Dallas family-law attorney Michelle May O'Neil possesses the strength and experience you need to reach a favorable resolution to your family-law conflict.

A strong litigator

Educated at Baylor University School of Law -- where there's a strong emphasis on litigation -- Michelle May O'Neil quickly learned that this was an area in which she excelled. She established her own firm in Belton, TX in 1992, focusing on family-law litigation, both at the trial court and appellate levels. In 1998, Ms. May O'Neil accepted a position with a major law firm in Dallas. Then, in 2003, she returned to private practice, opening The May Firm, a family law boutique firm focusing on litigation and appeals.

Big firm results, small firm setting

Ms. May O'Neil offers her clients the same benefits as an attorney at a large firm -- but in a more personalized setting and, typically, with greater cost efficiencies. Recognized as a family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she has been listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Law, and Who's Who Among American Women; she was also invited to join the Annette Stewart Inns of Court, a prestigious Dallas County family-law organization. She volunteers with Altrusa International of Dallas, a community-service organization dedicated to the empowerment of women.

Prepared to win

Ms. May O'Neil takes case preparation very seriously. "Whether it's family law or basketball, it all comes down to the minute details," she says. "Missing that shot by a hair's breath can mean the difference between winning and losing. At my practice, I really take preparation to heart." Organization of the file is a key component of her winning style. One staff member is dedicated solely to organization of the client file, not only in the office, but whenever Ms. May O'Neil goes to trial. The firm employs proprietary filing and organizational systems, as well as the very latest in scanning devices and legal software for document exchange, filing, and indexing. Preparing the client is also critical, says Ms. May O'Neil. "If we're going to have a hearing, we'll have a meeting, either on the phone or in person, and we'll role play, so the client knows exactly what to expect."

A team approach

When she meets clients for the first time, Ms. May O'Neil asks them to tell her about their situation. Then she talks about the law and how it might apply in their case. "I like clients to articulate their goals for the litigation so I can help them create realistic expectations." Though she is a fierce opponent in the courtroom, Ms. May O'Neil believes that litigants should make every effort to settle, if possible. Ms. May O'Neil also applies the team approach within her office, carefully fitting the abilities of her staff to their assigned tasks. "We also have members of our team who exist outside the firm, from financial consultants to custody experts to jury consultants to litigation coaches, technology consultants," she says. "Whatever the situation, we can employ the right people to help us."

Chosen and respected, by clients and peers

Ms. May O'Neil is AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, an organization of legal professionals. She is also trusted by fellow attorneys to assist their clients. "I've developed a reputation with other family law lawyers for my precision and technical expertise with legal issues. Family law appeals are another significant side of the firm's business, says Ms. May O'Neil, who has been published in the appellate law journals a significant number of times. She has the experience and knowledge of an appellate lawyer, which O'Neil believes makes her a better litigator. "It gives me a unique ability, because I know more about the big picture than most lawyers."

To read what clients have said about Ms. May O'Neil, click here.

Ms. May O'Neil was featured in the August 1, 2005 Texas Lawyer Magazine. (Click here to read about it.)

For more information, or to book an appointment, please contact:


Michelle May O'Neil
14850 Montfort Drive, Suite 185, Dallas, Texas 75254
Phone: (972) 852-8000
Fax: (972) 852-8001
e-mail: michelle@themayfirm.com
Website: www.themayfirm.com

A. Michelle May O'Neil has written the following articles:

FAQs:

• "I want a divorce, but I'm worried about how it will affect me financially -- especially in the current economic climate. Is it a bad idea to divorce in a recession like this?"
• "I'm not happy with the outcome of my divorce. Can I appeal it? If so, how?"
• "How do we decide whether sole custody or joint custody is best for our family?"
• "Should I ask for a divorce based on fault or no-fault grounds?"
• "What happens if I disagree with the outcome of my case?"
• "I want to change the division of my property in my divorce."
• "In divorce litigation, can you change the judge's decision?"
• "How does a joint custody agreement usually work?"
• "If I move out of the family home, do I lose my rights to it?"

Articles:

• We Lost, Now What? Perfecting the appeal
• Helping Your Client Deal with Debt in Divorce
• Texas Family Law Appeals Distinguished (PDF format)
• Maintenance and Alimony: Why Can't I Get No Satisfaction? (PDF format)
• Standards of Review in Family Law Appeals (PDF format)
• Enforcement of Court Orders and Decrees (PDF format)