Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available 24/7 | Serving All of Texas
Listen Up, Arlington: Your spouse just filed for divorce. Right now, they’re meeting with their attorney, planning to take half your business, your house, your retirement, and limit your time with your kids.
Here’s the brutal truth. In Tarrant County’s packed divorce courts, preparation and experience make all the difference. One mistake in property division or custody arguments can cost you dearly.
The good news? Our law office has spent 35+ years making sure clients don’t get shafted in divorce court. While other lawyers are shuffling papers, we’re protecting your assets and fighting for your children.
Ready to protect your future? Contact our experienced Texas family lawyer team to schedule your confidential consultation today.
Many people ask, Do you need a lawyer to get divorced in Texas? While it’s possible to represent yourself, the risks of managing complex property, custody, or support issues without legal guidance are high.
Our approach combines extensive legal expertise with aggressive advocacy, ensuring you receive both skilled representation and fierce protection of your interests.
Uncontested divorces occur when spouses reach agreement on all major issues including property division, child custody, and support obligations. Our attorneys efficiently handle the paperwork while ensuring all agreements actually protect your interests and comply with Texas law.
Contested divorces involve battles requiring court intervention. Our trial experience in Tarrant County courts enables us to fight effectively for your position on complex matters including business valuations, custody disputes, and property division conflicts.
Texas courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody determinations. We help clients understand the difference between joint managing conservatorship (shared decision-making) and sole managing conservatorship (one parent has primary control). Our attorneys build compelling cases supporting your custody position while ensuring fair child support calculations.
💰 Support isn’t automatic—most spouses don’t qualify unless need is proven. Showing effort to become self-sufficient or long-term dependency changes the negotiation dynamic.
Texas spousal maintenance laws establish specific criteria before support can be awarded. Our attorneys thoroughly evaluate factors including marriage duration, financial circumstances, and earning capacity to pursue appropriate maintenance arrangements. We also provide guidance on tax implications and future modifications.
Texas operates under community property laws, making division complex when significant assets or business interests are involved. Our team works with financial experts to ensure accurate valuation of marital property, including:
Client safety is our priority. We assist clients in obtaining protective orders when domestic violence threatens family members. Our attorneys guide you through emergency procedures, court hearings, and safety planning.
Additional Divorce Services We Handle:
Richard C. McConathy is Criminal Law Specialist with over 35 years of experience, Richard brings courtroom expertise to complex divorce cases.
The firm handles both criminal defense and family law matters, bringing comprehensive legal experience to divorce cases. We’ve earned recognition from Expertise.com as Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas, demonstrating our commitment to legal excellence.
With three generations of legal experience dating back to 1946, our firm combines traditional values with modern strategies.
Our Track Record:
Getting to know Texas divorce procedures helps you prepare and protect your interests at each stage.
The process begins when one spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce in Texas district court. Texas requires a 60-day waiting period from filing to finalization. The petitioner must establish grounds—either no-fault (insupportability) or fault-based grounds like adultery or cruelty.
How we help: We prepare comprehensive petitions addressing temporary orders for custody, support, and property use. Our preparation prevents delays and establishes your position clearly.
In certain limited cases, couples may be eligible to void the marriage entirely. Learn more about how to get an annulment in Texas and whether your situation qualifies.
Temporary orders address immediate needs including child custody schedules, support payments, and exclusive use of the family home. These orders remain effective until final decree.
How we help: We present compelling evidence for your temporary order requests, ensuring family stability during litigation. Our experience with Tarrant County judges helps us secure favorable arrangements.
Discovery allows both parties to gather information about assets, debts, and income. This may include written questions, document requests, and depositions.
How we help: Our discovery process uncovers hidden assets and ensures complete financial disclosure. We use forensic accountants when necessary to identify complex assets or hidden income.
Most divorces resolve through settlement rather than trial. Discussions may occur through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative processes.
Settlement Advantages:
Settlement Strategies:
How we help: Our negotiators work to achieve favorable settlements while protecting your interests. We ensure agreements comply with Texas law.
Can you get a divorce without going to court in Texas? In many cases, yes—our attorneys often resolve disputes through mediation or negotiation, avoiding lengthy trials and maintaining privacy.
Courts often require conferences to explore settlement and streamline trial issues.
Preparation Tips:
How we help: We prepare detailed statements and work with opposing counsel to narrow issues, potentially avoiding trial.
When settlement fails, contested issues go to trial before a judge or jury.
Trial Preparation:
How we help: Our trial experience in Tarrant County provides insight into judges’ preferences and effective strategies.
After final decree, implementation may require property transfers, account divisions, and name changes.
Management Tips:
How we help: We assist with implementation, including QDROs and enforcement when needed.
Ready to defend what matters most? Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your family.
Knowing frequent challenges helps you prepare for potential complications in Arlington divorce cases. If you’re concerned about the financial impact, you’re not alone. How much does a divorce cost in Texas? That depends on your case’s complexity, legal fees, and whether it goes to trial.
Texas recognizes two primary conservatorship types:
Court Factors in Custody Decisions:
Texas follows guidelines based on the paying parent’s net income and number of children, with possible deviations for special circumstances.
Factors Affecting Support:
Establishing paternity is essential for unmarried parents seeking custody rights or support obligations.
Establishment Methods:
Father’s Rights After Establishment:
Reasons for Establishing Paternity:
Texas community property laws create presumptions about asset ownership that can be challenged with proper evidence.
Community Property: Assets acquired during marriage subject to division:
Separate Property: Assets remaining with one spouse:
Complex Division Issues:
Domestic violence allegations require immediate attention for family safety.
⚠️ Misused protective orders can unfairly damage your custody case. Responding promptly, legally, and professionally is the only way to stay in the game.
Texas Protective Order Types:
Protection Against Misuse:
Getting to know Tarrant County’s system and local resources can help streamline your process.
Tarrant County Family Court System:
Filing Requirements:
Arlington Area Resources:
Tarrant County Court Characteristics: Tarrant County processes high volumes of family law cases with emphasis on efficiency. Judges expect thorough preparation, adherence to rules, and professional presentation.
Additional reading: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Texas?
Our divorce services extend throughout Tarrant County and surrounding areas. We know local courts and procedures:
Central Tarrant County Cities:
Additional Counties We Serve:
Our attorneys regularly appear in Tarrant County courts and understand local procedures, judge preferences, and case management. We know which courts handle specific matters and the most efficient resolution paths.
Facing divorce requires experienced legal guidance to protect your rights and secure your family’s future. Our team provides comprehensive support from initial consultation through final implementation.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your circumstances, explain your options clearly, and develop a strategy addressing your goals. Whether your case involves complex assets, custody disputes, business valuations, or family dynamics, our attorneys will guide you with expertise and determination.
Divorce is tough—don’t face it without support. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy at (972) 303-8867 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
