Ballew Hazen Byrd

Ballew Hazen Byrd, PC LLO stands as a premier family law firm in Lincoln, Nebraska, recognized for exceptional excellence in mediation, high-end divorces, family law, child custody, and business liquidation matters. Based at 3800 VerMaas Place in Lincoln, the firm brings together three accomplished attorneys—John W. Ballew Jr., Mary C. Byrd, and Natalie Hazen—whose combined expertise and peer recognition place them among Nebraska's finest family law practitioners.

The firm's credentials and recognition are exceptional. All three attorneys have been selected to the Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists, reflecting peer recognition and established excellence. Additionally, the firm was honored in the 16th Edition of Best Law Firms for 2026 under the family law category. This distinction is particularly significant: only two firms received this recognition in Lincoln, and only seven firms received it statewide in Nebraska. This means Ballew Hazen Byrd ranks among the absolute finest family law practices in its region.

Natalie Stone-Burns Hazen holds particular distinction as a Certified Family Law Mediator, reflecting her specialized training and expertise in helping families resolve disputes cooperatively. This mediation certification makes her exceptionally skilled at negotiating settlements that serve all family members' interests while minimizing the emotional toll of contested litigation.

John W. Ballew Jr. brings decades of family law experience and has earned recognition for his competence and ethical practice. Mary C. Byrd specializes in child custody, support, alimony, and legal separation matters, bringing particular expertise in the most emotionally charged family law issues.

The firm's practice encompasses family law broadly, with particular emphasis on mediation, high-end divorces involving significant assets, and business law liquidation in the context of divorce. The attorneys understand that divorces involving substantial assets require sophisticated financial analysis and often involve business interests or complex financial structures requiring careful handling.

The firm's emphasis on mediation reflects recognition that many divorces can be resolved more effectively through collaborative negotiation than through contested litigation. Families benefit when attorneys help them reach agreements preserving important relationships and minimizing the emotional impact on children and family members.

Ballew Hazen Byrd's appellate practice provides another distinctive service. Some clients need representation in appeals, either challenging court decisions or defending against appeals from former spouses. The firm's appellate expertise allows it to provide skilled representation at this level.

The three-attorney structure allows the firm to combine specialized expertise with broader firm resources. Clients benefit from access to all three attorneys' knowledge and experience while having a single firm coordinate their representation comprehensively.

For Lincoln and Nebraska families seeking family law representation from attorneys recognized in Best Law Firms 16th Edition 2026, with Super Lawyers selections, diverse expertise spanning mediation and high-end divorces, and proven track record of excellence, Ballew Hazen Byrd offers exceptional representation from among Nebraska's most honored family law practitioners.