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


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Dawn Anne Renken's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 17 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Robert | June 16, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Sit back and watch her work

First let me say...do not go into a divorce without your own attorney!!! I almost waited too long to hire Dawn. While on the phone, she pulled the information on the courthouse records she told me to get in as soon as I could that afternoon. It wasn't what was stated in the paperwork it was the a...mbiguous terms that were used. Dawn is direct, aggressive, very busy which sometimes makes her hard to reach and a darn good negotiator. She knows her stuff. Don't go see her if you want a shrink...go to her if you want to be well represented. Make sure your expectations are realistic and you will do well. The "friendly" divorce paperwork was full of open ended statements that would have cost me more than my legally fair share. With that being said she warned me right from the beginning that we are now negotiating a business transaction not a friendly settlement. You can go back to friendly after the divorce is final. You have to take care of your interests and Dawn will do that for you in legalese if you let her. Sometimes you wonder where she is going in her logic... but just sit back, watch and listen...she knows what she is doing. I think if I had been as aggressive as she suggested I may have done better...but I couldn't let go of the relationship. Remember if you are enlisting the help of an attorney (Dawn)...your relationship is over...so let her get down to business. She is very good in mediation. She understands how to effectively work through the process. She should since she offers mediation services in her practice. I think the most impressive thing and the sign of a well respected attorney is when we went to the courthouse (unfortunately we had to go), she was known by many of the court employees, officials and other attorneys that were waiting for their time slot. If you are reading this I am sorry you are having to go through it...but I think Dawn is a good choice. By the way she was recommended to me by another satisfied client.

Dawn Renken

Replied last June 16, 2015

Thank you for the kind review Bob. Even if you don't think you need a lawyer, go talk to one who offers a free consult. When Bob came in, he thought the attorney representing his spouse had written up a "fair" agreement; however, the order was full of loopholes and items that could have cost Bob a lot of money that he was entitled to. I'm glad I could help.

Posted by Kelli | May 14, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Highly Recommend Dawn!

Dawn has helped me multiple times over the past several years with modifications to my out of state divorce decree. She is always willing to explain the facts and processes of our procedures so I am confident in the steps we are taking. Her top priority is always to protect my interests and my daught...ers well being. Her experience leaves her well versed in all the court procedures. She works very efficiently helping to keep my costs down. I will continue to trust her for any issues that come up. I highly recommend Dawn to anyone looking for a confident, competent and efficient lawyer.

Dawn Renken

Replied last May 14, 2015

Louisiana decrees are always interesting. Thank you so much Kelli. I'm here when you need me.

Posted by Alexis | March 28, 2014 | Family

Phenomenal Lawyer

Dawn has represented me for over six years in a number of matters concerning family law. I found her to be realistic about what could be accomplished, a great communicator, responsive and judicious with her use of time and resources on my behalf. She is the one and only lawyer I would recommend. Ms.... Renken explained the Texas Family Code and carefully protected my best interests and those of my children. I have recommended her to friends and colleagues and will continue to do so as long as she is practicing law. I am extremely happy with all the services she provided and will always utilize her services for my legal needs.

Dawn Renken

Replied last March 28, 2014

Thank you so much Alexis. It's been a pleasure working with you these last 6 years and I hope you never need me again. I will be here if you do.

Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2014 | Child Support

STAY FAR FAR AWAY. SHE'S NOT GOOD ON COURT

This lady lost my case, charged me a ridiculous fees, and expected me to pay more. I was in a better position in my case before hiring her. She was a disaster and she not be allowed to practice. I even told her during the case I wasn't pleased with her. She didn't get any better, lost my case, and no...w I don't even get child support from the father. This lady is a huge screw up and she BEGGS. her friends to post good reviews to deceive you. I'm a real mom who hired her and received poor service. She may have book smarts but she knows nothing about applying the techniques. Don't hire this lady. I'm telling you the truth. She even threatened me if I posted the truth about her. She's vindictive and she's highly intimidating. She's only out for your money and doesn't care about the client. It's all about the money with her.

Dawn Renken

Replied last March 27, 2014

It's unfortunate when comments are posted anonymously because they are usually fake. In this case, it's comical. I have never threatened a client about posting the truth. All of the reviews on this page (save and except the anonymous ones) are from actual clients. I have not lost a child support case in the last 12 months and I care deeply about my clients and their children. Posts like this I take very personally and would be deeply hurt if it I thought it were an actual client. As it is, I think it's just sad that someone spends their time making things up to try to hurt someone. I can only assume this is a mother who lost their children in a custody battle that I won for my client, the father. As always, I hope people reading these reviews take into account that family law is very emotionally charged. When people lose their case, they want to blame someone. And because attorneys have no recourse against anonymous posts, this forum allows them to blame the other attorney. Come see me, meet me, then decide. The initial consult is free, because, despite what "anonymous" says, I'm not just in this for the money.

Posted by Tiana- | March 09, 2014 | Child Custody

YOU ROCK!

WOW! How can words express! YOU ROCK! YOU JAM! YOU ARE AMAZING! NOTABLE! DETERMINED! WELL KNOWN IN THE COURT ROOM- AND IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY AS A VERY SHARP AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY! ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE! I turned to Dawn after I had been battling for what seemed like half of my life in court as a s...ingle mother who was at a disadvantage of being able to obtain legal counsel throughout a long term custody and child support matter that originated in Florida. Then I turned to Dawn! After becoming a resident in Texas, my custody case had been transferred and in spite of fighting tooth and nail against a non custodial parent who had discredited himself over and over, yet still tried everything legal and illegal to obtain custody and child support, Dawn stepped in and showed just what TEXAS FAMILY IS ALL ABOUT! Her focus was on the needs and interests of my daughter from day one! Not only did she over throw and over turn all odds in my case, she got me and my daughter REPAYMENT, FREEDOM, and PEACE OF MIND! Would I recommend this attorney? YOU BET YA! - Thank you so much Dawn- A million thanks to you and your staff! You have been a light for my family during very dark times and forever WE THANK YOU!

Dawn Renken

Replied last March 09, 2014

Thank you so much Tiana. It's so nice to get such expressive gratitude when I work so hard for each and every one of my clients. I know you will be fine, but if you should need me again, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for your nice words.

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
Natalie M. Markham headshot
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

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