An established family law attorney, Lauren Gaydos Duffer was one of the first attorneys to represent people needing assistance with legal issues involving surrogacy in the state of Texas. Over the years she has tirelessly served clients in all areas of family law, including collaborative divorce, modifications, assisted reproduction, child custody, paternity, adoptions, complex property division and other legal matters.

Whether in court, collaborative law or through mediation, clients know they are being heard when entrusting Lauren to represent them and appreciate her ability to find innovative solutions for complex legal issues.

Born with roots in the legal profession, a desire to help people became her calling

A native of Arlington, Texas, Lauren attended James Martin High School in her hometown and was inspired to practice law by her father, attorney Larry Gaydos (who practiced white-collar crime and antitrust). From the beginning, Lauren knew “I wanted to practice law in an area where I would be helping people.”

After high school, Lauren attended Baylor University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications. Upon returning to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Lauren attended Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, where she received her law degree in 2003. She has been helping clients navigate divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody and other family law matters ever since.

Very early in her legal career, Lauren was fortunate enough to become a part of helping clients create their families through surrogacy and adoption. One of Lauren’s greatest joys is helping families mitigate the potential legal, financial and emotional risks of assisted reproduction and adoption. Lauren also successfully handled one of the first same-gender surrogacy cases in Texas before same-sex marriage was recognized by the state.

A loving wife and mom who fights for kids in dire situations

Since 2006, Lauren has been happily married to her husband Ronnie Duffer, owner of Tarrant County Pools. Lauren and Ronnie love cheering on their two smart, adventurous and talented sons Brody and Blake at baseball, basketball and football games. When time allows, the Duffer family enjoys traveling to Aruba.

Lauren is also passionate about helping kids facing troubling life and family situations. She fights for the futures of children as an attorney who represents kids involved in Child Protective Services (CPS) lawsuits. “I love my CPS work because I feel like I am able to give back to the community and represent kids who have no other way to get a voice,” Lauren says.