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Meet Carl Ritter, a senior attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, specializing in family law and estate planning. Carl focuses on contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills, fearlessly navigating cases involving difficult pasts and Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement.
As a staunch advocate for clients seeking custody or visitation rights, Carl extends support to grandparents fighting for their grandchildren’s welfare, always prioritizing the child’s best interests. His representation also encompasses estate planning and guardianship matters, with extensive experience in contested probate cases requiring litigation—areas where Carl excels, relishing the challenge of the courtroom.
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 seasoned choice for military personnel and their families. Leveraging his understanding of military law and life, Carl provides invaluable support to his clients.
Recently settling in Houston with his wife of 25 years, Carl cherishes family time with their two children attending Texas A&M and Houston Baptist University. In his leisure, Carl enjoys golfing, swimming, lazy river relaxation, savoring fine cuisines, and embracing the wonders of the great outdoors.
Bar Admissions
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Texas Bar (1986)
Education
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St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D. (1986)
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University of Notre Dame – B.A. (1983)
Licenses
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Texas Real Estate Broker License
Representative Experience
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Successfully maintained paternal grandparents’ access to their grandchild despite the biological father terminating his parental rights.
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Handled a contested probate case involving property gifted to a longtime neighbor. The decedent’s family contested the will, but the court upheld the testator’s original wishes in favor of the neighbor.
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Represented parties in a high-value, $20+ million estate dispute involving a will created on the day of a funeral. The court upheld the couple’s original will and protected the intended distribution of assets.
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.”
