Sam M. "Trey" Yates III, Family Law Attorney in Houston, Texas
Trusted family law attorney serving Houston.
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Quick answer
Sam M. "Trey" Yates III is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III PC.
- Based in
- Houston, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Houston, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Sam M. "Trey" Yates III: Sam M. "Trey" Yates III is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III PC.
Areas of practice
Sam's practice areas in Houston
Sam concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sam handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Houston, Texas
Sam takes family law matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sam agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sam M. "Trey" Yates III, family law attorney serving Houston
Sam M. "Trey" Yates III is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III PC. Sam works from Houston, Texas and takes on family law matters across the region.
Attorney Trey Yates has served the people of Houston and surrounding southeastern Texas since 1984. In 1986, he founded his law firm, Trey Yates Law, where he has focused his practice on assisting clients who face family law challenges, particularly divorces involving complex marital property division. In 2010, he created the popular educational seminar known as The Guide to Good Divorce?.
Mr. Yates earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in 1984, and the State Bar of Texas granted him admission that same year. In the years that have passed since he began his legal career, he has earned a reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, and, in 2010, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization recognized him as a board-certified family law attorney.
While attorney Yates is a skilled litigator who has represented clients in courtrooms for over 35 years, he is also a skilled negotiator. Mr. Yates has been trained extensively in alternative dispute resolution methods. In 1998, he became a certified attorney-mediator and in 1999 he earned a certification as a family law mediator and is trained in the collaborative law model.
In addition to having earned multiple certifications, attorney Yates has also earned a number of honors and awards thanks to his dedication to both his clients and his community. He has long served in a leadership capacity in the local legal community. He holds a "Superb" rating from Avvo, and he has received a distinguished client rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, he received the President's Award for his work with the Houston Bar Association and the Star Volunteer award for his work with Houston Volunteer Lawyers. He has been named a Super Lawyer annually since 2015.
How Sam handles family law matters
Attorney Trey Yates has served the people of Houston and surrounding southeastern Texas since 1984. In 1986, he founded his law firm, Trey Yates Law, where he has focused his practice on assisting clients who face family law challenges, particularly divorces involving complex marital property division. In 2010, he created the popular educational seminar known as The Guide to Good Divorce?. Mr.…
The kind of cases Sam takes
Sam reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sam studied and practices
St. Mary’s University School of Law
— · 1984
University of Houston
— · 1981
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
— · 1979
Sam studied at — in St. Mary’s University School of Law, — in University of Houston, and — in American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Law school and academic background
Sam completed — in St. Mary’s University School of Law, — in University of Houston, and — in American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sam runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Sam's legal honors and published work
Sam has received 9 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mediation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Board Certified Family Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization - 2010 Recertified - 2015; 2020
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 2010
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale-Hubbell CV Peer Review Rated
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers - Family Law - 2015; 2016; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022, 2023, Texas Super Lawyers
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mediation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Board Certified Family Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization - 2010 Recertified - 2015; 2020 (2026).
Locations
Sam M. "Trey" Yates III's office in Houston
Sam's primary office is at 2900 Weslayan Street, Suite 350, Houston, Texas, 77027. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of Sam M. (Trey) Yates, III PC
2900 Weslayan Street, Suite 350
Houston, Texas 77027
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sam M. "Trey" Yates III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sam usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sam charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sam's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sam will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sam
Sam discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sam confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sam's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sam M. "Trey" Yates III
How much does it cost to hire Sam for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sam walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sam offer a free consultation?
Sam charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sam's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Sam's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Texas typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sam gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sam take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Sam is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sam will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sam?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sam will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sam accepting new family law clients right now?
Sam's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
Sam handles family law matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
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If Sam's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





