Divorce Attorney
Divorce can be a complex, confusing, and exhausting process, especially if you and your spouse have children or share property and assets.
Divorce lawyer Donna Smiedt and her team can walk you through it and help protect your assets and your relationship with your children.
See why clients in the Arlington, TX, area trust the Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt to protect them during a legal separation.
We Can Help In or Out of Court
Divorce lawyer Donna Smiedt and her legal team offer thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you determine the best avenue for your case and achieve the best possible outcome. We can represent you in court and help file important documents so you don't miss your chance to fight for custody, visitation rights, or property. To speak with our attorneys, contact our firm or call (817) 572-9900.
OUR DIVORCE ATTORNEYS CAN HELP
Protect Your Assets & Interests
Dividing your property and debt can be a stressful process. Without the help of a divorce lawyer, you are at risk of dividing your assets unjustly or unfairly. Our Arlington, TX, divorce attorneys have handled many complex and high-asset divorces. We can ensure that your assets are divided in a fair, just manner that represents your best interests.
Plan for a Happy Future
Divorces are difficult, but our Arlington, TX, attorneys want to help you move on and have the happiest life possible. In addition to assisting with the dissolution of your marriage, we can help you arrange child custody, child support, and visitation rights. Because these agreements are an important part of your new day-to-day life, our attorneys want you to be happy with the decisions and settlements.
Feel Supported Throughout
Our Arlington, TX, law firm cares about you as a person and not just a client. We understand that this is a very stressful and emotional time for your entire family, and The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt wants you to feel supported from start to finish. Our Arlington office is warm, comfortable, and intimate, giving you the relaxing, personal atmosphere you need during this trying time.
Looking for a Divorce Lawyer? Schedule a Consultation Today
We understand that this is a difficult time for your family, and we want to help. Our attorneys exclusively practice family law so that we can provide you with focused legal care.
Our lead attorney, Donna J Smiedt, is a Board Certified Family Law Attorney who has been practicing family law since 1986. Together with Desaray R. Muma, Donna has helped many families in Southlake, Westover Hills, Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas achieve positive resolutions to their cases.
To speak to a lawyer about your case, reach out online or call us at:
(817) 572-9900
"Supportive, Professional, and Ethical..." A Glowing Review for Our Arlington Law Firm
Donna was my attorney during a very difficult divorce. She is very supportive, professional, ethical and well-respected by her clients, the judges and DFW legal community....I would never consider going to any other attorney for any type of family law issues. Her knowledge in family law cannot be found anywhere else and I highly recommend her. Valerie M.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
There are many factors that can add emotional, financial, and legal complications to the divorce process and make your situation harder. Ms. Smiedt and her team can ask the right questions and fight to protect your rights and assets when an amicable solution isn't possible. If you are going through a legal separation, it is especially important you get the help of a divorce attorney when:
You Have Children
These cases are made all the more complicated when children are involved. Our attorneys will work hard to ensure that your children's best interests are upheld during the child custody and child support agreements.
You Share Property
Because marital property in Texas is not divided evenly but in a "fair and just" manner, you need a skilled divorce attorney who can protect your property and best interests throughout the division process.
Your Ex Has an Attorney
If your former spouse has enlisted the help of an attorney, you need to do so as well. Without the right support in your corner, you run the risk of an unfavorable settlement. We support clients throughout Southlake, Westover Hills, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Despite Our Best Efforts, Marriages Don't Always Work Out
"She WINS the best outcome for your family" A Top-Rated Law Office in the Arlington, TX, Area
"Donna is an amazing, very talented family law attorney that I recommend highly. She helped me immensely during a very difficult time of my life during my divorce. She works tirelessly to ensure her clients are well represented, covers all contingencies, (even those you don’t think off), and the bottom line is she WINS the best outcome for your family." Catherine C.
Specific Laws Governing Divorce in Texas
Residency Requirements
Before filing for a divorce, either you or your spouse must have been a continuous resident of Texas for at least six months. Additionally, one of you must have been a resident of the county in which you are filing for at least 90 days.
A "No-Fault State"
You do not need a specific reason for dissolving your marriage. Since Texas is a “no-fault” state, you can list “insupportability” as the cause of divorce when you petition the court, indicating a conflict of personalities within your marriage.
Conservatorship
Texas law includes "conservatorship" child custody, which means that the courts prefer to give joint custody of children. This would allow both parents to have an equal say in their children's upbringing, but important factors such as abuse, neglect, and other conditions can affect a parent's claim to join custody.
Community Property
Texas is also a "community property" state, which means that both parties of marriage own any property acquired during the marriage. You may claim certain property as "separate," which means you are the sole owner of it, but you must prove that it was earned before or after your marriage.
Just and Right Division
Under Texas law, property owned by both parties of the marriage is subject to just and right division, which means that the way property is divided by the court can be affected by signs of fault or unequal earning power.
Reasons for Separation Determining Fault During Divorce
In the courts of Texas, a spouse can claim that their former partner's actions or specific situations led to the end of the relationship. Some examples of fault in a divorce include:
- Cruel treatment
- Confinement to a mental hospital for three or more years
- Adultery
- Intentional abandonment for a year or more
- Felony convictions that result in incarceration of a year or more
- Separate living arrangements that last three years or longer
If one spouse is at fault for the end of the marriage, Texas courts may take that into consideration while dividing property.
Securing Alimony in Texas
Alimony, sometimes called "spousal maintenance" or "spousal support," is a type of financial support that one party pays to the other according to court orders. Securing alimony is very difficult in Texas and you should not plan your finances around receiving these payments. Our firm is here to help clients throughout the region, including Southlake and Westover Hills, understand every aspect of this area of law.
Ready to Discuss Your Case with a Divorce Lawyer?
Donna Smiedt and everyone at our law firm serving Arlington, TX, and greater Fort Worth work hard to minimize the stress and complexity of your divorce. Our law office even has divorce therapy dogs to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout the process. Our team can help clients involved in spousal support cases or complex, high-asset divorces.
To learn more about our legal services, contact our office online or call us at (817) 572-9900 and speak to a member of our friendly staff today.
"I can’t recommend
them enough"
5-Star Review
"Donna and Team are extremely professional, reliable and efficient. Handled my divorce issue efficiently and in the quickest time possible. I was fortunate to find them online and am so glad I trusted them with my case; can’t recommend them enough." David Sham, 5-Star Review
Hundreds of Thousands of Couples End Their Marriages Each Year
Don't let guilt or shame stop you from seeking help during this difficult time in your life.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS?
Our law firm in Arlington, TX, can help you through each and every step.
Steps
We have divorce therapy dogs at our office to provide some comfort during this difficult process.
"I Would Recommend Ms. Smiedt and Her Team to Anyone" Loved by Our Clients
"Divorce is never easy but having Ms. Smiedt and her team representing me during this tough time made it so much easier. Ms. Smiedt is generous with her time and is extremely professional. She guided me through the unfamiliar details with knowledge, patience and kindness. I would recommend Ms. Smiedt and her team to anyone looking for an Attorney. Thanks again!" Joan Smith
Mediated and Collaborative Divorce A Faster, More Affordable, and More Peaceful Solution
At the Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt, our lawyers believe settling your case out of court is often the best option. Donna and her staff offer mediation and collaborative services to help our clients reach an amicable arrangement that serves their best interests. By keeping your divorce out of the courtroom, you can:
Our family law attorneys can help you and your spouse make sensible decisions while dividing property to ensure the result is beneficial to your entire family.
Have Questions About the Divorce Process? Ask Our Board-Certified Attorneys
Divorce lawyer Donna Smiedt and her legal team in Arlington offer thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you determine the best avenue for your case and achieve the best possible outcome. Ms. Smiedt has helped clients with their family law and divorce cases since she began practicing in 1986.
We understand that this process can be confusing. Contact our law firm with your questions or discuss your situation in-depth during a consultation with our attorneys by calling our office at:
(817) 572-9900
Fees & Payment Options at Our Office Is it your first time hiring a lawyer?
Knowing what to expect when it comes to legal fees can help you feel more prepared. Clients of The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt can typically expect to pay a reasonable initial consultation fee. If you decide that we are the right lawyers to represent your case, you will receive a contract that you can sign immediately or later on.
Our Arlington, TX, Firm Handles All Aspects of Family Law
- Adoption
- Child Custody
- Child Protective Services Litigation
- Child Support
- Collaborative Law
- Complex and High Asset Cases
- Custody Modification
- Family Law
- Grandparent Rights
- Interstate Child Custody
- Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
- Paternity
- Post-Judgment Modifications
- Postnuptial Agreement
- Premarital Mediation
- Prenuptial Agreement
- Property Division
- Spousal Support
- Termination of Parental Rights
- Visitation Rights
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Separation and Family Law in Texas
Is it worth getting a divorce lawyer?
Yes, many common divorce situations require a lawyer’s help because both parties cannot agree on major issues such as the division of property and child custody. Even in a collaborative divorce, it’s easy to lose track of important factors that can impact the property you receive and who is responsible for certain debts. A lawyer can help you keep track of every aspect of the divorce and make sure you receive your rightful property according to the law.
What if my former partner and I can’t agree on anything?
If you and your ex cannot come to an agreement on the distribution of property, child custody, or other divisions, then that division will be decided in court. While settling disputes in court is not the best choice for everyone, it can be the only viable option when your partner is uncooperative or refuses to participate in the divorce. Our law firm can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
What information do I have to share with my divorce lawyer?
You must share all information about your property, including bank accounts, investments, debts, etc. Intentionally leaving any items out of your listed properties can lead to sanctions and other penalties. We also strongly recommend disclosing information about any threats, abuse, neglect, or other factors that could place you or your children in danger. We can help you file for temporary restraining orders and other safety measures to protect you and your family.
Do I need my former partner to sign off on the divorce papers?
No, you can file a divorce even when the other party refuses to participate in the proceedings. When a divorce case is brought before the court, refusing to participate will only take away the respondent’s chance to argue their case and have any influence in the court’s decisions including custody, visitation, property, etc.
"She was always professional and helpful" Another 5-Star Review
"Donna represented me with my divorce and child custody case. She was always professional and helpful. I never felt like she was judging me and I appreciated it immensely. Her knowledge of the law and the family court system was very good. Her office staff have always been professional and helpful too." Ross Dunk
