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Sam M. Yates III

Family Attorney at Houston, TX

4.9   11 reviews

also known as Trey Yates


Licensed for 38 years

About Sam

Learn Sam’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Family
    50%
    Board Certified in Family Law by theTexas Board of Legal Specialization. Fellow American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

    39 years

  2. Mediation
    25%
    Certified Family Law Mediator Child Protective Services Mediation Training for Children First

  3. Probate
    25%

    39 years

A LAW FIRM COMMITTED TO ASSISTING ALL FAMILIES DURING THEIR TIME OF LEGAL TRANSITION.

Attorney Trey Yates has served the people of Houston and surrounding southeastern Texas since 1984. In 1986, he founded his law firm, Trey Yates Law, where he has focused his practice on assisting clients who face family law challenges, particularly divorces involving complex marital property division. In 2010, he created the popular educational seminar known as The Guide to Good Divorce℠.

Mr. Yates earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1984, and the State Bar of Texas granted him admission that same year. In the years that have passed since he began his legal career, he has earned a reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, and, in 2010, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognized him as a board-certified family law attorney.

While attorney Yates is a skilled litigator who has represented clients in courtrooms for over 35 years, he is also a skilled negotiator. Mr. Yates has been trained extensively in alternative dispute resolution methods. In 1998, he became a certified attorney-mediator and in 1999 he earned a certification as a family law mediator and is trained in the collaborative law model.

In addition to having earned multiple certifications, attorney Yates has also earned a number of honors and awards thanks to his dedication to both his clients and his community. He has long served in a leadership capacity in the local legal community. He holds a "Superb" rating from Avvo, and he has received a distinguished client rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, he received the President's Award for his work with the Houston Bar Association and the Star Volunteer award for his work with Houston Volunteer Lawyers. He has been named a Super Lawyer annually since 2015.

 

Professional Memberships:

   AAML;

   TAFLS;

   Gulf Coast Family Law Specialist;

   Texas Trial Lawyers Association;

   The Collaborative Law Institute of Texas;

   Houston Bar Association:

      Member Family Law Section;

      Member Probate, Trusts and Estate Section; and

      Member Collaborative Law Section.;

   Houston Bar Foundation, Life Fellow;

   Fort Bend County Bar Association;

   College of the State Bar of Texas;

   American Inns of Court;

   Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inn of Court;

   Pro Bono College Star Bar of Texas;

   The American Association of Justice; and

   American Bar Association.

 

            "My law office is committed to providing individuals with the highest ethical and legal representation. My team delivers speedy and successful resolutions in litigation to our clients' satisfaction. We believe in client driven solutions to their legal conflict and give the client all the information available to make an informed decision that is in their best interest."

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How to Choose a Divorce Attorney
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Licensed for 38 years
State TX
Status Eligible to Practice in Texas
Acquired 1984
Updated 02/02/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Sam

Law Office Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, P.C.
2900 Weslayan
Suite 350
Houston, TX, 77027-9390

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
5 Star
 
91%
4 Star
 
9%
3 Star
 
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Posted by Marcus | May 12, 2015
Thank You
Mr. Yates was not only my attorney, he was my friend and therapist. He is kind, helpful, smart and tough. He gave me the support, knowledge and strength I needed during my divorce. I highly recommend him as an attorney and a friend.
Posted by Deborah | June 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fresh Intelligence
When I was going to go thru a life changing process I looked for an expert that would listen and understand my specific details. Mr. Yates turned out to be that expert. Because of Mr. Yates’ experience, diversity, contacts, and kindness my children and I are healing. Some avenues were easy, some were a challenge. Thru Tears and Triumph, Mr. Yates and his team knew how to keep me balanced. What triggered me to choose Mr. Yates? (1)Agile talent, fresh intelligence, and (2) “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” – Anais Nin. You will know what triggers inside of you to choose Mr. Yates and his team. DKB
Read less
Posted by Kathleen | February 24, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Divorce Attorney
Mr. Yates was wonderful to work with AND produced excellent results for me in a very contentious divorce. I highly recommend him!
Posted by Janice | August 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
My case has not been fully resolved, but I have been most pleased with Mr. Yates and his staff. My costs have been much more than they should be, but this is because my ex has not complied with Mr. Yates requests and he has needlessly needed to go to court to compel him to comply. I have always had immediate response to my questions and Mr. Yates includes his staff to receive all written communication between us. I have come to know Mr. Yates to be honest, thorough, knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and an attorney who is totally devoted to his profession. I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Judith | June 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I highly recommend the Sam Yates law firm
Sam Yates and his legal team saw me through a very long and difficult divorce with a high degree of professionalism and a great deal of thoroughness. They went above and beyond and left nothing to chance. I know for a fact that they worked through the night when necessary to get the job done. And they did so with heart, always treating my sometimes ill informed questions with courtesy and respect. You could not have a better team on your side.
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Posted by anonymous | November 2, 2014
Outstanding advice, knowledge, and guidance
Trey helped a family member through a complex divorce, preventing the family member from being left high and dry by the former spouse.
Posted by Randall, K | February 20, 2014
The law firm was wonderful and handled my unique case in a very professional manner. Hiring Mr. Yates firm was the best decision
I was recently sued by my Ex partner of the same sex. She wanted visitation rights ordered by the court to visit with my biological child who was under the age of two. I want to give you a little history about my relationship with my ex. We were together five and a half years after four years I conceived my daughter via artificial insemination. We separated after 5 1/2 years because my ex cheated on me and basically left our family for another woman. Our money was joint money everything was paid out of both of our bank accounts. Although mortgage and automobiles and some bills were in her name due to my credit score being low when we first met. I later learned none of that matters who paid for this who paid for that. When your fighting for joint custody or even visitation the court just cares about who has had primary care control or possession of the child in the suit. Meaning in my case who feed, cared, bathed and had primary care of the child. I clearly did. She never did adopt my daughter therefor she had no legal rights to my daughter nor did she have standing to even ask for any. After receiving this information from my attorney Trey Yates whom I hired to represent me. I was served papers less than a week before I was to appear in court. It is frightening that someone can sue you for custody and put a court ordered stop to your life and that person who brought this suit was not in any way related to my child. I was issued the law suit on a Thursday I hired Trey the next day Friday and I was due in court the following Thursday so as you can see they had very little time to prepare my case or so I thought. Mr. Yates firm is very experienced in what they do and has handled cases similar to mine. Although I was nerve wracked and had doubts they were prepared because of the time frame, they assured me they were ready for court and ready to handle whatever the judge decided if things did not go our way. We left the courtroom with a victory and our heads held high. My ex did not stand a chance the court dismissed the case due to my ex having no standing. The law firm was wonderful and handled my unique case in a very professional manner. I knew little to nothing about the law and they were prompt and elaborate when I had questions or concerns about the case. I would most defiantly recommend Trey Yates for anyone in a family litigation as well as same sex families as in my case. The firm is extremely reasonably priced compared to other firms of this nature who require much higher retainer fees. My life and my daughter's life have already been in a state of disruption for many months, a lawsuit was the last thing I needed. But I was prepared to do whatever was necessary in the best interest of my child. Hiring Mr. Yates firm was the best decision I could have made. They presented my case and we won, the whole case was dismissed. I recommend Mr. Yates and his team of experts for anyone who is going through divorce or separations. They are professional, prompt and true experts in their field.
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Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2013
If you have family law concerns, I strongly recommend Mr Yates.
The first time I called Mr Yates, he was very honest in admitting that there was nothing he could do at that time to assist with visitation matters from my divorce. He gave possible scenarios for the future when he could help. A year later my life situation fit one of the scenarios. Mr Yates is extremely knowledgeable. He understood my financial difficulties and helped me to find a way to work with his firm toward a resolution of the problems with visitation and child support. I do not hesitate to recommend him.
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Response from Sam Yates September 12, 2013
Thank you for your candid review of the legal services our firm provided to you and your family during a difficult personal challenge. Our goal is always to give our clients all the information necessary to make the best legal decision they are able. It was our honor to assist you. In gratitude.
Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2013
Mr. Yates handled my unique case involving a family of the same sex.
I was recently sued by my Ex partner of the same sex. She wanted visitation rights ordered by the court to visit with my biological child who was under the age of two. I want to give you a little history about my relationship with my ex. We were together five and a half years after four years I conceived my daughter via artificial insemination. We separated after 5 1/2 years because my ex cheated on me and basically left our family for another woman. Our money was joint money everything was paid out of both of our bank accounts. Although mortgage and automobiles and some bills were in her name due to my credit score being low when we first met. I later learned none of that matters who paid for this who paid for that. When your fighting for joint custody or even visitation the court just cares about who has had primary care control or possession of the child in the suit. Meaning in my case who feed, cared, bathed and had primary care of the child. I clearly did. She never did adopt my daughter therefore she had no legal rights to my daughter nor did she have standing to even ask for any. After receiving this information from my attorney Trey Yates whom I hired to represent me, I was served papers less than a week before I was to appear in court. It is frightening that someone can sue you for custody and put a court ordered stop to your life and that person who brought this suit was not in any way related to my child. I was issued the law suit on a Thursday I hired Trey the next day Friday and I was due in court the following Thursday so as you can see they had very little time to prepare my case or so I thought. Mr. Yates firm is very experienced in what they do and has handled cases similar to mine. Although I was nerve wracked and had doubts they were prepared because of the time frame, they assured me they were ready for court and ready to handle whatever the judge decided if things did not go our way. We left the courtroom with a victory and our heads held high. My ex did not stand a chance the court dismissed the case due to my ex having no standing. The law firm was wonderful and handled my unique case in a very professional manner. I knew little to nothing about the law and they were prompt and elaborate when I had questions or concerns about the case. I would most defiantly recommend Trey Yates for anyone in a family litigation as well as same sex families as in my case. The firm is extremely reasonably priced compared to other firms of this nature who require much higher retainer fees. My life and my daughter's life have already been in a state of disruption for many months, a lawsuit was the last thing I needed. But I was prepared to do whatever was necessary in the best interest of my child. Hiring Mr. Yates firm was the best decision I could have made. They presented my case and we won, the whole case was dismissed. I recommend Mr. Yates and his team of experts for anyone who is going through divorce or separations. They are professional, prompt and true experts in their field.
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Posted by Jill | March 27, 2013
EXCELLENT REPRESENTATION, HIGHLY EXPERIENCED, EXTREMELY TRUSTWORTHY FIRM
Recently, a friend of mine was involved in a very unique and difficult custody situation. She was served papers less than a week prior to the court date. She had to act very fast to find an attorney that would be able to handle her case. I agreed to do some research and make some phone calls and was referred to Trey Yates and his firm. After a conference call and a face to face meeting, she hired Mr. Yates and his team of experts. Any attorney can take your money and represent you, but not all attorneys are experts in the field of custody situations and especially the field of custody situations involving same sex couples. Mr. Yates and his firm promptly and professionally handled her case and because they know the law, the lack of law in certain areas, and are up to date on previous cases involving custody issues in same sex relationships, they were able to present my friend’s case before the court and win on the first court date. They are honest, competent, and reasonable and never wavered in their advice. I would highly recommend anyone to Mr. Yates and his firm. He is an expert in the field of divorce and outstanding in his knowledge of cases that may be currently outside of the written boundaries in Texas when it comes to same sex custody issues. A breakup of any sort is always very painful, no matter if it involves a heterosexual couple or same sex couple, Mr. Yates and his firm can handle your case like no other firm in Houston . He did not make promises, because no firm or attorney knows the outcome when a case goes before the court. Instead he quoted the law, gave advise on what to do and came prepared to win the case and that he did. In our city there are so many attorneys and firms, that it is hard to determine who is best qualified to handle your case. Mr. Yates gives a complimentary phone conference to go over your case and gives you his advice and opinion up front, and thoroughly advises you of your rights according to the law, prior to receiving any money. His time and patience in explaining the law were invaluable. If you want an attorney and a firm that will work hard for you, at a VERY reasonable cost, look no further. I was and am so impressed with this firm that I will refer anyone I know that is going through a divorce or breakup, be it simple or extremely complex, to Mr. Yates and his team. I usually never write reviews on an service providers, however in this case, I am so impressed, I felt compelled to write a review to let people know about my friend’s experience with this firm. I attended each phone call and face to face meeting, including the court hearing, so I can say first hand this firm is with out a doubt the most competent and reasonable firm I have ever dealt with. From the front desk to the associates to the lead attorney, Trey Yates and his team of experts are courteous, professional and honest.
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Posted by Emma | March 7, 2013
Probate
Working with this law firm was pleasing, there wasn't any difficulties, it was clear and concise, got the job done. Thank You!!
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III, P.C.
  • 1986 - Present

Education

  • St. Mary's University
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • 1984

Associations

  • Houston Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
  • Board of Directors
  • N/A
  • BRR Family Law Inn of Court
  • Officer
  • N/A
  • Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
  • Board of Directors
  • N/A
  • Unity Church of Christianity - Houston
  • Board of Directors
  • N/A
  • Bering Omega Community Services
  • Board of Trustees
  • N/A
  • Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
  • Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
  • N/A
  • AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc
  • Advisory Board
  • N/A
  • Friends of Hermann Park
  • Advisory Board
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Notable
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Family Law
  • Super Lawyers Texas
  • 2015
  • Star Volunteer
  • Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • 1999
  • President's Award for Outstanding Service as Chair of AIDS
  • Houston Bar Association - AIDS Outreach Committee
  • 1997
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Houston Bar Association
  • Real Property and Housewives of Harris County
  • 2016
  • HVL Family Law Seminar
  • Temporary Orders
  • 2016
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Sex and the Law: How Science & the Supreme Court Have Changed Your World
  • 2015
  • HVL Family Law Seminar
  • Same-Sex Couples and Texas Family Law
  • 2015
  • Family Law and Pets in Texas
  • Dog Fights and Bones of Contention
  • 2015
  • Highlights for the Advanced Family Lawyer - Houston
  • Same-Sex Marriage and Percentage Update
  • 2015
  • 28th Annual Family Law Conference
  • Marriage and Parentage After the Demise of Doma
  • 2014
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Legal Ethics Involved in Marketing Collaborative Divorce Services
  • 2014
  • American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
  • Marriage and Parentage After the Demise of Doma
  • 2014
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Marriage Equality and Divorce Equality After the Demise of Doma
  • 2014
  • 40th Annual Advanced Family Law Course
  • Marriage, Divorce and Parentage After the Demise of Doma
  • 2014
  • 29th Annual Wills and Probate Institute
  • Marriage and Divorce After the Demise of Doma
  • 2014
  • State Bar of Texas - Austin
  • Real Estate Issues for Same-Sex Couples
  • 2013
  • Gulf Coast Family Law Specialist - Houston
  • Equal Protection Under the Law and the Redefinition of Marriage
  • 2013
  • HVLP Family Law Seminar
  • Whos My Daddy? Parentage Mystery?
  • 2013
  • Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
  • Equal Protection Under the Law and the Redefinition of Marriage
  • 2013
  • 27th Annual Family Law Conference
  • So Whats Happening With Same-Sex Marriage?
  • 2013
  • Texas Family Code and Texas Probate Code
  • Issues for Divorcing Parents with Special Needs Children Under the Texas Family Code and Texas Probate Code
  • 2012
  • 26th Annual Family Law Conference
  • Effectively Assessing Cases for ADR
  • 2012
  • Getting the Benefit of the Bargain
  • Getting the Benefit of the Bargain: Drafting Enforceable Language on Temporary Order and Final Decrees
  • 2012
  • Inns of Court
  • Support for a Disabled Adult or Minor Child and Related Issues
  • 2012
  • Annual Family Law Conference
  • The Business of Family Law
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (15)
Endorse Sam
Unknown Attorney | 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."
Family Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.l endorse this lawyer. -Anthony Munoz, Esq."
Family Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Great lawyer, meticulously prepared and well versed on the law."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Yates is a dedicated and hardworking attorney."
Family Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sam Yates aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of his clients. He is thorough, detail-orientated, and works tirelessly to protect his clients rights. I highly recommend him."
Family Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sam Yates is extremely dedicated to the practice and truly believes in justice for all. I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sam M. Yates is one of the top attorneys in his field. He is extremely knowledgeable, skillful, and knows the ins-and-outs of the law. However, this is not what makes him great. His most valuable asset is his strong conviction for what he does. I endorse this lawyer's work."
Family Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sam is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
Family Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sam is an excellent attorney. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and highly respected in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Mr. Yates as a professional and knowledgeable family law attorney in the Houston area."
Family Attorney | Dec 06
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Trey is a cordial and quite knowledgeable in family law"
Family Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Sam. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred many clients to TREY for divorce and other break up matters, including child custody disputes. Trey is a very good lawyer and provides excellent services. He is also available on short notice when needed. If I ever needed a divorce, I would hire Trey as my lawyer. As a lawyer, that is the best recommendation I could possibly give."
Family Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Trey Yates is well respected in the family law legal community. When I hear him speak I often think - I wish I'd said that! I mediated a difficult family law case & Trey was one of the attorneys -- he came thoroughly prepared & ready to work -- a rare treat for a mediator! I highly endorse this outstanding attorney."
View more endorsements