Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process can be confusing and stressful, but you don't have to navigate it alone.
The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt can protect your rights and assets throughout this process.
If you need a divorce lawyer, board-certified family law attorney Donna J. Smiedt serves clients throughout the Mansfield, TX, area.
Facing Divorce in Mansfield?
Donna J. Smiedt Is a Divorce Lawyer Who Is Ready to Help You
"No one could’ve done a better job!" Mansfield Can Count on Our Law Firm
Roger L.
2022
Donna was flawless through the entire process beginning with the consultation and ending with a trial victory. Beyond the ending of the trial, Donna has continued to advise me and I greatly appreciate her assistance.
View on Yellow PagesKavin Piter
2022
Donna was always very prompt in responding and was able to answer every question. It was the first time having to deal with an event like this and no one could’ve done a better job! Highly recommend!
View on Google
Choose a Board-Certified
Family Law Attorney
Ms. Smiedt has been serving clients in Greater Mansfield since 1986, and earned her Texas Family Law board certification in 1991. Whether your journey leads to a mediated collaborative divorce or court hearings, Ms. Smiedt is an attorney who can protect your best interests every step of the way.
If you're in the Mansfield area and are facing divorce or other family law matters, request your consultation online or call:
(817) 572-9900
Our Arlington law firm is located just 13 miles north of Mansfield. We proudly serve clients throughout the Fort Worth area.
Both spouses can benefit from a divorce attorney to protect their financial rights and obligations.
Spousal Support
versus Spousal Maintenance
Texas courts don't use the term "alimony," which is used in most other states in reference to court-ordered financial support paid from one spouse to the other following divorce. Instead, Texas divorces can involve spousal support and spousal maintenance. These are entirely separate from child support.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is paid voluntarily rather than being ordered by the courts. For example, if one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the higher-earning spouse can agree to pay the other spouse a certain amount of money each month. The terms of spousal maintenance are agreed upon in the divorce settlement. Although it can be enforced like a contract, spousal maintenance is not a court order.
Spousal Support
When it comes to spousal support, the courts will determine an appropriate amount based on each party's available resources, the amount of time it would take to gain the skills or credentials to get a job that would provide adequate support, any domestic violence on the part of either spouse, and other factors. The duration of the marriage will influence the duration of payments. Failure to pay spousal support can result in steep fines or jail time.
Ms. Smiedt can help you reach a spousal support agreement, or advocate for a spousal maintenance agreement that serves both parties' best interests.
Child Support
If you and your soon-to-be ex have children, Donna Smiedt can advocate for a child support agreement that serves the children's best interest and is within the paying spouse's means. We invite you to take a look at the basic principles of child support:
Purpose
Child support ensures that a child will have the same standard of living in both households or, if child custody is only given to one parent, that they will have the same standard of living as before. It can also provide much-needed continuity and stability.
Distribution
The money provided by child support can be distributed in a variety of ways relating to a child's basic needs. These can include paying for food, as well as more elective things, like toys. It can cover transportation, education, housing, and the many other costs of raising a child.
Timeline
Typically, child support is no longer required after a child turns 18 or after they graduate from high school. In the case of a child with special needs, a lawyer like Ms. Smiedt can help you seek a child support extension so that your child has the resources they need to thrive.
Consider Mediation For Your Family Law Case
Divorces don't always have to involve contentious court battles. If your spouse is open to collaborating for a civil discussion regarding distribution of assets, spousal support and maintenance, and child custody, you may benefit from mediation.
Mediation is led by a neutral party. Both spouses and their attorneys can work with a single person to make arrangements and settle all aspects of their divorce, without stepping into the courtroom.
If you are interested in mediation, divorce attorney Donna J. Smiedt can serve as a mediator or as your attorney in a mediated setting.
A divorce lawyer can assist you in protecting your pre-and-post-divorce assets, and ensure that they are distributed fairly.
Do you have stocks, a real estate portfolio, or other high-value joint property?
High-Value Assets Require Aggressive Legal Representation
If you and your spouse have debts, a divorce attorney can help you make sure that they are allocated properly.
Dividing Debts in a Divorce
As you and your spouse go through the divorce process, you may also have debts to address, such as car loans, credit card bills, and medical costs. Generally speaking, all debt acquired during the divorce, regardless of whose name is on the loan, will be divided equitably between the divorcing spouses. However, the spouse who actively acquired the debt may be responsible for a greater share of it.
You do not want to be stuck with more than your share of this responsibility. Board-certified lawyer Donna Smiedt can make a compelling case on your behalf for a truly equitable division of debt.
Determining What Happens to
Your Mortgage
After a Divorce
Your mortgage can be both a significant source of mutual debt and one of the biggest assets you and your spouse hold jointly. Deciding what will happen to your mortgage can become very contentious.
Some divorcing spouses may decide to sell their home, splitting whatever profits are left over and potentially eliminating that debt. Others decide that one partner should have the home in their name, making them fully responsible for all costs going forward.
During your divorce, making sure all aspects of your mortgage are handled in a way that serves your best interests is critical. Having a board-certified family law attorney in your corner is the surest way to achieve the outcome you need. Ms. Smiedt is here for you.
Many spouses choose prenups and postnups to protect their assets. Ms. Smiedt can help you draft these important documents.
"I would recommend Ms. Smiedt and her team to anyone." Hear From Our Mansfield Clients
Joan smith
2022
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!
View on GoogleRoss Dunk
2022
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.
View on GoogleEach divorce case is different. From alimony to assets, Ms. Smiedt can guide you through the process with individualized legal assistance.
Talk to Donna J. Smiedt
When it comes to divorce in Texas, the tone can change suddenly. What was once amicable can easily become contentious.
Ms. Smiedt has helped many clients in Mansfield and Fort Worth achieve the right outcome through mediation. But she has also helped many clients dealing with domestic violence, high-value assets, and other factors that may lead to a more difficult divorce.
As you go through your divorce, protect yourself with the help of a compassionate lawyer who can assist you even if the situation changes dramatically. Board-certified family law attorney Donna Smiedt can bring you peace of mind in your divorce or any other family law matter.
To learn more, contact our law firm online or call:
(817) 572-9900
Divorce attorney Donna J. Smiedt can protect you, your family, and your rights.
"I highly recommend her."
Why Mansfield Clients Choose Our Lawyer in Their Divorce Cases
Lee Fedornak
2020
If you have to file for a divorce, PLEASE do NOT go into that unchartered legal arena without Donna's guidance. She is the consummate knowledeable divorce professional! If you are crushingly miserable in your daily life with your spouse, & true happiness is beyond attainable, be brave enough to save yourself. If you step into the Divorce ring, you need the very best to help you from a divorce attorney...That would easily be Donna. Her depth of knowledge in Divorce Law, Process & procedure is second to none. In the courtroom I will tell you she has few peers. She will successfully guide you to a resolution you will be happy with...Have you missed the word "Happy & Peace" in you life...Donna will help you find it again. After going through a challenging divorce with Donna representing me, I ended it by considering her not only the best attorney I could have selected, but a friend...now how many people can say that about their attorney? Thank you very much Donna!
View on GoogleValerie Moore
2019
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.
Her staff is fantastic.
In addition to divorces, Donna has provided professional services in other family law issues I have faced as well will preparation. The services she and her staff have provided to me, my husband and children span a time frame of almost 20 years.
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.
Stay Calm With Our Divorce Therapy Dogs
Even the simplest divorce can bring out many strong emotions. Our law firm understands this, and we're here to help. Not only can we provide the legal strength you need, but we also have some fluffy canine coworkers to help keep you calm during the divorce process.
When you visit our office serving the Mansfield and Fort Worth areas, our friendly divorce therapy dogs can join if you wish. Their wagging tails and adorable company can bring some much-deserved levity to your day.
We Provide Virtual
Consultations and Counsel
Another Way We Put Our Clients First
Divorces can be stressful, leaving you with much to do in a very short period of time. Our law firm is here to accommodate your schedule.
We provide convenient virtual family law consultations so that you do not have to travel from Mansfield to consult an attorney.
Our virtual counsel can cover mediation and collaborative divorce as well.
