Divorce Attorney Arlington
You Deserve a
Top 1% Attorney
Unlike 99% of family law attorneys in the state, David L. Cook and Donna J. Smiedt are board-certified. Our team is deeply committed to fighting for clients in all matters relating to divorce.
Hear From Our Client
"Divorce is a challenging life experience and you want someone who is honest and experienced to represent you. Harris Cook LLP was just that for me, it was a lot of unknowns that they guided me through and help me achieve the best possible outcome. Though no Divorce was my hope and may be yours as well, your in good hands if you select Harris Cook LLP." – Michael, 5-Star Review
Our Board-Certified Attorneys Will Fight for You in a Divorce
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.
David L. Cook and Donna Smiedt are board-certified family law attorneys who have been practicing family law for decades. Our firm has helped many families in Southlake, Mansfield, Arlington, and the surrounding areas achieve positive resolutions to their cases.
We Handle Mediated and Collaborative Divorce A Faster, More Affordable, and More Peaceful Solution
At Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division, our lawyers believe settling your case out of court is often the best option. Our team offers mediation and collaborative services to help the parties agree on an amicable arrangement that serves their best interests. By keeping your divorce out of the courtroom, you can:
- Avoid the added stress and complexities of court
- Have more input on the division of property
- Build a more positive relationship with your children
- Maintain a better post-divorce relationship with your ex
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.
When a Collaborative Approach Fails We Won't Hesitate to Go to Court
Harris Cook Law offers thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you find 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 divorce attorneys in Arlington, call (817) 572-9900.
"I felt confident in David's professional and compassionate counsel." A Glowing Review for Our Arlington Divorce Attorneys
“Although navigating the process of my divorce after almost 20 years of marriage and the impact it had on my children was so difficult and hard to see them hurt, having the legal expertise and counsel of David and his team made what was such a scary and painful process one that I felt so very well represented in and taken care of through. Most of all, I felt confident of his professional and compassionate counsel and representation in seeking the very best way to lead my children and I through this process.”
– Katie, 5-Star Review
Securing a Dedicated Lawyer Can Save You in the Long Run
There are many factors that can add emotional, financial, and legal complications to the divorce process and make your situation harder. David Cook, John Clark, and our 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, there are several benefits to enlisting the help of a divorce attorney:
We Prioritize Your 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.
We Will Protect Your Property
Because marital property in Texas is not divided evenly but in a "fair and just" manner, you need strong legal representation to protect your property and best interests throughout the division process.
Our Team Is Your Biggest Advocate
If your former spouse has enlisted the help of an attorney, you need to do so as well. In fact, even if they don't have an attorney, you should retain one to make sure our best interests are protected. Without the right support in your corner, you run the risk of an unfavorable settlement. We support clients throughout Southlake, Mansfield, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
A Top-Rated Law Office in the Arlington, TX, Area
“I went to David to handle my divorce. He took what seemed complicated and certain to drag on, resolving it quickly and cleanly. His staff was a pleasure to work with. I have since referred numerous friends to his firm. highly recommend!”
– Jeff, 5-Star Review
The Basics of Divorce in Texas Allow Us to Explain:
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.
Get the Alimony You Deserve Our Team Will Fight for Every Penny You Are Owed
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, but your chances of being awarded this support are much better when you hire an attorney to make your position understood by the courts. Our firm is here to help clients throughout the region, including Southlake and Mansfield, understand every aspect of this area of law.
Discuss Your Case With A Distinguished Divorce Lawyer
David Cook, John Clark, and everyone at our law firm serving Arlington, TX, and Southlake 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.
Do you live in Southlake, Mansfield, or another community in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area? We'd love to meet with you. 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'd hire them again in a heartbeat." Read a 5-Star Review
"Donna successfully helped me get what I wanted out of my case. She charged a reasonable fee for her services and never once wasted my time. I would hire The Family Law Firm again in a heartbeat should I ever need her services again."
Charity Vicente, 5-Star Review
The Divorce Process With Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division
Our law firm in Arlington, TX, can help you through each and every step.
Loved by Our Clients
“We hired Donna Smiedt to handle a very contentious child custody case in 2010. My wife and I can not say enough good things about Donna and her personal attention to a stressful matter. We highly recommend to anyone going through a divorce or considering divorce.”
Ed McKiernan
Have Questions About the Process? Ask a Board-Certified Attorney
Our legal team in Arlington offers thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you determine the best avenue for your case and achieve the best possible outcome. David Cook and John Clark have helped clients with their family law and divorce cases for decades.
Our Texas divorce attorneys 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
Knowing what to expect when it comes to legal fees and financial information can help you feel more prepared. Clients of Harris Cook Law - Family Law Division 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.
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 for 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 regarding custody, visitation, property, etc.
"An amazing lawyer!" Another 5-Star Review
"Donna was an amazing lawyer in my case! She made things go by as smooth as possible and I would recommend her to anyone."
Ashley Hayes
