client first, and court and cash second. Throughout my research while hiring and the actual legal proceedings, I was baffled at the amount of attorneys who do not manage their time well and ultimately end up charging the client, unfairly. I needed a self and socially aware attorney who was knowledgeable and would ultimately secure justice and he did it!

See All Client Reviews

James R. Hedlesten's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats his clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. He is an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend him for future services."

Ashley Johnston Scott headshot
Ashley Scott

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. James and I were opposing counsels on a case and he was very professional, courtesy, responsive, and willing to talk about potential agreements in order to make the trial process smoother. It was a pleasure working with him."

Sam M. Yates III headshot
Sam Yates

Unknown lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amy Michelle Carlin headshot
Amy Carlin

Family lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. James and I have had several cases together, and I have always found him to be a zealous advocate for his clients. He is professional, knowledgeable, and well respected."

Scott Daniel Reiner headshot
Scott Reiner

Family lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"James is an excellent attorney that not only possesses a wealth of knowledge but also can bring it to bear with great benefit to his clients. He is a fierce courtroom opponent and raises the playing field on any matter he is involved in"

Matthew Casey Tyson headshot
Matthew Tyson

Family lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"James is a worthy opponent in the courtroom and a fierce advocate for his clients. His knowledge of family law issues is unparalleled."

View All Endorsements
John K. Grantham headshot
John Grantham

Family lawyer

Scott Daniel Reiner headshot
Scott Reiner

Family lawyer

Georgann Hedlesten Oglesby headshot
Georgann Oglesby

Family lawyer

Sam M. Yates III headshot
Sam Yates

Family lawyer

Julia Lynette Bancroft headshot
Julia Bancroft

Family lawyer

Matthew Casey Tyson headshot
Matthew Tyson

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.4 (Superb)

Honors

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

N/A

Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Attorney, Ketterman, Hedlesten & Associates, PLLC

2002 - 2009

Attorney, Hedlesten & Oglesby, PLLC

Associations

2002 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2002 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2002 - Present

Fort Bend County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

American Inns of Court

Member

2002 - Present

Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inns of Court

Member

2013 - 2015

Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Unbeatable Case?

Opposing Party's Motion to Modify was DENIED after their case-in-chief due to being unable to put on any evidence over my objections

Unbeatable Case?

Opposing Party's Motion to Modify was DENIED after their case-in-chief due to being unable to put on any evidence over my objections

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Thurgood Marshall School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Southwest Texas State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

Forum on Family Law South Texas College of Law

Retroactive Approach to Same Sex Marriages post Supreme Court cases

2015

Street Law

Educating High School Seniors about Civil Rights with Criminal Aspects

Publications

Languages

German

Italian

Spanish

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution