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 18 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Typical Lawyer

All lawyers at the end of the day are doing a job. My issue is preying on the weak and running up the tab. Going through a divorce is hard enough and when you are scared and need help the last thing you need is a lawyer who wants to drag things out. Dawn was a good attorney. She did her job. She als...o forgot my name. That in itself is a problem. I got divorced with nothing to show for but her huge bill. After your case is settled if you owe money she won't help you again unless you give her more money. As I said divorce is hard enough and its even harder with no one really on your side.

Dawn Renken

Replied last August 28, 2019

I deplore anonymous posts. Especially ones that disparage your character. Despite what this client thinks, I care deeply about all of my clients. Megan (this anonymous poster) called to retain me for services. She has called me a lot over the years because was always willing to speak with her, and I did a good job representing her. But I also care about my employees. Despite how much I want to help every person who walks in my door, if you cannot pay my retainer, I cannot take your case. I have four lovely young women who work for me and depend on me for their livelihood. I am a very good attorney. I work hard at my job and I care about every single person who walks in my door, but my job requires that you pay me. I do not work for free. I require a retainer and I require that you pay your bill on time. if you expect differently, go see a different lawyer.

Posted by Jorge Romero | May 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best divorce lawyer in town

I hired Dawn out of my search in Avvo and I was not disappointed. She not only knows the law in Texas like the palm of her hand, but most importantly knows the Courts in Harris County, the judges, and the procedures very well. She's a master of the rules of engagement in front of the judge and in my ...case practically destroyed the opposing counsel (politely and professionally) in Court proceedings. She's also very personable and fun to be around. My divorce case was handled expeditiously and successfully beyond my expectations. I strongly recommend you hire Dawn to represent you.

Dawn Renken

Replied last May 17, 2016

Thank you for your kind words Jorge. I don't think your case should have taken as long as it did, unfortunately as you know, you sometimes have to deal with the law and the emotional side. Unfortunately, the emotional side takes a little longer. I'm glad we got the outcome we were looking for.

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

Excellent Lawyer for Family Law

Needing a divorce lawyer and not being able to drive to downtown Houston I researched for a firm near my home. . After reading the reviews about Dawn Renken I just sensed this lawyer was the one I needed. And boy did my intuition pay off! She has a laid back attitude but extremely professional in h...er ethics. Prices are reasonable ..goes the extra mile, even drove me to the court house knowing I could not drive. Divorce done in 63 days! You will definitely get your money's worth with Dawn Renken.

Dawn Renken

Replied last May 14, 2015

It was my pleasure Kathleen.

Posted by Nancy | March 28, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Let Dawn handle your divorce case

Dawn handled my case thoroughly and effectively despite drawbacks and delays caused by opposing counsel. She and her assistant Nicki responded promptly to questions and kept me apprised of all developments. She was particularly helpful through the mediation process. The only reason I gave her 4 stars... for Knowledgeable was because of a question about preparing taxes in a community property state, but if she wanted to be completely knowledgeable about that she would have become a CPA instead of an attorney. I would recommend Dawn for your divorce case.

Dawn Renken

Replied last March 28, 2014

Thanks Nancy! And I appreciate you doing independent research on that tax question. I do not and will not hesitate to let a client know when I'm uncertain in areas of law that are not my expertise (like tax).

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.

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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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