About Krista Balekian
Krista "Kris" Balekian Hayes is a seasoned family law attorney based in Dallas, Texas. She earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from St. Mary's University School of Law and School of Business, respectively, in 2000. Upon her admission to the Texas State Bar in 2001, Kris dedicated her practice exclusively to family law. Her focus areas include divorce, child custody, and other complex family law matters. This specialization has allowed her to develop a understanding of the challenges families face during difficult transitions.
As the managing partner of Balekian Hayes, PLLC, Kris leads a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate and strategic legal counsel. The firm, established in 2019, has grown significantly, now including an additional office in Seven Points, Texas. This expansion enables Kris and her team to better serve clients in Henderson and Kaufman counties, ensuring that families have access to quality legal representation close to home. The firm’s mission centers on guiding families through the intricate legal field of family law with empathy and expertise. Kris stands out in her field as one of the few attorneys in Texas to hold double board certification in both family law and child welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This distinction shows her commitment to excellence and her extensive knowledge in these critical areas.
Additionally, she is an accredited mediator in civil, family, and Child Protective Services matters. This mediation expertise allows her to offer clients alternative dispute resolution options, promoting amicable solutions whenever possible. Her professional affiliations further enhance her standing in the legal community. Kris is an active member of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. She also plays a vital role as a board member of the Dallas Bar Association's Family Law Section. Recognition of her work includes being named a Texas Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine from 2022 to 2026.
In 2025, she was honored as a Top Trailblazer of Justice by MSN, and she has been featured in Best Lawyers in America since 2021. Outside of her legal practice, Kris balances her professional life with personal interests — She enjoys college football, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. Most importantly, she cherishes spending quality time with her four children. This blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment supports her both her clients and her family, making her a well-rounded advocate in the field of family law.
