Dennis Marston Slate

PRO

Dennis Marston Slate

also known as Slate & Associates

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

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

1635 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

About Dennis

Biography

Dynamic Representation by a Firm of Board Certified Family and Child Welfare Law Specialists.

Results-driven, Client-focused full service family law litigation firm.

Aggressive Representation of parents from investigation through final trial against Child Protective Services. When CPS oversteps the law, Dennis M Slate has a proven track record of holding the agency accountable. Many times just having this firm in your corner is all you need to stop CPS abuse.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

26 years

50%
Child Custody 20%

26 years

20%
Family 20%

Divorce, custody, prenups, post-nups, wills, estate planning, adoption

26 years

20%
Child Abuse 10%

CPS Defense

26 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2019 2018
...
+ 4

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 24 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2001

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

SLATE & ASSOCIATES

1635 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX, 77006

slatelaw.com/

Pearland Office

1920 Country Place Parkway, Suite 354, Pearland, TX, 77584

slatelaw.com/

Slate & Associates, Attorneys at Law

112 East Forrest Lane, Deer Park, TX, 77536-4110

slatelaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Dennis online.

Dennis Marston Slate's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

87 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 38 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Michelle | February 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Excellent Attorney!

Excellent Attorney! I hired Dennis Slate by the recommendation of a friend and I am so happy that I did! If you are looking for someone whom is extremely experienced in Family Law, then he is your guy. We are Grandparents whom were fighting for custody of our Grandchild after her Mother, our daugh...ter passed away. It took two years of fighting, but we finally prevailed yesterday! There are no words to describe how glad we are that we hired his law firm. All of the people whom work with him are very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you to all of you who had any part in helping with our case. On a side note he is pretty expensive but worth every penny when you compare it against the life of a child!

Posted by Mark | January 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Very pleased

They are experienced in child custody and support cases, empathetic and effective. My case ended with proof that not only was I paying properly, I was actually ahead of schedule. Very satisfied!

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Very Experienced, Reasonable, Diligent CPS Attorney

Dennis Slate and his team (Shailey Gupta-Brietzke, HeeJin Chang & others) are by far the most knowledgeable attorneys regarding CPS cases. After a horrible experience with a family law attorney whom only billed us and showed no measurable results, Dennis Slate came in and quickly devised an actual pl...an of attack to get custody of our son back. He was able to get CPS to Non-Suit our case and re-establish custody to us within 2.5 months with very reasonable rates. Our son was medically kidnapped in May and Dennis was able to prove to the court there was no-evidence for abuse allegations. Dennis knows what motions to file, how the system works, how to work with CPS, Child Advocates and Ad Lietum Attorneys. He lives your case to defend it to the best of his ability. His office is a well-oiled machine, always returning phone calls & emails immediately and treating you with utmost courtesy. Dennis and his team work diligently to keep your attorney fees low. When looking for an attorney to entrust with getting your child back from CPS - Dennis Slate is your guy.

Posted by Danny | December 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

A lawyer that is TRUE to his word

My ex Fiancé' was keeping me from seeing my 14 month old daughter after our relationship ended, so I decided to consult Dennis Slate on my options. Dennis was upfront and honest in saying that it was tough for fathers in Texas to get full custody or even overnight visitation rights on children under ...3 years old. After going over the details of my case Dennis told me that he felt confident that he could get me a set visitation schedule of some kind first and foremost and that he would try to get more if the opportunity presented itself. He told me that we would not swing for the fences but rather try to win small victories and get a little more visitation as we went. Having never hired an attorney for family matters I was unsure if he was just trying to cover himself if things didn't go so well for me or if he was being honest about how the family court system truly works. After our first consultation I decided to go ahead and retain his services and put my trust in him in hopes of being able to get more time with my daughter. Dennis will put you to work, so don't think you will just pay him and then show up in court and hope for the best. He's is very particular about what he wants and needs as far as proof or evidence goes. Do yourself a favor and don't take this request from him lightly. This is the best advice I can give anybody. Keep detailed records, receipts, text messages, voice mails, letters, etc.. He wants everything. He's got an awesome staff that helps every step along the way. They are very detailed as well and their communication is second to none. There was never any issues with me no knowing exactly what was going on with my case at any time. I can't say enough about Ryann, she is great and was a tremendous help to my case. Now for some brutal truth, if you have never dealt with the family court system, prepare yourself for disappointment, discouragement and aggravation. It is just the system that we all have to deal with. My advice is to trust Dennis and his staff, even when things don't seem to be going in your favor. In my case, the mother of my child decided to lie several times on the stand painting me in a not so good light. The judge believed her and sided with her the first time we went to court. I thought my case was over and that I would not be able to be in my daughter's life. Dennis pretty much told me to stop complaining and prove she was lying. So that's what we did. I combed through texts messages and letters and voice mails. Once I gave all the evidence to Dennis, he and his team went to work organizing it all and coming up with a game plan for our next court date. When the day finally came, Dennis was very well prepared and once he got her on the stand, the magic of who Dennis Slate is came to life. He was relentless in his pursuit to prove her lies. He did not let up and did not give her a chance to get out of anything. He reduced this once arrogant, cocky woman full of lies to a woman that just sobbed uncontrollably on the stand. The judge had no choice but to side in my favor. I went into this case hoping for some time with my daughter and possibly having overnight visitation rights. When Dennis was finished and the dust settled, I was awarded 50% visitation of my daughter. I now get her 7 days on and 7 days off. I also pay no child support. Let me say that again.... I pay ZERO child support. I absolutely would have paid the max and never argued because it's my daughter, but after Dennis showed the judge what type of woman we were dealing with the judge decided to make her share in the financial responsibility of being a parent. I also have exclusive rights to choose schooling and doctors for my daughter. I am a no nonsense kind of guy and Dennis Slate is the exact same. He will not blow smoke to try to get your money. He will be brutally honest with you. Do yourself a favor, trust Dennis Slate and his team to represent you in your time of need. You will not regret it.

Posted by Thunder | November 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

My experiance

Hummm... Where to begin? So I needed a Divorce Attorney. I selected, Dannielle Simms, from the Law office of Dennis M. Slate's law firm. My initial phone conversation was with Dennis Slate, and he assured me that everyone in the office would work with me on my case... This happened. He and anot...her attorney showed up to court at different times. The legal secretary was "johnny-on-the-spot" anytime I need quick answers or was dropping off or picking up documents. The paralegal, when Dannielle was not available, always knew the answers regarding my case. Now, Dannielle Simms, wow... Just wow... From our very first meeting she was able to take an emotional subject (my divorce), give comfort, listen, and clearly lay out what I could expect from having her, Dannielle, representing me. There were many times during the court appearances that she correctly explained the temperament of the judge and how the judge would rule. She kept me calm and let me know each step of the process. When I had my "red lines" (there were certain things I was not willing to give up) Dannielle was able to put it into legal language that was then granted by the court or the apposing counsel got my ex-wife to agree. I could not have been able to do this without Dannielle's legal expertise. When needed, Dannielle was aggressive in protecting my interest. There was never a time when I felt she was not doing everything legally possible on my behalf. I have even recommend Danielle's services to other friends that need good legal council. I would never wish that anyone would need Ms. Simms' legal services, but if anyone does, they would not be wrong in choosing a well qualified and competent attorney that is Dannielle Simms.

See All Client Reviews

Dennis Marston Slate's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dennis
Mo Ghuneim headshot
Mo Ghuneim

Family lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent trial room decorum."

Bryan Joseph Fagan headshot
Bryan Fagan

Family lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. slate was appointed as the mediator in one of my cases. He was very knowledgeable and helped to resolve a case that had drug on for over a year."

James Michael Evans headshot
James Evans

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Dennis. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

James Gary Sullivan headshot
James Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Friend

"Dennis is a patriot and an excellent criminal defense lawyer. He served our country in the military. He has also served the community as a municipal judge, and he ran for county criminal court judge in 2010. He is a tough defense lawyer in the courtroom. Any defendant would be fortunate to have him as their defense attorney. I endorse Dennis and highly recommend him."

Sherry D. Tavel headshot
Sherry Tavel

Family lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He is a very good lawyer with a high energy level. I was amazed when he got such a high award against CPS. He is highly respected in the legal community"

Gloria Janet Villatoro headshot
Gloria Villatoro

Family lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Lee Carlson headshot
Christopher Carlson

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Dennis is a tremendous asset to our legal community and will hopefully be part of our judiciary in the coming elections."

Stacey Erin Burke headshot
Stacey Burke

Family lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is honest and very hard-working!"

James Elliot Alfred headshot
James Alfred

Family lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work... I have referred several matters to Dennis Slate, and he has handled them all with professionalism. I always get good feedback from the clients I refer to him."

Lane Gavin Diamond headshot
Lane Diamond

Family lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Dennis on several issues and highly endorse his work."

Keith Morris III headshot
Keith Morris

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Dennis is an expert in both family law and criminal law matters. I have referred many cases of these types to him and the clients have called to thank me for the referral and have complimented his skill."

Loren Jeremy Craft headshot
Loren Craft

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Stephanie J. Proffitt headshot
Stephanie Proffitt

Child abuse lawyer

Stacey Erin Burke headshot
Stacey Burke

Personal injury lawyer

Sherry D. Tavel headshot
Sherry Tavel

Family lawyer

Keith Morris III headshot
Keith Morris

Estate planning lawyer

James Elliot Alfred headshot
James Alfred

Banking lawyer

Lane Gavin Diamond headshot
Lane Diamond

Insurance lawyer

Loren Jeremy Craft headshot
Loren Craft

Copyright infringement lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Top Houston Family Attorney, H Texas Magazine

2014

Top Family Lawyers in Houston, Houstonia Magazine

2013

Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine

2013

Top Family Lawyers in Houston, Houstonia Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine

2009

Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine

2007

Top Houston Family Lawyer, H Texas Magazine

2006

Top Houston Family Lawyer, H Texas Magazine

2000

Best Advocate Award, William Daniel National trial Competition

2000

Best Speaker, Hippard Trial Competition

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Associate Judge, City of Pearland

2001 - Present

Owner, Slate & Associates, Attorneys at Law

2009 - 2013

Associate Judge, City of Houston

Associations

2015 - Present

Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists

Member

2015 - Present

Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists

Member

2008 - Present

American Association for Justice (Association of Trial Lawyers of America), Family Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

Texas Municipal Courts Association

2006 - Present

Houston Bar Association

Equal Access to Justice Committee

2006 - Present

Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2006 - Present

Texas Family Law Foundation

Member

2005 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2004 - Present

Houston Fit Marathon Training Program

Assistant Coach

2002 - Present

Texas Aggie Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Pasadena Bar Association

Immediate Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

Ex-Spouse Defamation Case

Ex-wife found liable for libel and slander and ordered to pay damages of $2.1 Million.

Miller Children

CPS ordered to immediately return children and sanctioned $32,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Houston Law Center

Juris Doctrate

1997

Texas A&M University

Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Texas Judge Advocate General's Conference

Military Pension Division in Texas

2007

Pasadena Bar Association Family Law Institute

Family Law Legal Update

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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