Melinda Hartman Eitzen

Melinda Eitzen, recently recognized by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” and one of the “Best Family Law Mediators in Dallas”, is an attorney on the forefront of the collaborative law movement in Texas. She is credentialed as a Master in collaborative practice by Collaborative Divorce Texas.Focused on multimillion-dollar divorces, custody modifications, paternity cases, and premarital agreements, Melinda Eitzen is highly experienced in all facets of family law, and well versed in managing high-profile cases. She is the daughter of beloved deceased Judge, Merrill Hartman, who was a Dallas District Judge for 22 years on both the Civil bench and Family bench.Melinda Eitzen has utilized her expertise in the practice of Collaborative Law to pen lectures, articles, and books on the subject including co-authoring the books “Divorce The Collaborative Way: Is It The Way For You?” and “Considering Divorce? Critical Things You Need to Know.” In addition, she has presented dynamic lectures on many family law issues. She has received the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” multiple times by Texas Monthly Magazine (every year from 2003-2006 and every year again from 2009-2018). Melinda is the recipient of numerous awards, particularly for her pro bono work and for teaching others how to do pro bono work.Melinda served as President of the Collin County Bar Association and as a Member of the Board of Directors of Texas Lawyers for Children from 2011-2013, as President of the Plano Bar Association, as a chair of the Collaborative Law Alliance of Collin County, , director of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, director of Texas Young Lawyers Association, and chair of the Family Law Section of the Collin County Bar Association. She also is a member of the philanthropic organization Altrusa International. Duffee + Eitzen is a Donor to Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP)- in honor of Judge Merrill Hartman, and a founding supporter of the SMU VanSickle Family Law Clinic.Melinda Eitzen has a true passion for helping people through difficult times. She has an exceptional mix of both compassion for her clients and an unyielding toughness in the courtroom This unique blend gives her clients someone to talk to and someone they can depend on to protect their children and their money. Melinda Eitzen is your Dallas Family Attorney.DivorceCollaborative DivorceComplex PropertyCustodyPost Divorce ModificationEnforcement and ContemptPre-Nup/Post Pre-NupSame Sex MarriagesMediationGrandparent RightsSchool LawBusiness Litigation