Kris Balekian Hayes: Managing Partner & Award-Winning Dallas Family Law Attorney
Krista “Kris” Balekian Hayes, Attorney of Family Law is double board-certified* in the areas of family law and child welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has been identified as one of Best Attorneys in America©. Kris is an accredited mediator in all civil, family, and CPS matters. Kris serves as the managing partner and owner of Balekian Hayes, which she founded in 2019 in the Dallas area. From the beginning, her vision was to create a firm that could provide compassionate, strategic guidance to families navigating the difficult process of divorce, particularly in high-conflict and high-profile situations. Her goal has always been to help clients protect what matters most—their children, their assets, and their peace of mind—while providing clear, thoughtful legal counsel every step of the way.
Education
Kris completed her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. She then advanced her education at St. Mary’s University School of Business, earning a Master of Business Administration, and later earned her Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas.
Experience
Kris worked in the area of family violence at the District Attorney’s office and spent years defending matters involving family violence allegations. Kris also spent over fifteen years practicing in various areas of civil litigation before finally finding her home in family law. Having practiced in criminal, civil, and family matters, Kris brings a vast amount of experience to her family law clients.
Divorce Attorney
As the owner and managing partner of the firm, Kris guides clients through one of life’s most challenging transitions: divorce. She understands that each client’s situation is unique and requires tailored strategies to achieve their goals. Kris manages all legal aspects of the case while helping clients make informed decisions during what can be an emotional and stressful time. Experienced in both contested and uncontested divorces, she adapts her approach to meet the specific facts of each case and the needs of every client. Her goal, and that of the firm, is to provide clear guidance, personalized support, and effective legal solutions to help clients move forward with confidence.
Child Custody Attorney
Kris recognizes the high stakes involved in child custody matters. She works to protect families and children, addressing concerns about visitation, safety, and financial security. She assists with establishing visitation schedules that serve the child’s best interests, resolving schedule conflicts, modifying custody agreements, and managing visitation violations. She also has extensive experience with child support matters, helping clients understand their rights, enforce agreements, and modify existing orders when necessary.
Practice Areas
- Family Law
- Child Welfare
Certified Legal Specialties
- Family Law, Board Certified
- Child Welfare, Board Certified
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Texas – Family Law Section, Member
- Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Member
- Dallas Bar Association- Family Law Section, Board Member
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialist, Member
- Dallas Protection and Permanency Court, Member
Current Employment Position
- Managing Partner
Awards
- Texas Super Lawyers – 2025
- Best Child Protection Planning Lawyer (Gold) – Best in DFW People’s Choice – 2023
- Best Family Law Lawyer (Silver) – Best in DFW People’s Choice – 2023
- Best Law Firms – Best Lawyers – 2023
- Family Law – Best Firms in America – 2022
- Family Law – Best Attorneys in America – 2021
- Family Law – Best Attorneys in America – 2020
- Family Law – Elite Lawyers of America – 2019
- A Lawyer of Distinction – The Lawyers of Distinction – 2018
- Texas Super Lawyer – Super Lawyers – 2017
- America’s Best Lawyers – Americas Top Lawyers – 2016
*By the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Personal Life
Kris enjoys college football, wakeboarding, snowboarding and spending time with her children.
Get in Touch
Kris and the rest of the team at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, can address all of your family law needs. We offer forward-thinking legal solutions and practical support as you prepare for the next stages of your life.
In addition to divorce and child custody, we help clients with asset division, high-asset divorce cases, same-sex family legal issues, spousal support, grandparents’ rights, and matters involving child protective services. If you have a family law problem, contact us.
