Fort Worth Family Law Lawyers

Personal, Focused Support For Your Family Law Matter

When your marriage is ending or a custody dispute is unfolding, it can feel like your entire life is under a microscope. Decisions about your children, your home, and your finances may be made in a system you do not fully understand. You should not have to face that process alone.

At Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, our Fort Worth family law attorneys focus on divorce and related family law matters in and around the city. We learn what matters most to you, then build a strategy that reflects your goals, whether that means seeking an amicable resolution or preparing for a contested hearing. 

Our firm has represented Texas families since 2007, and our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in family law. With offices in Fort Worth, Benbrook, Southlake, and Arlington, we are ready to meet with you where it is most convenient and help you understand your options.

To schedule a consultation with our Forth Worth family lawyer, call (817) 497-8148 or reach out online.

Why Choose Our Family Law Firm

Choosing a lawyer is not just a legal decision; it is a personal one. Many people who come to us have already spoken with a large, high-volume firm and felt like a case number rather than a person. Our firm was built to be different. Founding Attorney Mark M. Childress left one of the largest firms in the area because he wanted clients to receive the kind of attention he would want for his own family.

Clients and peers have taken notice of this approach. Our lawyers have been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, 360West Top Attorneys, Fort Worth Magazine, Martindale-Hubbell, Southlake Style, and Three Best Rated. These honors do not decide any case, but they do reflect the trust others have placed in our firm’s work and professionalism.

Family Law Matters We Handle in Fort Worth

Divorce

In divorce cases, we help clients address issues such as the division of marital property and debts, questions about who will keep the family home, and how retirement accounts or business interests should be addressed. Texas is a community property state, which means many assets acquired during marriage may be subject to division. We look closely at financial records, and when appropriate, we work to uncover hidden or undisclosed assets so that you have a clearer picture of the marital estate before making decisions.

Child Custody & Visitation

For parents, questions about child custody and visitation are often the most stressful part of the process. We work to protect your parental rights while keeping the focus on your children’s well-being. This can involve building a parenting plan that reflects each parent’s role, negotiating schedules that work with school and activities, and preparing for hearings where a judge will consider the best interests of your children. We have experience with initial custody determinations, relocation concerns, and situations where one parent is worried about safety or stability.

Modifications

Family circumstances can change after a divorce or custody order is entered. When that happens, we help clients seek modifications to orders involving custody, visitation, and child support, or defend against requested changes that are not appropriate. We also assist with enforcement actions when a party is not following the court’s orders.

Family-Related Estate Planning

Legal issues rarely occur in isolation. Divorce can raise questions about updating a will, changing beneficiaries, or revisiting other estate planning documents. Some clients also face financial strain that leads them to consider bankruptcy. Because our team includes attorneys with backgrounds in these areas, we can address certain related estate planning, bankruptcy, or even personal injury issues that intersect with your family law case, so you do not have to coordinate multiple law firms on your own.

How We Guide You Through Texas Family Law

Most family law cases involve negotiation, sometimes through informal settlement discussions and frequently through mediation. We take time to understand your priorities and your bottom lines before entering any negotiation. Our preparation helps us evaluate settlement proposals against what a court might reasonably do, which allows you to make informed choices rather than feeling pressured in the moment. If a case does move toward trial, our earlier work on evidence, documents, and witness preparation helps us present your position clearly and effectively.

To help you feel more prepared, here are practical steps you can take while you are considering your options:

• Gather key documents: Collect recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, loan documents, and any existing court orders so we can review your full picture.
• Think about your goals: Write down what matters most to you regarding your children, your finances, and your home so we can prioritize together.
• Document parenting roles: Make notes about school involvement, medical appointments, and daily routines, especially if custody will be disputed.
• Avoid major changes without advice: Before moving out of the home or making large financial decisions, talk with us so you understand potential legal effects.

Throughout your case, we aim to communicate clearly about what is happening next and why certain steps are important. Our attorneys answer your questions, and our team keeps you informed about deadlines and court dates. The goal is to reduce surprises, help you feel more in control, and allow you to focus on your family while we handle the legal details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my Texas divorce take?

Most divorces in Texas must wait at least 60 days from filing to finalization, but many take longer. The timeline depends on factors such as contested issues, court schedules, and how quickly documents are exchanged. We discuss realistic timing with you based on your specific situation.

How will your attorneys keep me informed?

We keep you informed through regular communication from your attorney and our team. We review major developments with you, explain your options, and respond to questions as they arise. Our goal is for you to understand each step so you are never left wondering what is happening in your case.

Can your firm handle complex property division?

We handle cases involving significant assets, business interests, and questions about hidden property. Our attorneys review financial records carefully and, when appropriate, use tools such as discovery to obtain more information. Our recognitions and years in practice reflect our work in these challenging matters.

What if my custody case goes to court?

If your custody dispute goes to court, we prepare thoroughly for hearings in the appropriate family court. Preparation can include gathering school and medical records, identifying witnesses, and helping you get ready to testify. We work to present your parenting story clearly and respectfully.

Can you help with divorce and estate planning together?

In many cases we can address certain estate planning needs that arise during or after divorce, such as updating wills or beneficiary designations. Handling both matters within the same firm can simplify your planning and help ensure your legal documents reflect your new circumstances.

Take The Next Step For Your Family

At Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we are a Fort Worth-based family law firm that combines personal attention with thorough preparation. Since 2007, our attorneys have guided clients through Texas family courts, earning recognitions from organizations such as Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, and local publications. We listen carefully, explain clearly, and build strategies that reflect your priorities.

To schedule a consultation with our Forth Worth family law attorney, call (817) 497-8148 or reach out online.