“I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
Matt Riek is a highly respected family law attorney and mediator with over 25 years of experience. He joined MBH Family Law after serving as an Associate Judge for the 360th District Court in Fort Worth, where he presided over complex family law cases and led the Tarrant County Family Recovery Court. In this role, Matt made a lasting impact by helping families overcome challenges and work toward reunification, earning widespread respect within the legal community.
Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2004, Matt has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to excellence in this dynamic and challenging area of law. His career has encompassed a thriving solo practice, leadership roles in local bar associations, and frequent speaking engagements at state and regional legal seminars.
As the leader of MBH’s mediation practice, Matt leverages his judicial experience and mediation expertise to guide families toward innovative, resolution-focused solutions that reduce conflict and foster positive outcomes. Known for his patient, thorough approach, he excels in navigating even the most complex disputes involving property division, child custody, and other sensitive issues.
In addition to his legal work, Matt is an active member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and a past president of the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association. He is passionate about mentoring young attorneys and contributing to the local community through initiatives such as the Tarrant County Family Recovery Court and educational foundations.
Outside the office, Matt enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is a proud husband of his lovely wife Rene and father of two daughters, one pursuing a career in music and opera at Texas Christian University and the other studying biology at the University of Texas.
EDUCATION
Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas / J.D. – 1993
Baylor University / BBA – 1990
Mims Ballew Hollingsworth , Partner
Associate Judge of the 360th District Court, Fort Worth ,2017-2025
Judge, Tarrant County Family Recovery Court; April 2020-2025
The Law Office of Matthew Riek, P.C. August 2006 to Dec. 2016
Bailey & Galyen – February 1999 to August 2006
State Bar of Texas, 1993
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2004-Present
Texas Monthly Super Lawyer, 2011, 2013-2016 Rising Star, 2007
Fort Worth Magazine, Best Family Lawyers in Tarrant County, 2008-2016
Appointed as Associate Judge of the 360th District Court in January 2017
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Member: College of the State Bar of Texas
Member: Texas Association of Specialty Courts
Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association
Elected to Board of Directors, 2004 – 2008
Elected Secretary, 2009-2010
President Elect, 2010
President, 2011
Trained in both General and Family Law Mediation
State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section – Member
Fellow of The Texas Bar Foundation
Arlington Bar Association
Elected to Board of Directors, 2009
Collaborative Lawyers of Arlington/Mansfield, Elected Vice-President, 2008
Marriage Dissolution Course — April 2016
Topic: Avoiding Mediation Missteps
Marriage Dissolution Course — April 2015
Topic: Unusual Possession Schedules
Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association Seminar — November 2014
Topic: The First 45 Days
Arlington Bar Association — November 20, 2013
Topic: Family Law Update
Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association — October 2, 2012
Topic: Meeting in the Middle (Mediation / ADR)
Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association — November 4, 2011
Topic: Productive Mediation – Preparation, Participation, Role of Mediator
Fort Worth Paralegal Association — May 27, 2010
Topic: Collaborative Law Divorce
State Bar of Texas Law Essentials — September 17, 2010
Topic: Effective Presentation – Presenting Your Case at a Temporary Hearing
State Bar of Texas Family Law Essentials — April 11, 2008
Topic: Effective Preparation and Presentation at the SAPCR Hearing
Marriage Dissolution — May 2007
Topic: Experts for Kids / Expert Ethics
Family Law Essentials — April 2007
Topic: Jurisdiction and Venue in SAPCR
Texas Advanced Paralegal Seminar — October 2007
Topic: Amicus and Ad Litem Issues in Family Law
State Bar Convention — 2005
Participant: How to Practice in the Associate Judge’s Court