Law Office of Susan E. Duesler

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls
Law Office of Susan E. Duesler

Experienced & Respected Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Dallas & Fort Worth

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Texas and has no record of discipline from the Texas bar association. *

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls

Experienced & Respected Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Dallas & Fort Worth

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Texas and has no record of discipline from the Texas bar association. *

Firm Overview

The focus of Susan Duesler's practice is always on the client.
Many family law situations can impact the family in significant ways. These cases can be overwhelming experiences for parents and children alike. Susan guides clients through the process of a family law case, helping that process go as smoothly as possible.
Prior to entering private practice, Susan worked as in-house counsel for an asset management company. The company held not only commercial and residential real estate, but also other diverse portfolio interests, such as stocks and other subsidiary companies. Susan helped form business entities to ensure their organizational success and handled litigation matters for these companies. Susan also worked on the divorce of one of the main owners, protecting large business assets and the partners' interests in them from the divorce process. It was there that Susan began her family law experience.
While working for that company, Susan began building her private practice by handling private cases for others in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and litigation.
Susan has continued to serve clients in family law matters since 2007, including divorce (contested and uncontested), child custody, child support, termination, adoption, Child Protective Services, and modifications of any of the above. For several years in a row, Susan has been recognized by her peers as being among "Best Lawyers in Dallas" and Best Lawyers Under 40, published in D Magazine. Susan has further been consistently selected as a SuperLawyer and as a Rising Star in Family Law through Texas Super Lawyers, as published in Texas Monthly magazine.
Susan is licensed to practice in: all state courts of Texas, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Example cases:
Susan frequently represents clients in the areas of family law and litigation. Through her practice, she has had broad experience in a variety of cases. Her trial experience speaks for itself. Her mediation experience is extensive, as well.
While no lawyer can guarantee the outcome of any case, Susan continuously strives to obtain the best possible results for her clients. She understands that many people have concerns about hiring an attorney, and therefore works directly with my clients to ensure that their concerns are addressed. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of assistance to her clients.

Main Office

Duesler Law Office
3710 Rawlins Street, Suite 1420
Dallas, TX 75219

Phone

(214) 999-0088

Fax

(214) 219-2329

Fees
Free Initial Consultation?

Depending on circumstances

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

For family law and litigation matters, the Law Office of Susan E. Duesler does not offer flat-fee services. For the preparation of certain types of documents, there may be a flat fee. These vary in price, but are more than reasonable. Susan is very up-front about pricing in her consultations.

Hourly Rates

$325.00, generally. However, each client is different, so a different rate may be appropriate under certain circumstances.

Office Information
Office Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours appointments are available on a limited basis.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Divorce

Susan Duesler has extensive experience in both contested and uncontested matters.

Her practice includes family law litigation (pre-suit preparation, temporary orders, discovery, mediation, and trial) and alternatives to trial. Each client is unique.

She has had significant experience in the family law courts in the following counties: Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis County, Texas.

Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of their case. Each case is unique, and each client has different questions, as it relates to their own circumstances.

Family

The Law Office of Susan E. Duesler is a full-service family law firm, practicing exclusively in all areas of family law.

Susan Duesler has experience in all areas of family law, including but not limited to divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, adoption, termination, CPS cases, and modifications of Texas orders relating to the family.


She has had significant experience in the family law courts in the following counties: Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis County, Texas.


Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of their case. Each case is unique, and each client has different questions, as it relates to their own circumstances.

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I practice in family law because of the personal nature of the cases. I enjoy helping people. While litigation can often help someone, the personal contact and impact is not there as much as it is in family law.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I encourage clients to educate themselves so that they can better understand the ways in which they can curb the costs of their legal needs. However, there is a difference between educating themselves and becoming experts. One cannot become an expert on a legal issue by searching online. There is simply no guarantee as to the accuracy of online information. Further, each state has its own respective laws on nearly every issue that varies state to state. Those laws frequently change or are amended. Therefore, while I encourage clients to educate themselves, clients must be open to the advice that their attorney gives to them, rather than insisting upon supposed shortcuts found on the internet.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Absolutely. I frequently review documents that are prepared by clients, as well as documents prepared for clients by other sources.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No. The reason for this is that most people who want to represent themselves are not looking for coaching. They are looking for validation. In my experience, if they wanted help and were willing to pay for that assistance, they would have hired an attorney to represent them in the first place.

That being said, I usually work with my clients to figure out ways that they can contribute to the case, which will also reduce some of the costs associated with their case.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

For all family law cases that are set for trial, the Court typically requires mediation. In those cases, either we go to mediation, or we settle prior to mediation. If the case is not settled at mediation, then trial is necessary.

In cases that involve children, the best thing to do for the children and for the parents, is to work towards some sort of agreement (and there are many ways to do so), if possible. However, understanding that is not possible in every case, Susan and her clients prepare both ways - towards settlement and towards trial.

Susan is trained in collaborative law, as well. Please schedule an appointment to discuss the process and feasibility of the process for your specific case.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

It is absolutely my policy to make things as cost-effective for the client as possible. I have support staff with lower rates than my own; as much is given to them as possible. However, there is some legal work that I do not feel can be prepared by a non-attorney, ethically. There are too many nuances in family law to allow someone who has not been specifically trained, over a course of years, to be able to recognize certain issues.

There are certain clients who insist on speaking directly to me each and every time the call. While this is not the most cost-effective process for the client, it is certainly something that is allowed, within reason. I personally handle each and every case that comes through the door, anyway, including the final order and reviewing of any material prepared by support staff.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Schedule a meeting with Susan. She is very up-front and realistic, and will not only tell you what you want to hear.

What are your firm's strengths and style?

I enjoy finding an approach for each individual case. Not every case is the same, and there may be a creative solution that works best for not only my client, but for all parties.

I firmly believe that if there is a child (or children) involved in a case, the very first thing you have to do is make it as amicable as possible for the child(ren). This means the lawyer and client must be smart, if the other side is unwilling to cooperate or does not have the child's best interest in mind.

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler
Susan E. Duesler

Solo Practice, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Wise Asset Management, L.L.C., North Richland Hills/Fort Worth, Texas - Assistant General Counsel
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Fort Worth, Texas - Felony trial experience; prepared for and argued at motion hearings; indicted cases and prepared for trials
United States Attorney's Office, Waco, Texas - Law Clerk
McAfee & McAfee, Attorneys at Law, Memphis, Tennessee - Law Clerk
Hon. Larry Gist, Senior District Judge, Jefferson County, Texas - Intern
Hon. Earl S. Hines, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Texas - Intern

Everything I do makes me a better attorney. My past experience and education has propelled me to be the attorney I am today. This trend continues with every new case I work on, every new person I meet, and every one of my actions. I always can learn something that might help me assist a client in the future.

Style: I am both laid-back and aggressive. I enjoy maintaining a somewhat laid-back approach to my daily life as it reduces stress. Similarly, if a case can be resolved by non-aggressive cooperation, I will pursue that option prior to taking a hard stance. I do not believe in creating or maintaining antagonism if it isn't needed. If a case or client needs it, I am able to be an aggressive and effective advocate.

Strengths: Hands-down, my work ethic is my greatest strength. I will work until I find the answer or solution, and will work harder to bring about that result.

Personal interests:

Aside from my work and the areas of law in which I work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am also an avid college football fan.

License

Bar Number: 24057712
Texas, 2007

Education

Baylor University School of Law
Juris Doctorate (J.D.), 2007

Rhodes College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2003

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler
Susan E. Duesler

Solo Practice, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Wise Asset Management, L.L.C., North Richland Hills/Fort Worth, Texas - Assistant General Counsel
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Fort Worth, Texas - Felony trial experience; prepared for and argued at motion hearings; indicted cases and prepared for trials
United States Attorney's Office, Waco, Texas - Law Clerk
McAfee & McAfee, Attorneys at Law, Memphis, Tennessee - Law Clerk
Hon. Larry Gist, Senior District Judge, Jefferson County, Texas - Intern
Hon. Earl S. Hines, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Texas - Intern

Everything I do makes me a better attorney. My past experience and education has propelled me to be the attorney I am today. This trend continues with every new case I work on, every new person I meet, and every one of my actions. I always can learn something that might help me assist a client in the future.

Style: I am both laid-back and aggressive. I enjoy maintaining a somewhat laid-back approach to my daily life as it reduces stress. Similarly, if a case can be resolved by non-aggressive cooperation, I will pursue that option prior to taking a hard stance. I do not believe in creating or maintaining antagonism if it isn't needed. If a case or client needs it, I am able to be an aggressive and effective advocate.

Strengths: Hands-down, my work ethic is my greatest strength. I will work until I find the answer or solution, and will work harder to bring about that result.

Personal interests:

Aside from my work and the areas of law in which I work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am also an avid college football fan.

License

Bar Number: 24057712
Texas, 2007

Education

Baylor University School of Law Juris Doctorate (J.D.), 2007


Rhodes College Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2003


Firm Overview

The focus of Susan Duesler's practice is always on the client.
Many family law situations can impact the family in significant ways. These cases can be overwhelming experiences for parents and children alike. Susan guides clients through the process of a family law case, helping that process go as smoothly as possible.
Prior to entering private practice, Susan worked as in-house counsel for an asset management company. The company held not only commercial and residential real estate, but also other diverse portfolio interests, such as stocks and other subsidiary companies. Susan helped form business entities to ensure their organizational success and handled litigation matters for these companies. Susan also worked on the divorce of one of the main owners, protecting large business assets and the partners' interests in them from the divorce process. It was there that Susan began her family law experience.
While working for that company, Susan began building her private practice by handling private cases for others in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and litigation.
Susan has continued to serve clients in family law matters since 2007, including divorce (contested and uncontested), child custody, child support, termination, adoption, Child Protective Services, and modifications of any of the above. For several years in a row, Susan has been recognized by her peers as being among "Best Lawyers in Dallas" and Best Lawyers Under 40, published in D Magazine. Susan has further been consistently selected as a SuperLawyer and as a Rising Star in Family Law through Texas Super Lawyers, as published in Texas Monthly magazine.
Susan is licensed to practice in: all state courts of Texas, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Example cases:
Susan frequently represents clients in the areas of family law and litigation. Through her practice, she has had broad experience in a variety of cases. Her trial experience speaks for itself. Her mediation experience is extensive, as well.
While no lawyer can guarantee the outcome of any case, Susan continuously strives to obtain the best possible results for her clients. She understands that many people have concerns about hiring an attorney, and therefore works directly with my clients to ensure that their concerns are addressed. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of assistance to her clients.

Main Office

Duesler Law Office
3710 Rawlins Street, Suite 1420
Dallas, TX 75219

Phone

(214) 999-0088

Fax

(214) 219-2329

Fees
Free Initial Consultation?

Depending on circumstances

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

For family law and litigation matters, the Law Office of Susan E. Duesler does not offer flat-fee services. For the preparation of certain types of documents, there may be a flat fee. These vary in price, but are more than reasonable. Susan is very up-front about pricing in her consultations.

Hourly Rates

$325.00, generally. However, each client is different, so a different rate may be appropriate under certain circumstances.

Office Information
Office Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours appointments are available on a limited basis.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Divorce

Susan Duesler has extensive experience in both contested and uncontested matters.

Her practice includes family law litigation (pre-suit preparation, temporary orders, discovery, mediation, and trial) and alternatives to trial. Each client is unique.

She has had significant experience in the family law courts in the following counties: Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis County, Texas.

Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of their case. Each case is unique, and each client has different questions, as it relates to their own circumstances.

Family

The Law Office of Susan E. Duesler is a full-service family law firm, practicing exclusively in all areas of family law.

Susan Duesler has experience in all areas of family law, including but not limited to divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, adoption, termination, CPS cases, and modifications of Texas orders relating to the family.


She has had significant experience in the family law courts in the following counties: Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Ellis County, Texas.


Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of their case. Each case is unique, and each client has different questions, as it relates to their own circumstances.

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I practice in family law because of the personal nature of the cases. I enjoy helping people. While litigation can often help someone, the personal contact and impact is not there as much as it is in family law.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I encourage clients to educate themselves so that they can better understand the ways in which they can curb the costs of their legal needs. However, there is a difference between educating themselves and becoming experts. One cannot become an expert on a legal issue by searching online. There is simply no guarantee as to the accuracy of online information. Further, each state has its own respective laws on nearly every issue that varies state to state. Those laws frequently change or are amended. Therefore, while I encourage clients to educate themselves, clients must be open to the advice that their attorney gives to them, rather than insisting upon supposed shortcuts found on the internet.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Absolutely. I frequently review documents that are prepared by clients, as well as documents prepared for clients by other sources.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No. The reason for this is that most people who want to represent themselves are not looking for coaching. They are looking for validation. In my experience, if they wanted help and were willing to pay for that assistance, they would have hired an attorney to represent them in the first place.

That being said, I usually work with my clients to figure out ways that they can contribute to the case, which will also reduce some of the costs associated with their case.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

For all family law cases that are set for trial, the Court typically requires mediation. In those cases, either we go to mediation, or we settle prior to mediation. If the case is not settled at mediation, then trial is necessary.

In cases that involve children, the best thing to do for the children and for the parents, is to work towards some sort of agreement (and there are many ways to do so), if possible. However, understanding that is not possible in every case, Susan and her clients prepare both ways - towards settlement and towards trial.

Susan is trained in collaborative law, as well. Please schedule an appointment to discuss the process and feasibility of the process for your specific case.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

It is absolutely my policy to make things as cost-effective for the client as possible. I have support staff with lower rates than my own; as much is given to them as possible. However, there is some legal work that I do not feel can be prepared by a non-attorney, ethically. There are too many nuances in family law to allow someone who has not been specifically trained, over a course of years, to be able to recognize certain issues.

There are certain clients who insist on speaking directly to me each and every time the call. While this is not the most cost-effective process for the client, it is certainly something that is allowed, within reason. I personally handle each and every case that comes through the door, anyway, including the final order and reviewing of any material prepared by support staff.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Schedule a meeting with Susan. She is very up-front and realistic, and will not only tell you what you want to hear.

What are your firm's strengths and style?

I enjoy finding an approach for each individual case. Not every case is the same, and there may be a creative solution that works best for not only my client, but for all parties.

I firmly believe that if there is a child (or children) involved in a case, the very first thing you have to do is make it as amicable as possible for the child(ren). This means the lawyer and client must be smart, if the other side is unwilling to cooperate or does not have the child's best interest in mind.

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler
Susan E. Duesler

Solo Practice, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Wise Asset Management, L.L.C., North Richland Hills/Fort Worth, Texas - Assistant General Counsel
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Fort Worth, Texas - Felony trial experience; prepared for and argued at motion hearings; indicted cases and prepared for trials
United States Attorney's Office, Waco, Texas - Law Clerk
McAfee & McAfee, Attorneys at Law, Memphis, Tennessee - Law Clerk
Hon. Larry Gist, Senior District Judge, Jefferson County, Texas - Intern
Hon. Earl S. Hines, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Texas - Intern

Everything I do makes me a better attorney. My past experience and education has propelled me to be the attorney I am today. This trend continues with every new case I work on, every new person I meet, and every one of my actions. I always can learn something that might help me assist a client in the future.

Style: I am both laid-back and aggressive. I enjoy maintaining a somewhat laid-back approach to my daily life as it reduces stress. Similarly, if a case can be resolved by non-aggressive cooperation, I will pursue that option prior to taking a hard stance. I do not believe in creating or maintaining antagonism if it isn't needed. If a case or client needs it, I am able to be an aggressive and effective advocate.

Strengths: Hands-down, my work ethic is my greatest strength. I will work until I find the answer or solution, and will work harder to bring about that result.

Personal interests:

Aside from my work and the areas of law in which I work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am also an avid college football fan.

License

Bar Number: 24057712
Texas, 2007

Education

Baylor University School of Law
Juris Doctorate (J.D.), 2007

Rhodes College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2003

Law Office of Susan E. Duesler
Susan E. Duesler

Solo Practice, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Wise Asset Management, L.L.C., North Richland Hills/Fort Worth, Texas - Assistant General Counsel
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Fort Worth, Texas - Felony trial experience; prepared for and argued at motion hearings; indicted cases and prepared for trials
United States Attorney's Office, Waco, Texas - Law Clerk
McAfee & McAfee, Attorneys at Law, Memphis, Tennessee - Law Clerk
Hon. Larry Gist, Senior District Judge, Jefferson County, Texas - Intern
Hon. Earl S. Hines, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Texas - Intern

Everything I do makes me a better attorney. My past experience and education has propelled me to be the attorney I am today. This trend continues with every new case I work on, every new person I meet, and every one of my actions. I always can learn something that might help me assist a client in the future.

Style: I am both laid-back and aggressive. I enjoy maintaining a somewhat laid-back approach to my daily life as it reduces stress. Similarly, if a case can be resolved by non-aggressive cooperation, I will pursue that option prior to taking a hard stance. I do not believe in creating or maintaining antagonism if it isn't needed. If a case or client needs it, I am able to be an aggressive and effective advocate.

Strengths: Hands-down, my work ethic is my greatest strength. I will work until I find the answer or solution, and will work harder to bring about that result.

Personal interests:

Aside from my work and the areas of law in which I work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am also an avid college football fan.

License

Bar Number: 24057712
Texas, 2007

Education

Baylor University School of Law Juris Doctorate (J.D.), 2007


Rhodes College Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2003


This lawyer is licensed to practice in Texas and has no record of discipline from the Texas bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.

Contact Us

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Texas and has no record of discipline from the Texas bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.