Caitlin Barbee Thorpe

PRO

Caitlin Barbee Thorpe

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 11 years

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

701 N Post Oak Rd Ste 600, Houston, TX

Virtual Consultation Available

About Caitlin

Biography

I understand what a difficult time this is for you. I'm here for you every step of the way.

I understand what a difficult time this is for you. I'm here for you every step of the way.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 34%

34%
Child Custody 33%

33%
Family 33%

33%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 11 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2014

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC

701 N Post Oak Rd Ste 600, Houston, TX, 77024

skillernfirm.com

Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC

1600 Hwy 6 Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX, 77478

skillernfirm.com

Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC

22322 Grand Corner Dr Suite 125, Katy, TX, 77494

skillernfirm.com

Caitlin Barbee Thorpe's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

55 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (55) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Empathy and Compassion

I cannot recommend this law firm highly enough. When I found myself facing a complex divorce while battling terminal cancer, I knew I needed exceptional legal representation that could handle both the intricacies of my case and the unique pressures of my health situation. After researching attorneys ...in the area, I chose to hire Caitlin Thorpe specifically because of her board certification and outstanding reputation for fierce client advocacy. From the very first consultation, I knew I had made the right choice. The level of attention to detail, thorough case analysis, and genuine care for my circumstances was immediately apparent. Caitlin and her team didn't just go through the motions. They were truly invested in achieving the best possible outcome for my family and me through strategizing with me and keeping me in the conversation 100% of the time. When Caitlin went on maternity leave, Robby Wendel seamlessly stepped in to ensure continuity of representation without missing a beat. The transition was flawless, and I never felt like my case was being neglected or that I had to start over explaining my situation. Throughout the entire process, paralegal Sanaa Hazratjee provided exceptional support that made all the difference in managing my case effectively. Her attention to detail and proactive communication kept everything on track. What impressed me most was the firm's ability to handle my particularly difficult co-parenting situation with my ex-wife. They expertly navigated every challenge and recognized when specialized intervention was needed, successfully coordinating with an amicus attorney to protect both my interests and those of my children. They transformed what could have been an overwhelming legal maze into a manageable process, always keeping my health limitations and family priorities at the forefront of their strategy. Like so many previous clients have noted, this firm goes above and beyond standard legal representation. They don't just handle your case. They become your advocates, your guides, and your support system during life's most difficult transitions. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuine compassion make them truly exceptional in their field. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone facing complex family law matters.

Posted by Fred | August 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Caitlin blends Intelligence, Strategy, Efficiency, and Compassion

I took several months to select an attorney and Caitlin was who I chose. I watched court live streams for weeks to see who carried themselves well in court and argued effectively. Caitlin made my short list. When we met for a consultation I was relieved to see that we gelled well. Speak to her bri...efly and it's obvious she's highly intelligent. As a lawyer I found her to be strategic and creative. She treated me with respect, and was extremely responsive. What mattered most to me (and where most other attorneys didn't work out) is that she partnered with me and we didn't fight over the reins. When my ideas were off the wall, she wasn't rude or condescending, and simply explained why it wouldn't work. When I had a gem, she polished it. I don't think I could have found someone I worked better with. Sure enough, my custody case was interstate and despite my efforts I could never find an attorney as good as her in the other state. I also greatly appreciated her efficiency. I didn't have unlimited funds to fight, so I always showed up prepared. Caitlin gave effective answers quickly. We did FAR more preparation than opposing counsel, yet my bill was half of my ex's. With other attorneys I'd show up just as prepared and only make it through 25% of my list because they simply didn't get to the point. Finally, it is clear Caitlin actually cared personally about my case. Having now worked with many different attorneys, I can't overstate how important it is to like and respect each other. Not only were my ex's legal bills double mine, it was clear my ex was just a source of billable hours to her attorneys. I know because I had the same experience in the past. Because her attorneys didn't care, they showed up lacking key context, causing them to ask me sloppy questions on cross, and make mistakes. In short, Caitlin has intelligence in spades, she leverages it to devise effective legal strategies, she's responsive, she's an efficient communicator, and she actually cares about her clients. Feel lucky that you stumbled across her. Treat her with respect, show up prepared, and work together and you will put the odds as much in your favor as is possible. ...and yes, thanks to many of her strategic decisions I now have custody of my son despite being told by attorneys in both states for the last 6 years that I should just give up.

Posted by Jennifer Kelly | June 12, 2025 | Divorce & Separation

Empathetic and results-oriented divorce attorney

Caitlin was my divorce attorney after a 28 year marriage. She understood my unique personal situation and worked closely with me as a partner and her team to bring my divorce to a close. While the process was not easy, Caitlin was compassionate and listened to my concerns along the way and was very p...ragmatic in her recommendations on how to proceed.

Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent and Best In the Field

My case (divorce with children abducted and taken to another state) was going nowhere (~1 year) when a friend recommended that I consider substituting my attorney. I came across Caitlin’s profile on Avvo in the search and decided to schedule a consultation to discuss my case. Although my case was tri...cky in the sense of time being gone and the children being taken to another state without any real action from the part of my previous attorney and starting to lose hope, retaining Caitlin three weeks before the trial put me at ease as she came up to speed Very Very well and quickly. In a short period of time, Caitlin understood all the moving parts of my case, drew attack plans, and discussed the possible outcome of each of the plans. Just to put things into perspective how excellent she is in family law, Caitlin underwood my case very well in a matter of a week better than my previous attorney that was on the case for almost a year. I was very impressed with Caitlin's understanding of my case’s urgency and how the time was not on my side. Caitlin was on the top of her game and knew when submittals are coming due and worked with me to submit any documentations to the court or the opposing counsel in a timely manner without missing a SINGLE due date. Caitlin is very responsive, paid close attention to the details, and easy to work with. The longest I waited to hear back from Cailtin on questions or concerns is less than half a day. I was served with paperwork on a separate matter she was working on with me on a Friday evening and I did not know what to do. I emailed Caitlin with my concerns on Friday ~ 6:30 pm and she called back around 9:00 pm to discuss and advise what to do. She has gone above and beyond fighting for me and my children. She had my best interest, provided details and summary on where things stand, what is next, and so forth. Above all, Caitlin is a humble and sweet individual who listened to my concerns and worked with me to unpack those concerns. To make a long story short related to my case (divorce and custody of children that were abducted and taken to another state), the outcome of my case was very very satisfactory as Caitlin worked tirelessly both outside and in the courtroom and gave all her best. She is a true fighter who knows her subject in and out Very Very well. Words cannot express my gratitude to Caitlin’s work on my case. My mother called Caitlin “God’s angel” sent to help someone like myself who was unjustly deprived from his children for more than a year. My mother wishes to meet Caitlin so she can thank her in person. Caitlin's representation on my case resulted in being reunited with my children that were taken to another state unjustly, the judge ordering city restriction put in place, and I was able to see and play with my children the following day after the trial hearing. What you want as you're navigating through this process is a very reliable, very knowledgeable, very competent, good in cross examination and practical lawyer who knows and understands the family laws in and out and its applicability to work with. Someone who still has a leaving heart to understand your feelings and listen to your concerns. Furthermore, someone who will be looking out for your best interest as much as possible, fight your case until the end for a result you will be satisfied with although the outcome may vary from case to case. For the above reasons and working closely with Caitlin on my case, I strongly recommend Caitlin in the area of Divorce and separation, Family, and Child custody. You will not regret your decision to work with Caitlin and the money you invested.

Posted by Zach | October 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Skilled Litigator Trusted Confidant

I had a very complication and litigious case, that required a tremendous amount of skill and effort. Caitlin was an amazing advocate, litigator, extreme attention to detail, compassionate care and always made the best and most wise decisions about how to proceed through challenging circumstances. A... lot of attorneys would have taken the easy road but she fought fervently for my causes and never questioned me about them. If you need a good attorney you can trust the answer is simple choose Caitlin, I've never liked an attorney until I met her!

See All Client Reviews

Caitlin Barbee Thorpe's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Caitlin
Matthew Allen Skillern headshot
Matthew Skillern

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. She is a hard working family lawyer in Harris County and Fort Bend. Caitlin is determined to be an advocate for her clients and constantly works to develop her craft and propel herself forward."

Kathleen E. LeFevre headshot
Kathleen LeFevre

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Caitlin is a hard worker and has a great rapport with her clients. She is well respected throughout the legal community."

Katy Stallings headshot
Katy Stallings

Family lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Caitlin is brilliant! She is a rock star in family law who thinks outside the box to obtain the absolute best results for her clients."

Richard Alfred Lybarger headshot
Richard Lybarger

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been practicing since 1986 (almost 32 years now) and I have worked with many different lawyers. Caitlin is you but she exhibits maturity and confidence and we were able to focus on the issues in order to address the needs of our respective clients. Life is hard enough for people going through a divorce and it is very helpful when lawyers can work together."

Melissa (Lisa) LeDoux Bruce headshot
Melissa (Lisa) Bruce

Unknown lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Caitlin was my opposing counsel on a recent case which was a contested custody matter with somewhat complicated issues between the parties. Caitlin was a smart, savvy and strong advocate for her client, and still maintained the utmost courtesy and professionalism with me. I respect her enormously and would gladly refer any family law matter to her capable hands."

Shawn Williamson headshot
Shawn Williamson

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Caitlin is my go-to advocate when referring family law matters. No family law lawyer will fight harder for your rights. I highly recommend her firm."

Tristan Harris Longino headshot
Tristan Longino

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"Caitlin is a passionate advocate who truly cares about her clients and the outcomes she achieves for them. She is able to balance this passion with professional courtesy toward opposing counsel so as to not allow egos to drive up fees. Caitlin is a skilled advocate."

Fran Brochstein headshot
Fran Brochstein

Family lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have mediated with this attorney several times. She comes thoroughly prepared for mediation. She is a strong advocate for her clients. She is not afraid to go to court on behalf of her clients but she will try to resolve her cases to save her clients time and money. I enjoy mediating with this attorney."

View All Endorsements
Amber Stryk Skillern headshot
Amber Skillern

Personal injury lawyer

John Schmude headshot
John Schmude

Family lawyer

Kathleen E. LeFevre headshot
Kathleen LeFevre

Family lawyer

Katy Stallings headshot
Katy Stallings

Family lawyer

Matthew Casey Tyson headshot
Matthew Tyson

Family lawyer

Gina Louise Gilstrap headshot
Gina Gilstrap

Family lawyer

Kelly P. Joseph headshot
Kelly Joseph

Family lawyer

Diane Baumbach Reul headshot
Diane Reul

Family lawyer

Nancy H. Boler headshot
Nancy Boler

Family lawyer

Daniel Nathan Gray headshot
Daniel Gray

Family lawyer

Seaborn Gardner Eastland headshot
Seaborn Eastland

Family lawyer

Tristan Harris Longino headshot
Tristan Longino

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2023

Top 10 Family Law Female Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2023

10 Best - Texas, American Institue of Family Law Attorneys

2022

Top 10 Female Attorney - Texas, American Associate of Attorney Advocates

2022

Top 10 Family Law Attorney - Texas, Attorney & Practice Magazine

2022

10 Best - Texas, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2021

Top 10 Attorney - Texas, Best of the Best Attorneys

2021

Top 10 Attorney - Family Law Texas, America's Best Attorney

2021

Top 10 Family Law Female Attorney - Texas, Attorney & Practice Magazine

2021

Top 10 Family Law Attorney - Texas, Attroney & Practice Magazine

2020

2020 Top Lawyer - Houston, America's Best

2019

Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2019

Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine

2018

Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine

2017

Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine

2017

10 Best Female Attorney - Texas, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

Top Lawyers, H Texas Magazine

2014

CALI Excellence for the Future, CALI Excellence for the Future

Work Experience

2023 - Present

Partner, Skillern Firm

2014 - 2023

Attorney, Skillern Firm

2013 - 2014

Law Clerk, Skillern Firm

Associations

2023 - Present

Texas Bar College

Member

2023 - Present

Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists

Member

2019 - Present

Family Bar of Fort Bend

Member

2014 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2014 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section

Member

2014 - Present

Houston Young Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Houston Bar Association

Member

2016 - 2017

Berta Rhodes Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court

Fellow

Education

2014

South Texas College of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

2011

Louisiana State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

Texas Victims Webinar

"Statutory Framework - Intersections of Domestice Violence and Custody"

2021

Texas Victims Webinar

"Creative Possession Schedules"

2021

2021 Texas Lawyers Technology

"Phone Data Evidence"

2014

South Texas College of Law

“The Denial of Same Sex Marriage: A Takings Clause Approach.”

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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