Family Lawyers

Southlake Family Law Attorney

Assisting Clients With Family Law Matters in Texas

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, our team strives to serve your family with all your legal needs in Southlake. Family law concerns are deeply unique and personal, and we understand how challenging these situations can be. Our lawyers are committed to understanding your needs and goals and helping you secure a positive and safe future for you and your family.

Our family law attorneys have extensive experience in a wide range of cases, including divorce and paternity. We stay up to date with laws and policies that can impact this type of case. We take time to understand your expectations, and we can guide you through any legal process relevant to your situation.

Our Team at the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress

Our Family Law Services

At The Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we believe in tailoring a strategy to your specific needs. We are available to assist you outside of court and represent you before a court during hearings. Our lawyers can support you whether you and your spouse opt for an uncontested or contested divorce. We can advise you during an amicable divorce or stand up for your rights and assets if you go through litigation.

Our family law services in Southlake include:

We are available to support you after your divorce if you need to request modifications to a court order. Our attorneys understand how situations can change over time, and we continue to provide legal representation whenever you need it to protect your family.

In addition to divorce matters, our family law services also include advocating for grandparents’ rights. We understand how the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can enrich your life, and we can explore solutions to support you in maintaining this bond.

If you are looking to adopt a child, our family law attorneys can guide you throughout the process of expanding your family. We can handle various types of adoption such as domestic adoption through foster care or a private agency. Our lawyers can also support you if you want to adopt internationally.

We offer estate planning solutions to organize your assets and their distribution to specific beneficiaries after you pass away. This can also involve designating a legal guardian for any minor child you have. Our lawyers can also assist you during probate, the legal process to distribute assets and settle debts after someone’s death.

What to Expect During a Family Law Case

Family court cases can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances involved, such as divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, or domestic violence issues. Here's a general overview of what you might expect during a family court case:

Initial Filings: The process typically begins with one party filing a petition or complaint with the court, initiating the legal action. The other party is then served with the necessary legal documents.
Temporary Orders: In some cases, the court may issue temporary orders to address immediate concerns such as temporary custody arrangements, child support, or restraining orders until the final resolution of the case.
Discovery: Both parties may engage in the discovery process, where they exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This can include documents, financial records, and witness statements.
Mediation or Settlement Negotiations: Many family court cases are resolved through mediation or settlement negotiations outside of court. This involves both parties and their attorneys working together with a neutral third party to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Court Hearings: If the case cannot be resolved through mediation or negotiation, it will proceed to court hearings. These hearings allow both parties to present evidence, call witnesses, and argue their positions before a judge.
Trial: If the case still isn't resolved after hearings, it may proceed to trial, where a judge will make a final decision based on the evidence presented.
Final Orders: Once the judge has made a decision, final orders will be issued outlining the terms of the resolution. This could include custody arrangements, child support, division of property, or other matters depending on the nature of the case.
Appeals: In some cases, either party may choose to appeal the court's decision if they believe there were errors in the legal process or application of the law.

Throughout this process, it's important to have legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complexities of family law. Additionally, emotions can run high during family court cases, so it's important to maintain civility and respect for all parties involved, especially if children are affected. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we can represent you in and out of court, so you don't have to worry.

Contact The Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC today at (817) 497-8148 to schedule a consultation with our family law attorney in Southlake. Se Habla Español.

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"My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice."
Value a capable team with experienced staff. For the past 9 months, the folks at the Law Offices of Mark Childress handled my case with class and empathy. My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice. I felt like I was kept in the loop and always briefed properly. As I move forward with other ventures I wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths again. And hats off to Konner, THANK YOU!

- Cody C.
"Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client."
I needed an attorney who would stand up for me and my child during a very hard time. Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client. He was very knowledgeable not only about the law but about the opposing attorney and the judge. He prepared me well and we won our case. I would recommend Mark Childress to anyone who is fighting for custody or in need of child support.

- Kelley C.
"I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care."
I called in inquiring about a divorce and how it all happens. I had 2 people call me back within an hour and in an hour maybe 2 I was talking with the lawyer. I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care. Divorce is the hardest thing we will go through minus losing a kid and his team will be retained. He even called me back himself the next day to see how I was. Great service.

- Bobby N.
"This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years."
This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years. He had my case figured out in 1short conversation and had what he called "a convoluted mess" fixed. I'm pretty sure my ex felt like he'd been hit by a bus. My family is finally in tact and everyone is finally happy.

- Heather S.

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A Real Approach to Family Law

When it comes to family law, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we understand that everyone's situation is unique, so we provide a personalized approach tailored to your individual needs. No premade solutions are used here.

We understand the emotional and financial impacts of family law matters, too, which is why our team takes a compassionate, honest, and transparent stance on every case. We take the time to listen closely to you so we can identify your goals, concerns, and expectations. Furthermore, our commitment to excellence means that you can trust us to always keep your best interests at heart as we work towards protecting your rights and reaching a conclusion that fits well for your family.

Why Communication is Important

Honesty is one of the cornerstone principles of the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress. We tell you the truth and keep you informed throughout the case because you deserve and need to know what is going on.

We believe that frequent and open communication is important because:

Open and clear communication keeps all parties on the same page.
You can rest assured knowing that we understand your goals.
Honest feedback and advice are the most productive.
Trust establishes an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Meaningful dialogue during settlement talks or hearing proceedings can make everything move quicker.

What to Expect During an Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress in Southlake, you can expect to receive an open and honest assessment of your case. We might request that you bring certain documents for us to review, depending on the case or conflict. In a comfortable, welcoming setting, we can go over the key points of the situation and decide if our firm is the right fit for you. If we think another firm might be a better fit, then we can refer you to another firm that we trust. This is all part of how we prioritize honesty and transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Benefit of Hiring a Local Family Lawyer?

Hiring a local family lawyer offers distinct advantages, particularly when dealing with regional nuances that can influence your case. Local lawyers have established networks within the local court system and are familiar with regional policies, judges, and court staff, which can impact case strategies and proceedings. This familiarity ensures that cases are handled with the most relevant and up-to-date local procedures in mind. Moreover, local lawyers are more likely to have a thorough understanding of the community's perspectives, standards, and expectations, which can be beneficial when negotiating settlements or representing clients in court.

At our firm, we leverage our local connections and insights into Southlake's specific family law environment to provide strategic and effective representation. Understanding local family dynamics and legal expectations allows us to tailor our approach to suit individual client needs, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes. We are dedicated to staying informed about any local legislative changes, ensuring our clients benefit from the most current legal information during their case.

How is Child Support Calculated in Texas?

In Texas, child support calculations follow guidelines set by the Texas Family Code, primarily based on the income of the paying parent and the number of children involved. Typically, the court calculates child support as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's net resources, with specific guidelines suggesting percentages that increase with the number of children. For instance, support for one child is often calculated at 20% of net resources, while support for two children is set at 25%, and so on.

Variations can occur based on additional factors such as any special needs of the child, healthcare costs, and education-related expenses. While these guidelines provide a framework, courts can modify support orders based on substantial changes in circumstances or if it is in the child’s best interest. Our firm assists clients in understanding these guidelines and supports both the establishment and modification of support orders, ensuring they reflect fair and equitable support based on current circumstances.

What Factors Affect Custody Decisions?

When determining custody in Southlake, Texas, courts focus on what arrangement will best serve the child’s interests, examining factors like emotional and physical needs, family dynamics, and safety. Consideration is given to the child's preference if they are of sufficient age and maturity. Custody decisions weigh heavily on each parent's ability to provide a stable environment, maintain a meaningful relationship with the child, and cooperate with the other parent.

Factors such as parental history of domestic violence or substance abuse can be detrimental to a custody claim. The courts also consider the presence of extended family and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community. Our firm strategically evaluates these factors in crafting compelling arguments that support our clients’ custody goals, ensuring that the child’s well-being is always the principal consideration. By understanding Southlake’s specific legal guidelines and societal norms, we can provide proficient legal representation tailored to individual family circumstances.

Contact Our Southlake Family Lawyers Today

Clear communication is central to our approach, and we want to empower you to make informed decisions. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you have during our consultations or via email or phone. We are committed to supporting you and your family.

While certain family law matters do not legally require you to hire an attorney, we always recommend that you work with one. At The Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, our lawyers bring decades of combined experience to ensure you meet all requirements in a specific legal process and that the result respects your rights and benefits your assets. Family law can be more complex than it may seem at first sight, and our attorneys are dedicated to advocating for you and your family at every step of your case.

Contact us today to get started with our Southlake family law attorney.

Exceptional Legal Representation

Direct Access To Your Attorney

Our Attorneys personally handle each case themselves. You will have direct access to your attorney to be able to get the answers that you need.
Transparency
Honesty and transparency are critical in building trust with your attorney. You will always know what is going on with your case every step of the way.
Team Oriented

At our firm you're not just a case number, our staff will always know the status of your case and help to make your situation more manageable.
Personalized Approach
Our team understands that no two cases are the same. Your strategy will be tailored specifically to you and your family's goals.