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adam morris
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Trusted Houston Family Law Counsel Rooted in Integrity, Expertise, and Strength
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At Carter Morris, LLP, family law isn't just what we do — it's who we are. We were founded to bring something different to family law — more integrity, deeper expertise, and unwavering strength.
Every case is personal.
Every client matters.
And every outcome shapes real lives.
Blending strategic legal insight with genuine compassion, our team is here to advocate for what matters most — you, your family, and your future.
Our Philosophy
Patricia Nellenbach Carter is a board-certified family law attorney and founding partner at Carter Morris, LLP in Houston, Texas. With over two decades of experience, she focuses exclusively on family law, including complex divorce, child custody, and property division matters. In 2012 she was granted fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Texas Monthly magazine has named her as a Super Lawyer every year since 2008 and before that named a “Rising Star” among Texas attorneys four years in a row. Known for her strategic mindset and client-focused advocacy, Patricia helps individuals navigate high-stakes transitions with clarity and confidence.
Patricia Carter
Patricia has spent her career litigating and resolving high-conflict family law matters. She is highly regarded for her courtroom presence and strategic negotiations, often representing business owners, professionals, and individuals with complex marital estates. Patricia is also sought after as a mediator and collaborative law practitioner.
BOARD-CERTIFIED IN FAMILY LAW BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
professional overview
legal expertise
philosophy
Patricia believes every client deserves more than just legal guidance—they deserve clarity, compassion, and respect. She approaches each case with a balance of fierce advocacy and empathetic support, helping clients make sound decisions during emotionally difficult times.
areas of practice
- High-Net-Worth Divorce
- Complex Child Custody Matters
- Collaborative Law
- Enforcement
- Family Law Litigation
- Premarital Agreements
certifications & honors
- Board Certified in Family Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Fellow – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- “Super Lawyer”, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2008 – present
- “Rising Star”, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2004 – 2008
- TYLA State Moot Court Competition
- Recipient, Jurisprudence Award for Trial Advocacy
leadership & community involvement
Beyond her legal practice, Patricia is actively involved in bar leadership and legal education. She regularly speaks at continuing legal education seminars and mentors young attorneys through the Houston Bar Association. Patricia also volunteers in the Houston-area community with her family and through the National Charity League’s Post Oak Chapter (for which she served as president in 2021-2022), and reading just about any book she can find.
education & admissions
- Board Certified in Family Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Fellow – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas, J.D., 1997
- East Texas State University, Texarkana, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
professional associations & memberships
- State Bar of Texas, Member
- Houston Bar Association – Family Law Section, (Member, Board Member, past Treasurer and chair 2016-2017)
- State Bar College, Member
- Texas Association of Family Law Specialists, Member
- Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, (Member and Past President 2011-2012)
- Collaborative Law Section of the Houston Bar Association, (Past Chair)
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
Adam J. Morris
Adam J. Morris, partner at Carter Morris LLP, is a board-certified family law attorney with over 23 years of experience guiding Texas families through life’s most pivotal transitions. Recognized as a Rising Star by Texas Monthly from 2004 to 2012 and named a Super Lawyer annually since 2013, Adam is known for his strategic thinking, financial insight, and calm, results-driven advocacy.
He brings particular skill to high-stakes cases involving complex marital estates and intricate asset structures, offering clients the clarity and precision that only deep experience can provide.
professional overview
legal expertise
philosophy
Adam believes in steady guidance, honest advocacy, and strong legal solutions. He brings a calm, measured approach to high-conflict matters, focusing on client priorities and long-term outcomes. Adam’s commitment is rooted in truly understanding each client’s needs and helping them make informed, empowered decisions.
BOARD-CERTIFIED IN FAMILY LAW BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
areas of practice
- High-net-worth divorce
- Complex property division
- Child custody and visitation
- Post-divorce modifications
- Enforcement actions
certifications & honors
- Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly, 2013–present
- Rising Star, Texas Monthly, 2004–2012
leadership & community involvement
education & admissions
- J.D., magna cum laude, University of Houston Law Center
- B.A., History, University of Texas at Austin
- State Bar of Texas
professional associations & memberships
- State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section
- Houston Bar Association
- Burta Rhodes Raborn Inns of Court
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
- Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists
Giovanna Schillaci Passauer
Giovanna Schillaci Passauer is a dedicated family law attorney at Carter Morris LLP. A native Houstonian, Giovanna brings both compassion and precision to every case. Since joining the firm in 2014, she has earned a reputation for guiding clients through emotionally charged matters with attentive communication, responsiveness, and steadfast legal support.
professional overview
legal expertise
philosophy
Giovanna believes in protecting both the emotional and financial well-being of her clients. Her thoughtful legal advocacy—grounded in compassion and attention to detail—empowers clients to make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty.
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
areas of practice
- Family Law
certifications & honors
- Completed the 2017 summer program at The Hague Academy of International Law
leadership & community involvement
education & admissions
- Bar Admission: Texas, 2014
- J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston, 2014
- B.S., University of Texas at Austin, 2010
- Languages: English, Spanish
professional associations & memberships
- State Bar of Texas, Member
- Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
- Burta Rhodes Raborn Family Law Inns of Court, Member
Jeanine Alice Novosad
Jeanine Alice Novosad is an associate attorney at Carter Morris, LLP with more than 14 years of experience dedicated exclusively to family law. Adopted in San Antonio and raised in Houston and Sugar Land, her personal journey inspired a lifelong commitment to helping families navigate complex legal matters with compassion and clarity.
Jeanine is known for her integrity, practical insight, and steady presence—qualities that have earned her a leadership role on the Texas State Bar’s Professionalism Committee, where she champions civility and ethics in the legal field.
- Characterization, tracing, and valuation of businesses, real property, and other significant assets
- Child custody and support matters, including psychological and custody evaluations
- Family law mediations and settlement strategy
- Representation in high-conflict cases requiring litigation and expert coordination
professional overview
legal expertise
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
philosophy
Jeanine believes in compassionate, personalized legal advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience and deep respect for the profession, she empowers clients through sound strategy, practical solutions, and a calm, principled approach. Her active involvement in legal service organizations reflects a lasting dedication to justice and mentorship.
areas of practice
- Divorce & Property Division
- High-Conflict Custody Disputes
- Child Support & Enforcement
- Mediation & Settlement
- Business & Asset Valuation
certifications & honors
- 2024 Young Baylor Lawyer of the Year
- ABA Comprehensive Award of Achievement (State Division A)
- ABA Award of Achievement (Civility Hub & Civility for All)
- Texas Bar College – Fellow 2024
leadership & community involvement
- President, McLennan County Young Lawyers Association
- Junior League of Waco – Board Secretary, Nominating Committee, Public Relations, Vice-Chair
- Leadership Plenty Waco – Class of 2019–2020
- Baylor Law School – Mock Trial Judge, Top Gun, Client Counseling
- Adjunct Professor, Baylor Pre-Law & Public Service Internship Program
- Mentor to students and young lawyers
education & admissions
- State Bar of Texas, November 2011
- Baylor Law School, J.D., April 2011
- Baylor University, B.A., University Scholars Program, May 2008
professional associations & memberships
- Texas Young Lawyers Association (President 2021–2022, Immediate Past President, President-Elect 2020–2021)
- State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
- American Bar Association
- American Bar Foundation
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Texas Bar College
- Houston Bar AssociationFort Bend County Bar Association
- McLennan County Bar Association
- TYLA Texas Courts for Texas Veterans – Project Committee
- LeadershipSBOT 2016–2017
- Judge Abner V. McCall American Inn of Court
- Burta Rhodes Raborn Family Law American Inn of Court
- Association of Women Attorneys Houston
- Junior League of Houston & Waco
Attorney
Jeanine Alice Novosad
Attorney
Giovanna Schillaci Passauer
founding Partner
Adam J. Morris
Founding Partner
Patricia Nellenbach
Carter
