Dawn Anne Renken

Dawn Anne Renken

4.3
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 22 years

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

11500 NW Freeway, #586, Houston, TX

About Dawn

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

Divorce; Representation at Temporary Orders hearings; Common Law Marriages; Separation and Divorce planning to ensure that decisions made in haste do not affect the outcome of your case; Issue of net worth in divorce, including tracing, accurate valuation and characterization of all marital assets; Alimony and Spousal Maintenance; Child Custody, Child Support and visitation agreements; Family Violence and Protective Orders; Grandparents’ rights; Attorney General Support cases; Name change, etc.

40%
Family 40%

Divorce; Representation at Temporary Orders hearings; Common Law Marriages; Separation and Divorce planning to ensure that decisions made in haste do not affect the outcome of your case; Issue of net worth in divorce, including tracing, accurate valuation and characterization of all marital assets; Alimony and Spousal Maintenance; Child Custody, Child Support and visitation agreements; Family Violence and Protective Orders; Grandparents’ rights; Attorney General Support cases; Name change, etc.

40%
Mediation 20%

Renken Law Firm now conducts mediations

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 22 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2003

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Dawn Anne Renken

11500 NW Freeway, #586, Houston, TX, 77092

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Dawn Anne Renken's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by C. Jason Parrish | January 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Dawn Renken will Win for you and is absolutely the Best!

Dawn Renken is by far the best attorney I have ever hired. Dawn worked hard and won custody of my 2 girls for me. Dawn was tactical, perfectly prepared and dominate in court over the course of 10 + appearances. Dawn's courtroom prowess is undeniable as she was able take on 4 different attorneys ove...r the course of 2 years and win. Dawn is professional and straight forward in direction to her clients so that they know what to expect and how to navigate the legal process. If your are looking for a tough, smart, agile and dominate lawyer....look no further. Hire Dawn!

Dawn Renken

Replied last January 24, 2017

Thank you Jason. It's so rewarding when you fight so hard for your clients and they recognize the sweat. It was a long battle, thank you for your kind words. There was never any doubt that this was going to be a fight all the way and you listened to my advice and we prevailed. It means a lot to me!

Posted by Ashley | May 14, 2015 | Child Custody

THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Dawn has been an excellent attorney for me and my daughter. She has gone out if her way to get things done for my case and I couldn't ask for a better person to work with. She is looking for the best situation for my daughter. She always listens to everything I have to say with open ears and tells m...e why and why not the thing I ask for May or maynot be achievable. She's made this stressful, scary sisuation into a surprisingly easy experience! I recommend her to anyone that's looking for an attorney that will fight for the best for your child(ren)! And thank you Dawn for everything you've done for me and kamryn!

Dawn Renken

Replied last May 14, 2015

Thank you Ashley. I'm glad we could get everything you wanted!

Posted by Ronald | January 07, 2015 | Child Custody

Dawn Renken was NOT as my attorney...

Dawn was hired by my wife and I to take care of a custody matter. Dawn and my case went to trial and it was not good. She lost our trial and sued us to pay her the remaining money.

Dawn Renken

Replied last January 07, 2015

This is a strange post. I haven't lost at trial for custody in over five years. I can't think of a single Ronald I've represented in the last twelve and I haven't sued a Ronald for fees...ever. I am a strong advocate in court. If I recommend taking a custody fight to trial, it's because I am confident we can win. If I don't think we can win at trial, I will recommend alternatives, like mediation or arbitration to try to seek the best result. Fake posts by fake "clients" don't deter me.

Posted by Lisa | August 18, 2014 | Child Custody

Excellence

I needed an attorney who would fight for me, Dawn was responsive, communicative and tough. I could not have asked for a better attorney when going through such a difficult Divorce. She fought tooth and nail to protect my rights and those of my daughter. She was strong for me when/where I couldn't ...be and brought me back to reality when I was going off on tangents. I would recommend her to anyone who asked.

Dawn Renken

Replied last August 18, 2014

Thank you Lisa. It means a lot to me.

Posted by Abby | August 18, 2014 | Child Custody

Knowledgable but Neglectful

My husband and I went in for a consultation to try and get custody of his son. We had evidence neatly in a binder of voice recordings, medical neglect, abuse, etc. that I had worked on for quite a while to make it as easy as possible for her to go through. We had an appointment for around 1:30 and ha...d to wait outside for about 15-20 minutes before she and her assistant returned from lunch. Irritating, but I can understand it. When we were finally brought into the office for the consultation, she did not look at a single piece of evidence I brought. I had even completed a highlighted list of what we thought was most important and told her I had it-- no attention was paid to it. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the legal system, which I found comforting. She was very straightforward, but also a bit rude by interrupting and insinuating that my husband and I would not win unless he quit his job and that she was not very willing to pursue it because she does not like to lose. Overall, she was forthright, but did not seem concerned about our case or our worries. Perhaps she was overwhelmed or maybe she did not think we had a good case. Regardless, I did not feel like the consultation was very considerate and I did not feel that we got the appropriate attention to our case that we desired. If you have a cut and dry case that will win every time, she will take it. If she thinks it will be a struggle or that she might lose, she will not. I felt she cared more about winning than she cared about the well-being of my step-son.

Dawn Renken

Replied last August 18, 2014

This review breaks my heart. Abby is the step-mother of a very young boy. She was very organized and presented a very well thought out case. The problem with the case is that dad, the father of the child, currently holds a job that is not conducive to custody of a young child. I did not tell him to quit his job. I advised that with his current employment, custody would be an uphill battle. I told them I did not want to take their money to fight a losing battle. I told him to seek out a job, either with his current employer or otherwise, that would allow him to take care of his child if we were to get custody. I told this nice young couple to return when he had gotten it worked out. I told them that dad's current employment was the biggest problem. My evaluation of the case (i.e. whether you have a good chance of winning or not) does not mean I do not care about your child. It does not mean I am not empathetic to your plight. When you come and sit down with me for your free consultation I evaluate the case based on the information I am given. The free initial consultation is not the time when I go through every piece of evidence. It is the time for me to sit down with you and have an open an honest conversation about the litigation you intend to pursue, the money involved and what you can expect. The reason that this evaluation breaks my heart is that I got into this line of work (family law) because I think I can help people. I fight hard for my clients, their families and children. I don't take every case that walks in the door, because a lot of the cases don't need to be litigated, or aren't ready to be litigated. In this case, I honestly thought Dad was going to seek out 9-5 employment and that I would see them again in a few months. I never thought that my honesty would be reviewed negatively. Understand that I will never lie to you. I don't do this just for the money. Not every case needs to be filed and not every motion needs to be heard. I will do my best for every person, client and case that walks in my door. If that means that I don't think that you need to file your case yet because you would waste a lot of money, then I am going to tell you that. I hope, in the future, it's appreciated.

See All Client Reviews

Dawn Anne Renken's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dawn
Holli Michelle Day Palmer headshot
Holli Palmer

Family lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had cases with Dawn, and I have worked with her a a mediator. She is always thorough, prepared, and fights fiercely for her clients."

Bryan Joseph Fagan headshot
Bryan Fagan

Family lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have used Dawn as a mediator in my cases. She is a knowledgeable Family Law Attorney and Mediator!"

Matthew Casey Tyson headshot
Matthew Tyson

Unknown lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Dawn was easy to work with as opposing counsel and is a strong advocate for her clients."

James Michael Evans headshot
James Evans

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lawyers who serve the avvo community as much as Ms. Renken are few and far between. It takes passion, concern and dedication to devote so much time. You have my endorsement and kudos."

Sheelah M. Wooten headshot
Sheelah Wooten

Family lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Dawn is an excellent lawyer. She is very knowledgeable and professional. It was evident to me, during our work on a modification case, that she works hard and fights for her clients."

Maria Sara Lowry headshot
Maria Lowry

Family lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Angela I. Green headshot
Angela Green

Unknown lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.This attorney has a strong reputation, is a zealous advocate for the clients and is a credit to the legal community."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Renken is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse her."

Deanna Luisa Dyer headshot
Deanna Dyer

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is handling a family law matter for me and I am very impressed by her expertise and professionalism. She is a pleasure to work with, returns calls quickly and her rates are quite reasonable. I would entrust her with any family law issues that arise in my practice in the future. Highly recommended."

Rosa Alexander Eliades headshot
Rosa Eliades

Family lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Efficient, aggressive, and persuasive. Dawn Renken is always knowledgeable about any family law questions I need answered and has handled mutual clients with overlapping family and criminal issues. She is also efficient at working out civil and family law matters because she is able to spot the solution and does not need to drag out the legal battle unless absolutly necessary. Dawn Renken uses plain and simple logic to argue her cases and cases and works towards long term solutions."

Debra S. Casaceli headshot
Debra Casaceli

Family lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. A skilled litigator, Dawn still manages to keep her focus on the best interests of the children in the cases she is involved in. When you go against her in Court, you had better be prepared but her approach is always reasonable and based on the law."

View All Endorsements
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Natalie Markham

Family lawyer

James Michael Evans headshot
James Evans

Family lawyer

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer

Rosa Alexander Eliades headshot
Rosa Eliades

Criminal defense lawyer

Debra S. Casaceli headshot
Debra Casaceli

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

Honors

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Managing Partner, Renken Law Firm, PLLC

2004 - 2010

Managing Partner, Vossler & Renken, PLLC

Associations

2004 - Present

Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

Education

2003

Ohio Northern University - Claude W. Pettit College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

University of Texas

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Default Divorces in Harris County

Default Divorces in Harris County

Publications

2003

29 Ohio N.U.L. Rev. 728 Survey of Ohio Law: Ohio Supreme Court Decision: The State Ex Rel. Cincinnati Enquirer, Division

2002

28 Ohio N.U.L. Rev. 495 Federal Election Commission v. Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee

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