The Inside Scoop on Family Law
- Megan Nordyke
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
I always find it amusing when people ask me the question, “What do you do for a living?”
The simplest answer, and the one I usually give, is: “I’m a divorce lawyer.” Nine times out of ten, the person who’s asked gives me a look of genuine concern and sympathy, if not complete and utter shock. I usually laugh and follow up with something like, “Don’t worry; it’s a lot better than it sounds. I love my job!”
Practicing family law can sometimes be an emotional roller coaster: on Monday, I might win a protective order and help an abuse survivor sleep better that night. On Tuesday, a client might get upset with me because she doesn’t remember a discussion we had (as often happens to many of us when we are upset). On Wednesday, I might help finalize an adoption. On Thursday, I might have a consultation with a client who is trying to make arrangements for custody of her dying sister’s children. On Friday, the plans I had to tidy up my inbox might go completely out the window when an old friend from college calls me to talk about how she needs help leaving her abusive husband.
However, I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. It is in these moments, in times we are most vulnerable or celebrating long-awaited changes in our lives, that we are most fundamentally human. That I am chosen to walk by a client’s side, trusted to give advice? I cannot think of a higher honor.
We have a lot of ideas, culturally, about divorce. How many times have we heard how “terrible” it is that the divorce rate is rising? How many times have we heard about how awful it is that children grow up in “broken” homes, as if a divorce is the thing that has shattered all notion of familial bliss? Having been involved in family law in some capacity since my childhood, I have to disagree.
I was happier once my parents finally got divorced. When my parents were together, there was always palpable tension, even when they weren’t fighting. Once they divorced, they were much happier, and I could tell. I always loved going to see my dad on weekends and in the summer—it was wonderfully stress-free, with no homework. One of my treasured memories is how he would take us to the grocery store and show visible excitement when I wanted to try new, sometimes strange foods with him. (I think grocery shopping was one of so many chores for my mom that she didn’t really enjoy it, but it became sort of a ritual for my dad and me.) I also certainly didn’t mind having double holidays, where I got to spend more dedicated time with each side of my family. If anything, I wish my parents had not tried to “make it work” as long as they had. Looking back, I think they deserved to be happy, and I wish they had had the support of their community for that.
On top of that, my divorce was one of the best things that ever happened to me. At the time it happened, only three years after I got married (and fourteen years into the relationship), I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. Little did I know that over time, I had slowly chipped away at my own identity (and happiness) for the purpose of compromising in a doomed relationship. After we separated, I could listen to heavy metal music on the radio every time I got in the car. I could eat at new restaurants without my ex fussing about food allergies. I didn’t have to spend time worrying about whether I had said the wrong things in front of his family. In fact, I discovered very quickly that there was a lot that I didn’t have to worry about anymore.
Divorce brings big changes to our lives, but most of the time, we don’t even realize how unhappy we are until it’s all said and done. It’s important to grieve the relationship, of course. When I went through that myself, I realized that I was grieving what I hoped my life would look like, not what it actually was.
That’s the attitude I bring for my clients: once this is all said and done, you’ll feel more freedom and peace than you ever thought possible. Just keep going, and remember: You’re not alone.
About the Author
Megan Nordyke
Associate Attorney
469-334-2311
Born and raised in West Texas, Megan Nordyke graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University with dual degrees in Sociology and Classics. Her passion for learning and a deep commitment to helping others drove her to continue at Texas Tech University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. During her time in law school, Megan was fortunate to clerk for Malinda Clawson Standefer, a highly respected and down-to-earth family law attorney. Under Malinda's wise mentorship, Megan developed a professional philosophy rooted in compassion, practicality, and a deep understanding of family law—values that guide her practice to this day.
After passing the bar, Megan moved to Dallas to begin her career as a staff attorney with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. There, she served low-income families, primarily focusing on cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. These early years of serving vulnerable clients shaped her approach to family law and solidified her commitment to making a positive impact in her community. From there, she transitioned to private practice, where her deep understanding of family dynamics continues to be her greatest asset.
Megan’s connection to family law goes beyond her professional life. Having experienced the challenges of a high-conflict divorce as a child, she gained invaluable insight into how family disputes affect children. As a young adult, she successfully navigated the complexities of a custody order to build a meaningful relationship with her stepdaughter. Later, Megan went through her own amicable divorce, allowing her to truly empathize with the emotional and legal aspects her clients face. This blend of personal experience and legal expertise makes Megan an exceptional advocate for her clients—someone who not only understands the law but also the human emotions intertwined with it.
Megan’s ability to balance empathy with practicality is one of her greatest strengths. She offers honest, candid advice, ensuring her clients feel supported and informed every step of the way. For Megan, every case is a story to be understood and communicated effectively to the Court, and she approaches each one with unwavering optimism and a down-to-earth perspective.
When she’s not in the office, Megan enjoys channeling her creativity into hobbies like penmanship and woodworking. She and her partner, Rob, love spoiling their three rescue dogs—Lily, Max, and Titus—who are the heart of their home.
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