Fort Worth Family Lawyer

Serving Texas Families With Compassion & Integrity

At the Law Offices Of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we strive to be the firm for all of your family law needs. We understand how difficult family law issues can be and just how far-reaching the consequences are when they are not handled properly by a knowledgeable attorney.

Our Fort Worth family law attorneys deliver the compassionate yet results-focused representation you need to overcome the challenges at hand.

Call our family law attorney near you at (817) 497-8148 or complete our online contact form to get started with your case evaluation. We serve Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Wise, Hood, Denton, Somervell, and Jack Counties as well!

Our Approach to Family Law

Our firm is led by Fort Worth attorney Mark M. Childress who believes that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

In our opinion, the right way to represent a family law client is to take stock of their full needs and find solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. We approach all issues with sensitivity to our clients while being their strongest advocates at the negotiating table and in the courtroom.

If you choose the Law Offices Of Mark M. Childress, PLLC to protect your rights, your children, and your property, you will be an important part of the equation. Our lawyers prefer to collaborate with our clients to develop goals and maintain direct contact throughout the process.

Attentive Service for All Types of Family Law Cases

Our family lawyers in Fort Worth can help with all of your legal needs, including:

• Divorce: Legal dissolution of marriage, including issues such as division of property, spousal support, and child custody.
• Child Custody: Determination of legal and physical custody arrangements for minor children after divorce or separation.
• Child Support: Establishment and enforcement of financial support obligations for the care and upbringing of minor children.
• Modifications: Requests to modify existing court orders regarding child custody, visitation, support, or other family law matters.
• Visitation, Possession and Access: Determination of visitation rights and schedules for non-custodial parents or other relatives.
• Police, Fire & Service Member Possession: Specific laws and regulations regarding custody arrangements for members of the police, fire departments, or military personnel.
• Temporary Orders: Interim orders issued by the court to address immediate concerns until a final resolution is reached.
• Grandparents Rights: Legal rights of grandparents to visitation or custody of their grandchildren, typically in cases involving divorce, death, or other circumstances.
• Property Division: Division of marital assets and debts during divorce proceedings.
• Adoption: Legal process of establishing parental rights and responsibilities for individuals who are not the biological parents of a child.
• Paternity: Determination of legal fatherhood, often involving issues of child support, custody, and visitation.

In family law, no two cases are exactly alike. We are prepared for whatever twists and turns lie ahead and can be trusted to focus on reaching an outcome that benefits you now and in the future.

How Our Fort Worth Family Lawyers Can Help

Family law attorneys play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate complex legal matters related to their family relationships. From divorce and child custody disputes to adoption and domestic violence cases, we have the expertise to guide you through emotionally charged situations while protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.

Here are just a few of the many ways our Fort Worth family law attorneys can help:

• Legal expertise: One of the primary ways a family law attorney can assist is by providing invaluable legal advice and counsel. We possess an in-depth understanding of family law statutes and precedents, enabling us to assess each unique situation and offer personalized guidance. Whether it involves explaining the legal process, exploring the available options, or outlining potential outcomes, our expertise provides clients with the much-needed clarity and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.
• Negotiation and representation: A family law attorney plays a vital role in negotiating settlements and representing clients in court. We act as strong advocates, utilizing our experience and legal acumen to protect our clients' rights and interests during negotiations. In contentious cases, we skillfully present arguments and evidence before the court, striving to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Emotional support: Family law attorneys also provide emotional support during challenging times. We understand that family legal matters often involve heightened emotions and sensitivities. By offering empathetic guidance and maintaining open lines of communication, our attorneys provide a sense of reassurance, helping our clients navigate the legal process with greater ease.

Texas Family Law FAQs

Is Texas a no-fault divorce state?

Yes, Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means that couples can seek a divorce without having to prove fault or wrongdoing by either party. The most common ground for divorce in Texas is "insupportability," which simply means that the marriage cannot continue because of discord or conflict.

How does Texas define legal separation?

Texas does not officially recognize legal separation. However, couples can choose to live apart and may enter into a separation agreement to address issues such as property division, child custody, and support while still legally married.

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Texas?

To file for divorce in Texas, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. Additionally, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days.

How is property divided in a Texas divorce?

Texas follows community property laws, which means that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered community property and is subject to division in divorce. The court aims for a "just and right" division of marital property, which may not always result in a 50/50 split but considers factors such as each spouse's earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and any fault in the breakup of the marriage.

What factors does the court consider in child custody cases in Texas?

The primary consideration in child custody (conservatorship) cases is the best interest of the child. The court considers factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide for the child's physical and emotional needs, the child's preferences (if the child is old enough), any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and other relevant factors.

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Child support is calculated based on a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income, with adjustments for factors such as the number of children requiring support and any special needs of the children. The Texas Family Code provides guidelines for child support calculations.

Consult Our Fort Worth Family Law Attorney Today

If you have any questions about the family matter you are facing, we encourage you to read our family law FAQ for helpful information that may be of use.

Our Fort Worth family law attorneys are always available by phone or email to field your questions and assist in any way possible.

We also provide legal services to Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Wise, Hood, Denton, Somervell, and Jack Counties. So wherever you are, you can turn to our family law attorneys near you!

Contact us at (817) 497-8148 now. Our Fort Worth family law attorneys look forward to helping you find a path forward.