Practice Areas: Family law; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2002
Education: South Texas College of Law Houston
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2023 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2011 - 2013 Call today:
832-604-5164
Virtual Appointments Waddell Law Firm, P.C
3773 Richmond Ave.Suite 599
Houston, TX 77046 Visit website
Details
Attorney Lauren E. Waddell is the founder and owner of Waddell Family Law in Houston, Texas. Board-certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Ms. Waddell has 20 years of total legal experience, and she provides exceptional counsel and support to clients across her region who are going through a divorce or have some other serious legal issue affecting their families.
A fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, Ms. Waddell has achieved remarkable success guiding her clients through the divorce process while helping them obtain the goals and the favorable outcomes they seek as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. A leader in her legal community, she has served as president of Texas Women Lawyers and the Houston Association of Women Attorneys as well as chair of the Family Law Section of the Houston Bar Association.
In addition, Ms. Waddell has achieved the status of Fellow with the Texas and Houston Bar Foundations, and she is an active member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists. Honored for her outstanding professionalism and service, she has earned a Top Lawyer designation from Houstonia Magazine and H Texas Magazine as well as consistent recognition from The Best Lawyers in America. She has also received many other top rankings and endorsements from her peers.
A 1998 graduate of Baylor University, Ms. Waddell obtained her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in 2002. She is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Devoted to helping her clients resolve their conflicts in the most expeditious manner possible, Ms. Waddell has extensive alternative dispute resolution experience, and she completed Collaborative Law Interdisciplinary Training with the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas and 40 hours of mediation training at the University of Houston Law Center's A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center. She is also a graduate of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Arbitration Training Institute, and she completed 24 Hour Family Mediation Training with the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center.
Practice areas
Family lawFocus areas
Child support, Custody & visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Paternity, Prenuptial agreements, Marital property, Mediation & collaborative law, Same sex family law, Father's rights
- 100% Family law
First Admitted: 2002, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://www.waddellfamilylaw.com
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Arbitration Training Institute, 2018
- Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2007
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Board Member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation (2021-2023)
- Board Member of the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists (2021-2023)
- State Bar of Texas – Family Law Section, Member
- Texas Women Lawyers: President (2013-2014); President-Elect (2012-2013); Vice-President (2010-2012); Secretary (2009-2010); Board of Directors (2006-2010); Newsletter Editor (2007-2009)
- Association of Women Attorneys, President (2017), President-Elect (2016), Board of Directors (2013-2015), Vice President of Membership (2013-2014)
- Association of Women Attorneys – 2014 Premier Women in Law Honoree
- Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section President (2015-2016), President-Elect (2014), Secretary (2012, 2013), Board of Directors (2009-2013)
- Houston Young Lawyers Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- International Academy of Family Lawyers, Fellow
- Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law, American Inn of Court (2006-2023)
- Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, Member (2007-2023)
- HYLA Leadership Academy (2006-2007)
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Member (2007-2023)
- The College of the State Bar of Texas, Member (2010- 2023)
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell (2013-2023)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow (2012-2023)
- Houston Young Lawyers Association; Co-Chair of HYLA Car Seat Safety Campaign Committee (2007-2008)
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2021-2023)
- Board of Directors - Orange Show Center for Visionary Art (2018-2023)
- Board of Directors - Baylor Women's Network/ Baylor Women's Council, Houston Chapter (2018-2022)
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Junior Quarter Horse Committee/ Youth Horse Show Committee (2006-2022)
- Houston Volunteer Lawyers Pro Bono Cases and screening cases for the program
- Houston Bar Association Legal Lines Volunteer (2011-2017)
- Volunteering at the Houston Bar Association Arbor Day 2013 Tree Planting Project
Educational Background:
- Baylor University (B.B.A., Management & Economics), 1998
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Houston Young Lawyers Association Women Lawyers Committee, Women in Law: Finding Your Path, Speaker, Houston Young Lawyers Association Women Lawyers Committee, Women in Law: Finding Your Path, 2021
- This presentation, targeted to women attorneys, motivated them to formulate action plans to achieve professional aspirations in their legal careers. The presenter shared her story of about managing her law practice, while she studied for the out-of-state bar exam, in her plan to open a satellite law office. The purpose of the presentation was to engage the audience in goal setting and law practice management --to encourage the attorneys to go out of their comfort zone to accomplish great things in the practice of law and to positively impact clients and third parties who would be touched by their actions., Speaker, Making Dreams a Reality, Texas Women Lawyers Annual CLE, Legal, 2022
- The State Bar of Texas Hall of Legends Award recipients are family law attorneys who have practiced for at least 40 years in the family law specialty and distinguished themselves through their level of competency, professionalism and service in their careers making them worthy to receive one of the highest professional honors in the legal profession. To mine for gold (advice, instruction, wisdom) from the Hall of Legends, the author conducted interviews with the living Hall of Legends Award recipients and supplemented these interviews with research from the State Bar of Texas archives. The intent of the interviews and research was to personalize each inductee and extract golden nuggets about how to achieve excellence in the practice of family law in the written article and presentation at the Advanced Family Law Conference. , Speaker/ Author, Legends and Their Legacies: Mining for Gold in the Hall of Legends, Advanced Family Law Course, Family Law, 2022
- Presentation regarding divorce litigation and current issues resulting from COVID-19., Speaker, Family Law 101: Overview of Divorce Litigation, Bay Area Bar Association, Family Law, 2021
- Presentation at the Advanced Family Law Course on August 2, 2021 demonstrating trial skills for an enforcement hearing related to child support and possession in family law cases., Co-Author, Co-Speaker, Enforcement Demonstration - The Right Way to Do It and Mistakes not to Make, Advanced Family Law Course, Family Law, 2021
- Speaker, Women of Law Brunch, Woman in Charge, July 15, 2018, Speaker, Women in Charge, Law Practice Management, 2018
- Panhandle Family Law Association, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, Co-Author, Speaker, Panhandle Family Law Association, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, 2021
- Houston Bar Association Gender Fairness Committee, Business Development for Women: How to Overcome Obstacles and Thrive, Webinar, September 29, 2020, Speaker, Business Development for Women: How to Overcome Obstacles and Thrive, 2020
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Webinar, Financial Issues in Divorce, December 11, 2020, Speaker, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Webinar, Financial Issues in Divorce, 2020
- Financial Issues in Divorce: A Client Handbook, published by American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Co-Contributor, Financial Issues in Divorce: A Client Handbook, published by American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Family Law, 2020
- Nerdy Girl Success, Breaking Barriers - Career and Leadership Summit for High School Girls, Virtual Conference, Speaker, Nerdy Girl Success, Breaking Barriers - Career and Leadership Summit for High School Girls, 2020
- Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethics Considerations When Practicing in Texas, South Texas College of Law, Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethics Considerations When Practicing in Texas, South Texas College of Law, 2019
- Moderator, Texas Women Lawyers Annual CLE, Define Your Own Success: Charting Your Path in a Changing Legal World, Practitioners' Panel: Success in Confronting Challenges across the Industry, 2015
- Association of Women in Law, International Women’s Day Panel, University of Houston Law Center, March 7, 2019, Speaker, International Women’s Day Panel, Law Practice Management, 2019
- Article assisting family law attorneys who represent parties with substance abuse issues in divorce cases., Co-Author, Marriage Dissolution Institute 2019, Representation in the Substance Abuse Case, Family Law, 2019
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics CLE 2011, Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics of Law Practice Course - Launching Your Legal Career - Tips for Success, Speaker, Launching Your Legal Career - Tips for Success, Legal Ethics, 2011
- Speaker & Co-Author, The State Bar Office of Minority Affairs 13th Annual Texas Minority Attorney Program, Emerging Trends in Family Law, 2015
- Author and co-presenter of South Texas College of Law 21st Annual Employment Law Conference 2008-Multiple Choice Ethics, Author and Co-Presenter, 21st Annual Employment Law Conference 2008-Multiple Choice Ethics, Legal Ethics, 2008
- Speaker & Author, 2017 Marriage Dissolution 101 Course, How to Prepare Clients for Custody Evaluations, Speaker and Author, How to Prepare Clients for Custody Evaluations, Family Law, 2017
- Co-Author, State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Family Law Section Continuing Legal Education Program 2008 - The Amicus Attorney, Co-Author, The Amicus Attorney, Family Law, 2008
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker – Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethical Considerations When Practicing in Texas, Speaker, Specific Ethical Considerations When Practicing in Texas, Legal Ethics, 2017
- Author, 2008 Texas Women Lawyers Conference, Ethics Jeopardy, Author, Texas Women Lawyers Conference- Ethics Jeopardy Presentation, Legal Ethics, 2008
- Planning Committee - South Texas College of Law 25th Annual Family Law Conference, April 7, 2011- April 8, Planning Committee Member, South Texas College of Law 25th Annual Family Law Conference, Family Law, 2011
- Speaker, Harris County Youth and Family Services Division 2008 Conference - Collaborative Wellness: What Works?, Testimonial Two-Step: What Works in the Courtroom, Speaker, Collaborative Wellness: What Works?, Testimonial Two-Step: What Works in the Courtroom, Family Law, 2008
- Speaker, 3L+ Law Prep Houston Career Conference, In the Long Run - Developing a Sustainable and Fulfilling Legal Practice, June 10, Speaker, In the Long Run - Developing a Sustainable and Fulfilling Legal Practice, Law Practice Management, 2015
- Author, The Houston Lawyer, Revisions to the Texas Family Code form the 80th Legislative Session, Vol. 45 Number 3, Nov.-Dec. 2007, Author, The Houston Lawyer, Revisions to the Texas Family Code form the 80th Legislative Session, Vol. 45 Number 3, Nov.-Dec. 2007, 2007
- Speaker, Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, The First Chapter of a Divorce Case – Temporary Orders, Speaker, The First Chapter of a Divorce Case – Temporary Orders, Family Law, 2016
- Author, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialist Forum, Vol. 27 Issue 2, Fall 2007 - Social Studies-New, Used, and Unfamiliar Statutory Provisions, Author, Social Studies-New, Used, and Unfamiliar Statutory Provisions, Family Law, 2007
- Author, The Bencher® publication of the American Inns of Court, Networking Works, If You… January/ February 2017 “Networking” Issue, Author, Networking Works, If You… , Law Practice Management, 2017
- Co-Author, UTCLE - The University of Texas School of Law: Effective Family Law Practice, The Definitive Short Course on Parent-Child Relationships, Nov. 2007 - The World of Court Appointees: Amicus Attorneys, Attorney Ad Litems, Guardian Ad Litems, and Social Studies, Co-Author, The World of Court Appointees: Amicus Attorneys, Attorney Ad Litems, Guardian Ad Litems, and Social Studies, Family Law, 2007
- Participant, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists Trial Institute, Mock Trial, January 20, Participant for Mock Trial, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists Trial Institute, Family Law, 2017
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Practice for Paralegals: Handling Financial Issues at a Higher Level 2007-Effective Presentation of Financial Matters - Financial Information Statements, Inventory & Appraisement, and Proposed Property Divisions, Co-Author, Handling Financial Issues at a Higher Level 2007-Effective Presentation of Financial Matters - Financial Information Statements, Inventory & Appraisement, and Proposed Property Divisions, Family Law, 2007
- Speaker, Houston Bar Association, The 2018 Annual Conference on ADR, Waiter, There’s a Conflict in My Soup: Luncheon Panel on Ethics, Mock Appellate Argument Defender of Arbitration Award, May 4, 2018, Speaker/ Appellate Argument Defender, Waiter, There’s a Conflict in My Soup: Luncheon Panel on Ethics, Legal Ethics, 2018
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Course 2006- Who Represents the Child? Not me, I am the Amicus Attorney!, Co-Author, Who Represents the Child? Not me, I am the Amicus Attorney!, Family Law, 2006
- Speaker, Attorneys in Tax and Probate, Marital Property Issues in Drafting Estate Planning Documents, April 3, 2018, Speaker, Marital Property Issues in Drafting Estate Planning Documents, Estate Planning, Probate, Family Law, 2018
- Co-Author, Advanced Family Law Drafting Course 2005 - "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got that Swing" - Tips from the Bench, Co-Author, "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got that Swing" - Tips from the Bench, Family Law, 2005
- Speaker, Association of Women in Law, International Women’s Day Panel, University of Houston Law Center, March 8, 2018, Speaker, International Women’s Day Panel, Law Practice Management, 2018
- Houston Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar 2004 - Family Law for the General Practitioner, Co-Author, Family Law for the General Practitioner, Family Law, 2004
- Marriage Dissolution Institute 2003 - Real Estate Appraisals and Receivers - How to Use and Abuse, Co-Author, Real Estate Appraisals and Receivers - How to Use and Abuse, Family Law, 2003
- Speaker, 2018 Houston Bar Association Career Building for New Lawyers CLE, February 21, 2018, Speaker, Houston Bar Association Career Building for New Lawyers CLE, Law Practice Management, 2018
- Ad Litem Practice in the Family Courts, 309th Judicial District Court 2003- The Road to Trial: An Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem's Guide, Co-Author, The Road to Trial: An Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem's Guide, Family Law, 2003
- Texas Center for Legal Ethics, Justice James A. Baker – Guide to Ethics and Professionalism in Texas, Specific Ethical Considerations When Practicing in Texas, April 21, 2017, Speaker, Ethical Considerations When Practicing in Texas, Legal Ethics, 2017
- Family Law Essentials sponsored by The Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and Private Attorney Involvement for the Texas Rural Legal Aid, Inc., February 28, 2003 - Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks, Speaker, 2003
- Speaker & Author, 2017 Marriage Dissolution 101 Course, How to Prepare Clients for Custody Evaluations, April 19, 2017, 2017
- Author, Texas Women Lawyers In Brief, January 2010, An Interview with Justice Eva M.Guzman- Newest Appointee to the Supreme Court of Texas, Author, 2010
- Speaker, Texas Women Lawyers 2010 Annual CLE, Artful Intelligence: Teaching Tools and Techniques for Best Lawyering – The Art of Law Practice, Speaker, 2010
- Rising Together – Women Promoting Each Other in the Practice of Law, South Texas College of Law, Course Director, Texas Women Lawyers Annual CLE, 2013
- Panel Moderator, South Texas College of Law 25th Annual Family Law Conference 2011- Law Outside the Loop: Tips from Judges in Surrounding Counties, 2011
- Speaker, Texas Women Lawyers 2011 Annual CLE, Project YOU! Finding Focus in Your Practice - Focus on Legal Substance, Hot Legal Issues Roundtable Discussion: Family Law, 2011
- Planning Committee - South Texas College of Law 26th Annual Family Law Conference, March 1, 2012- March 2, 2012, 2012
- Moderator, South Texas College of Law - 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Law Outside the Loop: Tips from Judges in Surrounding Counties, 2012
- Speaker/ Author, South Texas College of Law - 26th Annual Family Law Conference, 2012, Top Ten Issues in Child Support and Family Law Family Feud, 2012
- Speaker, Texas Women Lawyers - Power On: Plug into Your Most Effective Performance, 2012, Powerful Partners Panel, 2012
- Speaker/ Author, Houston Bar Association - 2012 Family Law Institute, Child Support: Guidelines and Beyond, 2012
- Speaker, Negotiating Your First Salary, South Texas College of Law Women's Law Society, 2013
- Participant, Houston Bar Association - Family Law Section, Temporary Orders - Mock Trial Style, 2013
- Justice James A. Baker - Guide to the Basics of Law Practice, Speaker, Launching Your Legal Career - Tips for Success, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, 2013
- 28th Annual Family Law Conference, Moderator, The Intersection between Immigration and Family Law, South Texas College of Law, 2014
- Justice James A. Baker - Guide to Basics of Law Practice, Speaker, Launching Your Legal Career - Tips for Success, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, 2014
- Speaker, Dress for Success Professional Women's Group, Legal Literacy Series - Family Law, 2014
- Speaker, Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism, Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics of Law Practice, Developing Your Professional Reputation, 2014
Honors/Awards:
- The Leadership of the Year Award was awarded to Board member Lauren Waddell for her service to the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, Leadership of the Year Award, Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, 2022
- , Fellow of the Year, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2022
- , Breakthrough Woman Award, Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, 2022
- Top 100 Houston Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine, 2017-2018
- Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by Houstonia Magazine (2013-2021), Houstonia Magazine
- Recognized as a Rising Star, Thomson Reuters listing, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2011-2013
- Top 50 Women Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters listing in Texas Monthly Magazine, 2017-2018
- Recognized as a Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters listing, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2013-2017
- Recognized as a Top Young Professional by H Texas Magazine (2006-2009)
- Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by H Texas Magazine (2010-2019)
- Recognized by the "Best Lawyers" publication in (2016-2022), Best Lawyers
- Premier Women in Law Honoree, Association of Women Attorneys - Houston, 2014
- Recognized as “Top Women in Business” by H Texas Magazine (2011, 2012)
Industry Groups:
- Family Law
Office location for Lauren E. Waddell
3773 Richmond Ave.
Suite 599
Houston, TX 77046
Phone: 832-604-5164
Selections
11 Years Super Lawyers
3 Years Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers: 2013 - 2023
- Rising Stars: 2011 - 2013
Top Lists
Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2023Certificates and credentials
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Family Law
Family Law
