Attorney Profile

Introducing Carl Ritter: Your Seasoned Family Law and Estate Planning Attorney

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Carl J. Ritter

Lead Attorney

Meet Carl Ritter, a highly experienced attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, with over 35 years of expertise in family law and estate planning. Carl specializes in contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills, establishing himself as a formidable advocate in these challenging areas. Carl's fearlessness is particularly evident in cases involving Child Protective Services (CPS), where he prioritizes the best interests of his clients, especially in matters of child custody. Drawing from his background as a former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force, Carl brings a unique perspective that allows him to cater effectively to military personnel and their families. His deep understanding of military law and life sets him apart, providing invaluable support to those within the military community.

Bio

Introducing Carl Ritter: Your Unyielding Advocate in Family Law and Estate Planning

 

Carl Ritter, a seasoned senior attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, specializes in family law and estate planning, particularly in contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills.

 

Fearlessly navigating cases with challenging backgrounds and those involving Child Protective Services (CPS), Carl stands as a staunch advocate for clients seeking custody or visitation rights. He extends unwavering support to grandparents fighting for their grandchildren’s best interests.

 

Carl’s expertise also encompasses estate planning and guardianship matters, with a notable proficiency in contested probate cases requiring litigation. Litigation and the courtroom are where Carl excels.

 

With over 35 years of legal experience, including service as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force and a decade with the Office of the Attorney General in Texas, Carl is a trusted choice for military personnel and their families. Leveraging his deep understanding of military law and life, he provides invaluable guidance.

 

Recently settling in Houston with his wife of 25 years, Carl treasures family time with their two children attending Texas A&M and Houston Baptist University. Outside of his legal endeavors, he enjoys golfing, swimming, lazy river relaxation, indulging in fine cuisine, and exploring the wonders of the great outdoors.

Practice Areas

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Visitation Issues
  • Paternity Actions
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Guardianships

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 Brokers License

Representative Experience

  • Successfully able to maintain paternal grandparents’ access to their grandchild, despite the biological father terminating his parental rights.
  • Successfully handled a contested probate case involving property that was gifted to a helpful neighbor. The deceased’s family members contested the will, claiming the neighbor should not have received the property. The case was found in favor of the neighbor and the original wishes as outlined in the testator’s will.
  • Case involving an elderly couple whose wife died. Family made a new will on the same day of the wife’s funeral, which gave all the property rights to the children. Other family members actually saw them pull into the law office after the funeral. This was a case of family vs. family fighting over a 20+ million dollar estate. Courts maintained the original will of the parties.

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.”