Dad hugging daughter with mom in the background sitting on the couch

Family Law

Is your family facing a major change that will require legal involvement?

Whether your family is facing a devastating scenario like divorce or a joyous occasion like adoption, you need the help of an attorney.

Attorney Donna J. Smiedt helps families throughout Southlake, Westover Hills, Mansfield, and Arlington, TX, in all areas of family law.

Reasons to Hire a Law Firm

Rings

Considering Divorce?

Sometimes, dissolving your marriage is the best possible solution for you, your partner, and your children. In Texas, marital property is not divided evenly. Instead, it is divided "fairly and justly." Our team can help you secure the property you deserve and ensure your rights are protected long-term.

Daughter and dad

Want to Protect Your Children?

If you share children with a former spouse or partner, you need an attorney to help you protect your child's best interests in the future. After reviewing your situation, we will work closely with your family to reach child custody and child support agreements that uphold your child's best interests at all times.

Smiling girl being hugged by woman

Thinking about Adoption?

Adoption is a lengthy and complex process. By pursuing it on your own, you run the risk of unnecessary delays and future issues. Our firm also assists families who are going through adoption, and our lawyers will work directly with agencies or biological parents to ensure a smooth and lawful process.

Need Help with Your Family Law Case? Schedule a Consultation with Our Law Firm

Family law cases can quickly become very emotional for everyone involved. Because issues concerning families are often highly complex, they require compassionate and dedicated legal representation.

At The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt, we understand what you are going through and will work tirelessly to protect your best interests. Donna J. Smiedt is Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization who has received extensive training in this area. Additionally, our legal team is trained in collaborative law and mediation to achieve fair, effective, and amicable resolutions outside of the courtroom. To speak to our Arlington, TX, team about your case, contact us online or call our law office:

(817) 572-9900

"They Go Out of Their Way to Help You"

1

Louise Ervin

2016

Google logo

Donna Smiedts Law Firm makes you feel comfortable when you walk in . Donna and her staff did a great job for us and they are there when we need them. They go out of their way to help you. We would recommend The Law Firm of Donna Smiedt very highly.

View on Google
1

Jerry J.

June 2019

Google logo

Donna has represented my son in a child custody case and my wife and I in a grandparents custody case and she has done a masterful job. I don't know where my grandchildren would be without Donna.  She has given them a chance to have a much better  life and a chance to be loved and grow into well rounded adults. Donna is a very caring person that really looks out for the benefit of children and her clients.

View On Google

We help clients throughout Westover Hills and Southlake.

What Is Family Law?

Family law pertains to divorce, spousal support, child custody and support, paternity, and virtually all other legal issues involving families.

Donna J. Smiedt offers representation to help families in Arlington, TX, Fort Worth, and Tarrant County achieve amicable and positive long-term outcomes. Our family law firm can negotiate arrangements that serve your children's best interests as well as your own. In addition, Donna and our team can also help draft and finalize prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. 

Family seeking legal assistance

Reasons to Choose Our Family Law Firm  To Represent You

Donna J. Smiedt

Decades in Practice

This is a very specialized area of law, and not all attorneys are qualified to represent families in these types of cases. But Donna J. Smiedt has been practicing family law since 1986. Over the past three decades, she has helped many families achieve positive resolutions.

Family law book and gavel

Certification

Donna J. Smiedt is one of the only attorneys in Arlington, Fort Worth, or Tarrant County who is a Board Certified Family Law Attorney - Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She earned this certification in 1991, and has since completed additional training in this field to better serve Arlington, TX, and Fort Worth-area clients.

5 star service

Results

Our attorneys make every effort to accomplish our clients' wishes and goals within the parameters of the law. A vast majority of our clients have been very happy with the outcomes of their cases. As a result, our Arlington, TX, law firm has received dozens of five-star reviews online. 

Fort Worth Chooses Us For Quality Representation

1

James Pitar

2022

Google logo

Ms. Smiedt provided excellent representation for us in a family law matter. Her experience, knowledge and determination led us to an excellent outcome. She's friendly, professional, and extremely effective at achieving favorable results. I recommend her without hesitation.

View On Google
1

Ross Dunk

2022

Google logo

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 Google

A Compassionate Law Office Ready To Handle Your Family Law Needs

Filing for divorce, determining custody, or trying to adopt can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Our dedicated law firm is there for you every step of the way to help relieve the stress these family law cases can involve. Our compassionate team understands the importance of discretion since we are dealing with the personal lives of you and your family. When you choose our law firm, you can be sure you are getting dedicated, compassionate care from every person at our office.

Call our Forth Worth, and Mansfield, TX, law office today to speak with a member of our team about your family law case.

Team

"Supportive, Professional,
Ethical and Well-Respected"

1

Lee Fedornak

2020

Google logo

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 Google
1

Valerie Moore

2019

Google logo

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.

View on Google

Facing a Family Law Issue?  Schedule a Consultation with Our Team

Lawyers

We serve communities throughout the area, including Southlake and Westover Hills.

Families throughout Arlington, Fort Worth, and Tarrant County have looked to The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt for over 30 years. Because Donna Smiedt is a Board Certified Family Law Attorney – Texas Board of Legal Specialization, she possesses knowledge and training in the area of family law that many other attorneys can't offer. To speak to us about your situation, request a consultation at our Arlington, TX, law office. Contact us online or call us:

(817) 572-9900

Do I Really
Need a Lawyer?

/

Are you thinking of representing yourself in order to save time and money? It's important to think about how much you have to lose

Our lawyers are specially versed in family matters, and we can easily identify risks of unfavorable outcomes for you or your family. Don't risk a negative outcome. 

Our Lawyers Are Also Trained in Collaborative Law & Mediation

Donna J. Smiedt and our legal team are trained in collaborative law and mediation. With collaborative law, our lawyers make it possible for our clients to achieve fair, effective, and amicable resolutions outside of court. In most cases, collaborative law and mediation results in faster, more cost-effective resolutions, which saves our clients time and money compared to traditional methods of litigation. 

A collaborative approach to family law can also keep disputes at a minimum, promote collaboration between parties, and make it easier to maintain a happy relationship free of resentment or hard feelings in the future. 

"Very Talented Family Law
Attorney That I Recommend Highly"

1

Ruth E.

May 2019

Google logo

Donna & her staff are the best. Divorce is always a very emotional time. They were always understanding, supportive, very professional.
If you’re an animal lover & concerned about what happens to your four legged friend in all of this, Donna knows they are family, too.

View On Google
1

Catherine C.

May 2019

Google logo

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.

View On Google

 

We proudly serve clients throughout Southlake and Westover Hills.

A Law Firm You Can Trust In a Time of Uncertainty

We understand the emotional toll that dealing with family legal issues has on every individual. That is why we take the time to understand your needs and situation. We also strive to make each of our clients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible at our office, which is why we have divorce therapy dogs. In a time of high stress and uncertainty, you can be sure the Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt will do everything we can to give you the representation you deserve and the results you want. Contact us online or call our Arlington, TX office:

(817) 572-9900

Team Photo

What to Expect

/

When you request a consultation at our Arlington office, we will get to know you and your case. Based on our conversation, we will advise you on what documentation to bring to your consultation. 

To help as many clients as possible obtain the legal counsel they need, we offer extremely reasonable initial consultation fees

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Family Law Attorney?

Many families in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Tarrant County are hesitant about hiring an attorney because they are worried about legal fees. But our firm can help you feel prepared by clearly explaining your legal fees and payment options during your first consultation. 

If we mutually decide that we are the best attorneys for your case, you will receive a contract. You can sign on as a client immediately or at a later date if you need more time to decide. 

Couple worried about legal paperwork, in need of a law attorney's expertise

Family Law FAQ

How common is divorce in Texas?

Getting divorced doesn't mean you have failed. According to the American Psychological Association, about 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. If your marriage is coming to an end, you will need a dedicated family law attorney to help you navigate Texas laws and ensure your rights and assets are protected. 

How is property divided in Texas?

A judge must look at the property obtained before and during the marriage and determine which pieces of property belonged to an individual and which belonged to the couple. Texas works for equitable distribution of assets and debts. This does not translate to 50/50. The determination of asset distribution is based on the spouse's financial contribution, financial situation, and the duration of the marriage. You should consult a family law attorney to ensure your assets are protected.

What is interstate child custody?

Interstate child custody refers to a custody agreement where the parents live in different states. This can make custody disputes even more complicated. Donna J. Smiedt and her legal team can navigate you through this complicated legal issue living in different states creates. 

How is my child protected during my divorce?

Just like the Texas court system, our law firm puts the needs and best interests of your children first. We fight to get them the best possible outcome for visitation, custody, and child support. Our law firm can also ensure your ex-spouse is honoring their visitation and custody arrangement after the divorce proceedings. Missed visitations can be harmful to your child, and your ex-spouse should be held responsible. Our law firm can help to ensure that the existing court order is honored.

Am I eligible to adopt?

You should contact our law firm if you are looking to adopt, but are unsure if you are eligible to become adoptive parents. In Texas, any adult who is in good health, has good financial standing, and has a stable, safe home can adopt a child. Different agencies within the state may have their own requirements, so it is crucial to have a family law attorney by your side when adopting. We can help you navigate adoption through agencies, biological parents, and relatives. We can also help in situations involving foster children.

"I Would Not Trust Any Other Lawyer"

1

Tony Hamud

2021

Google logo

I have known Donna since 2006 and am beyond grateful to have had her on my side. She is considerate, confident, and truly a loving person. My journey with her has led her to become a genuine friend of mine and I would highly recommend her to anyone! She will listen to your needs and pour her heart into being an advocate for you. She is unlike any other lawyer and will be real with you and take care of business. She excels at what she does and has a passion for winning for all of her clients. She will listen to you and make it her mission to help you throughout your difficult times. Additionally, her staff is very welcoming and helpful. As a person who has gone through two divorces, I would not trust any other lawyer than Donna. Her name, experience, and years in the business tells you all that you need to know.

View on Google
1

Allison Mcdonald

Arlington, TX

2023

Google logo

Mrs. Donna was an extremely professional and patient individual. He helped myself and my son through a very rough and long time. I would definitely reccomend him to anyone in need of family law attorneys that need an expert in the field.

View on Google
the team at The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt

The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt

The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt is the premier destination for clients who need representation during a divorce, adoption, or other family law matters. Donna J. Smiedt has been in practice since 1986 and is a Board Certified Family Law Attorney – Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Her other professional affiliations include:

  • Texas Bar College
  • Arlington Bar Association
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
  • Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists

To schedule a consultation at our Arlington or Southlake, TX, law firm, contact us online or call (817) 572-9900.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite