Family law is the most personal and emotionally charged area of the law. Preparing for a divorce, custody dispute or even the negotiation of a premarital agreement can be incredibly draining, both physically and mentally.
Jelena is client-focused and understands that each case, like each client, is different. Her approach is to provide every client with personalized attention throughout each step of their case.
Jelena’s practice is devoted to all areas of family law. She assists clients through complex divorce matters, high-asset property division, and contested custody litigation. Throughout her practice, Jelena has worked with professional athletes, high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and stay-at-home parents.
Despite her extensive trial experience, she understands the negative financial and emotional impact that litigation can have on a family. With her training in collaborative law, Jelena prefers to focus on creative solutions through the mediation process when possible.
Jelena is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (a designation earned by less than 7% of lawyers). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 2006 and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Texas Tech University in 2009. She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in November 2009.
Prior to joining The Stout Law Firm, Jelena worked with some of the most accomplished family lawyers in Texas. In addition to practicing at VernerBrumley while living in Dallas, Texas, she most recently was a Partner at the Houston office of Jenkins & Kamin, LLP.
Awards and Accolades
2021 “Texas Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
2019 “Texas Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
Publications and Presentations
Appeared on THINK, NPR March 18, 2014 “Divorce (Without the Court)” https://think.kera.org/2014/03/18/divorce-without-the-court/
Author of “If You’re Heading for the Big D, and I Don’t Mean Dallas…” article in the October 2015 issue of the Dallas Bar Association’s Headnotes
Co-Author of “Child Custody Evaluation Bill-Drafting of the Orders” presented at the Advanced Family Law Drafting Course in Dallas, Texas
Presenter of “Child Custody Evaluation Bill-Drafting of the Orders” at the Advanced Family Law Drafting Course in Dallas, Texas on December 10-11, 2015
Co-Author of “The New Custody Evaluations” presented at the Marriage Dissolution Institute in Galveston, Texas
Presenter of “The New Custody Evaluations” at the Marriage Dissolution Institute in Galveston, Texas on April 7-8, 2016
Presenter of “How to Succeed at Mediation” at the Family Law Essentials in Victoria, Texas on May 3, 2019
Presenter of “Preparing for the Board Certification Exam” at the Advanced Family Law Conference in San Antonio, Texas on August 3, 2021
Presenter of “Text Messages and Evidence” on the Legal Technology Webinar 2021
Presenter of “Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Revised Rule 194 Disclosure” on the Texas Modern Mediation Webinar 2021
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
