Joshua Woodburn
Joshua Woodburn – an Amarillo family law attorney who is Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – talks about how he helps clients make smarter decisions during their divorce or other family law matter, and what drew him to the practice of family law.
How I Work with Divorce or Family Law Clients
For most of my clients, a divorce or other family lawsuit is one of the most stressful times they will ever experience, so I make every effort to help ease the anger, fear, and animosity that often surround these contentious issues. I want my client to understand the litigation process and I want my client to understand each step in that process. Attorney-client communication is vital to a successful outcome and I always attempt to respond promptly to any questions or concerns from my client.
I believe that the best way to move forward with a family law problem is to listen to my client to be sure that I fully understand their goals. I have great sympathy for what my clients are going through, but I won’t give them false hope about the likelihood of achieving an impossible goal. I help my clients to make informed decisions about which objectives to pursue vigorously, and where there might be room for compromise in order to achieve their crucial goals. Only when I understand what is most important to a client do I develop a strategy to accomplish their key objectives.
Why I Practice Family Law
Most lawyers don’t enjoy practicing family law; in fact, I am often asked by other attorneys why I choose to practice it. Divorce and family law issues can be complex and difficult to solve, but that is precisely what drew me to the practice: I enjoy a challenge, and I find resolving complex family law issues to my client’s satisfaction deeply gratifying. I enjoy fighting for people that I believe in, and I take pride in the fact that my efforts may help to make the lives of my clients, their children, and my community better.
I have always wanted to practice family law and have focused my studies to make sure that I’m prepared to assist my clients with all their family law issues. I went to law school at the University of Tulsa; during my summer break from law school, I interned for the 7th court of Judicial Appeals, where I assisted Justice John Boyd craft his individual appellate decisions. After graduating from law school, I began my family law practice in Fort Worth before deciding that Amarillo was home.
I am a Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Since becoming a lawyer, I have continued to develop my skills as a family law attorney. In 2012, I was certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a Family Law Specialist. Board Certification means an attorney has substantial, relevant experience in a field of law as well as demonstrated and tested special competence in that area of law. There are more than 100,000 lawyers in the State of Texas and only 7,250 are board certified as specialists.
My Commitment to Service
I have happily served as the Treasurer, Secretary and President of the Panhandle Family Law Association. Since 2017, I have served as a Board of Director for the Amarillo Area Bar Association and on the Child Abuse and Neglect Committee for the State Bar of Texas.
Why You Should Hire Me
Whether you are going through a divorce, a custody dispute, need to modify or enforce an existing order, want to finalize an adoption, need protection from domestic violence, want a pre-marital or post-nuptial agreement, or just need advice regarding a family law issue, you need an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
I will fight aggressively to defend your rights if need be, or negotiate to settle your case out of court if the other side is prepared to be reasonable. I will be your fierce advocate, standing by you every step of the way. I know that your – and perhaps your children’s – future may be at stake, and protecting that future is a task I take very seriously. I will help you navigate the rough seas of divorce, and help you achieve the best possible outcome to your case.
Speaking Engagements
I am regularly asked to speak to lawyers and the community about family law issues; I have regularly spoken to other lawyers about family law issues at continuing legal education conferences. I have spoken to other community organizations to help explain difficult family law issues to other lawyers as well as the public, and the local news has asked me to comment on family law issues on multiple occasions.
Some of my family law continuing legal education topics include:
- 2018 Family Law Essential Seminar – “Characterization of Marital Property: Is it Separate or Community Property?”
- 2018 Advanced Family Law Conference – “Ethical Considerations In Smaller Texas Communities”
- 2018 Amarillo Community Law Conference – “Top Family Law Myths”
- 2007 Advanced Family Law Boot Camp – “Drafting Pleadings”
If you are looking for a family lawyer in the Texas Panhandle, it would be my honor to serve you in your time of need. Contact my Amarillo office today to learn how I can help you.
