Carl Ritter is a seasoned senior attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, specializing in Family Law and Estate Planning. With more than 35 years of legal experience, Carl brings unmatched expertise in contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills.
He is known for fearlessly handling cases involving Child Protective Services (CPS) and stands as a steadfast advocate for clients seeking custody or visitation rights. Carl also provides unwavering support to grandparents fighting for their grandchildren’s best interests.
His proficiency extends to estate planning, guardianship matters, and contested probate cases requiring litigation — where his courtroom experience truly shines.
A former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force and a former attorney with the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Carl is especially trusted by military personnel and their families. Drawing from his deep understanding of military law and life, he offers insightful legal guidance.
Recently settled in Houston with his wife of 25 years, Carl enjoys spending time with his two children, who attend Texas A&M and Houston Baptist University. Outside of his legal career, he enjoys golfing, swimming, relaxing on lazy rivers, fine dining, and exploring the outdoors.
Bar Admissions
Texas Bar, 1986
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D., 1986
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1983
Licenses
Texas Real Estate Broker’s License
Representative Experience
Maintained paternal grandparents’ visitation rights despite the biological father terminating his parental rights.
Successfully defended a contested probate case involving a neighbor who was gifted property in a will; the court upheld the testator’s original wishes.
Litigated a $20+ million estate dispute between family members, preserving the original will executed by the deceased couple.
Featured Quote
“This area of law can be convoluted and complex, but you figure a way to make it work despite the odds against you.”
