Dallas Divorce Lawyers

Dallas Divorce Lawyers Protecting Your Future, Your Children, And Your Property

JD Law, a specialized family law firm located in Dallas, offers comprehensive legal services to individuals facing various family law matters. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including divorce, high net worth divorce, child custody, child support, post-divorce modifications, collaborative law, and appeals.

When it comes to divorce in Texas, certain residency requirements must be met. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the state continuously for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. Additionally, one of you must have been a resident of the county where you are filing for at least 90 days beforehand. While Texas allows for no-fault divorces, fault may still be considered in certain cases, influencing property division. Our dedicated Dallas divorce attorneys will guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary procedures are followed and helping you determine the appropriate basis for your divorce. In high-asset divorces, the division of property can become complex due to the nature and value of assets accumulated during the marriage.

Overcoming the presumption of all property being community property requires clear and convincing proof that certain assets are separate property. Retirement funds, stock options, pensions, intellectual property, multiple homes, vacation properties, and businesses are just some examples of assets that may need to be evaluated and divided equitably.

At JD Law, we work closely with expert appraisers and financial experts to ensure a fair distribution of marital property. Child custody, also known as conservatorship in Texas, is a crucial aspect of family law. It includes various rights and responsibilities, such as the ability to make medical and educational decisions for the child, access to records and information, and the right to discuss the child’s well-being with school officials. While joint managing conservatorship is favored in Texas, there are situations where sole managing conservatorship may be deemed in the best interests of the child.

Our compassionate attorneys will advocate for your rights as a parent and work towards a custody arrangement that serves the child’s overall well-being. At JD Law, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of family law matters.

Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized and effective representation to each client. Whether you are facing divorce, child custody disputes, or need assistance with post-divorce modifications, we are here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights and interests.

Child Support

Supporting a child is a joint responsibility for both parents. In Texas, the court follows specific guidelines to determine child support, taking into account the monthly income of the parent with certain deductions. Typically, the noncustodial parent is ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. This support may continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. However, if the court emancipates the child or if the child gets emancipated through marriage, the child support obligation may end. If you have concerns about the amount of child support you should receive or pay, it is advisable to consult the divorce attorneys at our Dallas law firm.

Paternity

Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to clarify rights and obligations. Paternity suits can be initiated to determine biological fatherhood through a blood test. This allows a biological father to secure visitation rights or enables a mother to obtain child support from an unwilling father. While a paternity suit may be required in some cases, paternity can also be established through a signed acknowledgement of paternity form or through presumption. Presumption occurs when someone is considered the father if they are married to the mother and a child is born during the marriage or within 300 days of a divorce. Another presumption can be established if someone marries the biological mother after the child’s birth and voluntarily claims paternity or represents themselves as the child’s father while living with them during the child’s first two years.

Pre-Marital And Post-Marital Agreements

Texas follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which states that a pre-marital agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties before marriage. Both individuals should disclose their debts and assets before signing, and the agreement must be made in anticipation of marriage. These agreements can modify default property rights, so it is crucial for each partner to have full knowledge of the other’s financial situation. However, certain conditions can render an agreement unenforceable, such as an unconscionable agreement or involuntary signing.

Modifications

Following a divorce, significant changes in the ex-spouses’ circumstances may arise, necessitating modifications to the divorce decree or child custody arrangement. It is essential to seek a modification promptly through a Dallas divorce lawyer before the situation becomes unmanageable. To modify a child support order, for instance, a material and substantial change in circumstances must be proven. Such a change may occur if a disabling accident prevents the paying parent from working and meeting their child support obligations.

Enforcement Of Court Orders

After a divorce, it is often necessary to enforce court orders related to child custody, child support, or alimony. One parent cannot refuse to pay support because the other parent is denying visitation rights. Likewise, a custodial parent cannot withhold possession and access rights due to non-payment of child support. Instead, seeking enforcement through legal proceedings with the assistance of an experienced divorce lawyer in Dallas is the appropriate course of action. It may be necessary to request an order for contempt of court, which can result in a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine.

Collaborative Divorce And Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Peaceful Path To Resolution

Divorces often spiral into bitter disputes, but they don’t have to. At JD Law, we specialize in alternative dispute resolution methods that offer a more amicable approach. One such method is Collaborative Law, a groundbreaking approach spearheaded by Jasmit Dhaliwal in Texas. This method prioritizes the creation of a safe environment where spouses can openly express and resolve conflicts without resorting to court battles. By minimizing hostile communications, especially in families with vulnerable children, Collaborative Law often leads to faster case resolutions compared to traditional litigation. Additionally, it ensures privacy, a luxury often lost in drawn-out legal battles.

Seek Guidance From A Skilled Divorce Attorney In Dallas Or Surrounding Areas

At our law firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. With our extensive experience and expertise, we are well-equipped to guide them through the emotionally challenging and intellectually complex issues that arise in divorce cases. Alongside our primary office in Dallas, Texas, we also have a presence in Plano, Texas, and proudly represent clients in various counties, including Dallas County, Collin County, Tarrant County, Denton County, Rockwall County, Grayson County, Fort Bend County, Williamson County, and Harris County, among others.

The Law Office of JD Law is a boutique firm specializing in a wide range of family law matters, such as divorce, high net worth divorces, child custody, child support, post-divorce modifications, collaborative law, and appeals.