Family law disputes can permanently alter your life’s trajectory, threatening your relationship with your children, your financial security, and your emotional well-being. When marriages dissolve or custody battles emerge, the wrong legal strategy can cost you everything – from your parental rights to your retirement savings.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we understand that Plano residents value stability, family unity, and long-term planning – qualities that make family legal challenges particularly difficult for this community.
As one of Texas’s most family-oriented cities, Plano deserves legal representation that reflects these values while providing the strategic expertise needed to protect what matters most.
Our experienced team provides compassionate, strategic representation designed to preserve your family’s future in this thriving North Texas community.
Contact our Plano divorce lawyer today to secure the dedicated advocacy you need during this critical time.
Why Choose Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy for Family Law in Plano
When your family’s future hangs in the balance in Plano’s competitive legal landscape, you need representation that understands both the law and the unique dynamics of this accomplished community.
Our approach to family law goes beyond simply filing paperwork – we craft comprehensive strategies that address both your immediate concerns and long-term goals, recognizing that Plano families often have complex financial situations and high expectations for their children’s futures.
Experienced Advocacy
With over 35 years of combined legal experience, Attorney Richard C. McConathy and his team bring unparalleled expertise to every family law case. Our deep knowledge of Texas family law statutes, combined with specific knowledge of how Plano’s highly educated and professionally successful residents approach family disputes, gives our clients a significant advantage in achieving favorable outcomes.
We’ve successfully handled thousands of family law cases throughout North Texas, with particular experience serving Plano’s unique demographic of corporate executives, healthcare professionals, and technology sector employees. This extensive experience allows us to anticipate challenges specific to high-achieving families and develop proactive solutions tailored to your professional and personal circumstances.
Comprehensive Support From Your Attorney
Our full-service family law practice addresses the comprehensive needs typical of Plano families, from initial consultations through final decree and post-judgment modifications. Whether you’re a dual-career couple facing divorce, concerned about children’s educational continuity during custody transitions, or need estate planning that coordinates with family law matters, we provide integrated legal services that address all facets of your situation.
We understand that family law issues in Plano rarely exist in isolation from career considerations, children’s academic pursuits, and long-term financial planning. Our comprehensive approach ensures that decisions made in one area don’t inadvertently create problems in another, protecting your overall interests throughout the legal process.
Client-Centered Approach
Every Plano client receives personalized attention and respect, regardless of their case’s complexity or financial value. We recognize that behind every family law case is a real person facing one of life’s most challenging transitions, often while maintaining demanding professional responsibilities and community commitments that are hallmarks of Plano life.
Our commitment to client service means maintaining open lines of communication that work with your busy schedule, providing regular case updates, and ensuring you understand every step of the legal process. We believe informed clients make better decisions and achieve better outcomes, particularly important for Plano’s achievement-oriented families.
Strategic Representation
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we develop customized legal strategies that align with your specific goals and circumstances, knowing that Plano families often have unique considerations, including corporate stock options, professional licensing concerns, and children’s specialized educational needs. Our team carefully analyzes every aspect of your case, identifying potential challenges and opportunities to maximize your chances of success.
We combine aggressive advocacy when necessary with skilled negotiation to achieve resolutions that serve your best interests and allow you to maintain your standing in Plano’s close-knit professional community. Whether your case requires courtroom litigation or collaborative settlement discussions, we adapt our approach to match your needs and preferences.
Trusted Reputation
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has earned recognition from Expertise.com as one of the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas, demonstrating our commitment to legal excellence. Our reputation for integrity and results has made us a trusted choice for Plano’s discerning families who expect the highest caliber of legal representation.
Attorney Richard C. McConathy is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and former Treasurer of the Dallas Bar Association Criminal Law Section, bringing additional expertise to cases involving domestic violence, protective orders, and other family matters with criminal implications – particularly important for professional clients concerned about licensing and career impacts.
Proven Results
Our track record demonstrates our effectiveness in handling family law matters for Plano’s professional community. We consistently work to achieve favorable outcomes while preserving our clients’ professional reputations and family relationships.
Services Our Family Court Lawyers Offer
At our family law practice serving Plano, we provide a wide range of tailored legal services to support you through life’s most challenging transitions, with particular attention to the unique needs of this community’s accomplished families and their children’s educational and developmental priorities.
Child Custody
⚖️ Plano families often prioritize school continuity and extracurricular development. Courts increasingly support parenting plans that minimize educational disruption and honor children’s academic commitments.
Protecting your parental rights while maintaining stability for children in Plano’s school system is our priority in custody matters. We advocate for arrangements that serve the best interests of your children while preserving your meaningful relationship with them, addressing considerations like maintaining enrollment in specialized programs or accommodating professional schedules.
We also advise on how DWI convictions can impact custody, particularly in cases involving parental fitness or supervised visitation.
We handle custody disputes with sensitivity to how changes might affect children’s academic performance and extracurricular commitments. Whether seeking joint custody, sole custody, or defending against unfavorable requests, we provide strategic representation designed to achieve outcomes that minimize disruption to established routines.
Courts increasingly support child custody arrangements that minimize educational disruption and honor children’s academic commitments.
Child Support
Ensuring fair child support arrangements is essential for your child’s welfare and financial stability. We work to establish support orders that accurately reflect both parents’ income and the child’s actual needs, including considerations for healthcare, education, and activities.
Our experience with complex income calculations, including business ownership and irregular earnings, ensures that support orders are based on comprehensive financial analysis. We also handle modifications when circumstances change.
Common Law Marriage
Texas recognizes common law marriages under specific circumstances, and we provide legal support for establishing or challenging informal marriage claims. Our team helps clients understand their rights when common law marriage questions arise in divorce or estate proceedings.
We assist with gathering evidence to prove or disprove common law marriage claims, including documentation of cohabitation and public representation as spouses. This knowledge is essential for protecting your interests in property division matters.
Contempt Proceedings
When former spouses or co-parents fail to comply with court orders, we take action to enforce compliance. Our contempt proceedings address violations of custody orders, support obligations, and property division requirements.
Court orders require enforcement mechanisms to have meaning. Our approach to contempt proceedings ensures that violating parties face appropriate consequences while protecting your rights under existing orders.
Contested Divorce
High-conflict divorce proceedings require experienced legal counsel capable of handling complex disputes over property, custody, and support. We provide representation in contested cases, working toward a resolution that allows you to move forward.
Our approach to contested divorce combines thorough preparation with skilled negotiation and, when necessary, courtroom advocacy. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if required to achieve a fair outcome.
Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
Your safety is paramount, and we provide legal action to protect you and your loved ones from domestic violence. Our team handles protective order proceedings with sensitivity and urgency, ensuring you receive immediate legal protection.
We also provide ongoing legal support throughout the process, helping you go through protective orders while addressing related family law issues. Our approach ensures that protective measures align with your broader legal strategy.
Dividing the Marital Home
The family home often represents the largest marital asset, requiring careful legal analysis to ensure equitable distribution. We help clients understand their options, from selling the property and dividing proceeds to one spouse retaining ownership.
Our approach considers both immediate needs and long-term financial implications, including tax consequences and mortgage obligations. We work to achieve solutions that provide financial security while minimizing complications.
Divorce For Business Owners
Business ownership creates unique challenges in divorce proceedings, requiring specialized expertise to protect business interests while ensuring fair property division. We work with financial experts to accurately value businesses and develop strategies that minimize disruption to operations.
Our experience with various business structures allows us to address the specific challenges your situation presents while ensuring compliance with Texas community property laws.
Divorces For High Net Worth Individuals
Substantial assets require sophisticated legal strategies to ensure equitable distribution while minimizing tax implications and protecting future financial security. Our team has experience handling high-value divorces involving multiple properties, investment portfolios, and complex financial arrangements.
We work with forensic accountants and business valuators to uncover all assets and ensure accurate valuations. Our approach protects your interests while positioning you for financial success post-divorce.
Divorce For Men
Men face unique challenges in divorce proceedings, particularly regarding custody and support issues. Our advocacy addresses these specific concerns while ensuring that fathers receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.
We understand the potential biases that can affect divorce proceedings and work to protect men’s rights as fathers and providers. Our experience helps ensure equitable treatment in custody and support matters.
Divorce For Women
Women often face particular financial vulnerabilities during divorce, especially after years of marriage or time away from the workforce. Our strategic representation empowers women through focused advocacy that addresses these unique challenges.
We work for fair property division, appropriate spousal support, and custody arrangements that recognize women’s contributions to the marriage and family. Our goal is to ensure you emerge from divorce with the resources needed for a secure future.
Divorce Negotiations
Many divorces can be resolved through skilled negotiation rather than expensive litigation. We work toward solutions that minimize emotional trauma and financial costs while ensuring your interests are protected.
Our negotiation approach combines preparation with strategic thinking, seeking solutions that address both parties’ core concerns. When settlement is possible, we work to achieve agreements that serve your long-term interests.
Enforcement of Orders
Court orders regarding support, custody, and property division must be followed, and we ensure compliance with established orders through appropriate legal action when necessary. Our enforcement efforts protect your rights and ensure that court orders are meaningful.
We handle various enforcement mechanisms, from wage garnishment for support orders to contempt proceedings for custody violations. Our goal is to secure compliance while minimizing ongoing conflict.
Estate Planning
Life planning requires coordination between family law and estate planning services. We provide estate planning services that complement your family law needs, ensuring that your overall legal strategy addresses both immediate and long-term concerns.
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, and other documents that protect your family’s future while coordinating with any family law proceedings. This integrated approach ensures consistency across all your legal planning.
Father's Rights
Fathers deserve equal consideration in custody and family law matters. We champion paternal rights and involvement, working for fathers’ meaningful relationships with their children and fair treatment in all family law proceedings.
Our advocacy addresses the challenges fathers face in custody disputes, from establishing paternity to overcoming potential bias. We ensure that fathers’ voices are heard and their rights protected throughout the legal process.
Flat-Fee Divorce Services
For straightforward divorce cases, we offer transparent, predictable pricing through our flat-fee divorce services. This approach simplifies the divorce process while providing professional legal representation.
Our flat-fee structure eliminates surprises and allows you to budget effectively for your divorce. We provide quality services within this structure, ensuring you receive professional representation at a predictable cost.
Grandparent Visitation and Custody Rights
Grandparents play vital roles in children’s lives, and we advocate for grandparents’ rights to maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. Texas law provides specific circumstances under which grandparents can seek visitation or custody rights.
We help grandparents understand their legal options and, when appropriate, pursue court orders that protect their relationships with grandchildren. Our approach recognizes the importance of extended family relationships.
High-Conflict Divorce
Contentious divorce proceedings require experienced counsel capable of managing complex emotions while protecting your legal interests. We provide strategic representation that addresses the unique challenges of high-conflict cases.
Our approach combines firm advocacy with conflict management techniques designed to minimize escalation while protecting your rights. We’re prepared for extended litigation when necessary while seeking opportunities for resolution.
LGBTQ+ Divorce
LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges in divorce proceedings, particularly regarding adoption, parental rights, and property division. We provide knowledgeable representation that addresses these specific concerns with expertise and knowledge.
Our experience with LGBTQ+ family law issues ensures that you receive representation that understands the unique aspects of your situation. We work for fair treatment and equal protection under Texas family law.
Marital Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements provide essential protection for your financial interests. We craft marital agreements tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring enforceability while addressing your concerns.
Our approach to marital agreements balances protection with fairness, creating documents that serve both parties’ interests while providing the security you need. We ensure that agreements comply with Texas law and protect your interests.
We provide guidance on crafting prenuptial agreements that address your unique financial situation while ensuring enforceability under Texas law.
Mental Health and Addiction in Divorce
Sensitive issues involving mental health and addiction require specialized guidance and discretion. We address these challenges with the expertise and sensitivity they demand, ensuring that your case receives appropriate handling.
Our experience with cases involving mental health and addiction issues allows us to develop strategies that protect your interests while addressing these complex factors appropriately. We ensure that these issues are handled with appropriate care.
Modifications
Life circumstances change, and court orders must sometimes be modified to reflect new realities. We handle modifications of custody, support, and other family law orders when substantial changes in circumstances warrant court intervention.
Our modification services address various life changes, from job loss and relocation to remarriage and changes in children’s needs. We ensure that court orders remain appropriate and enforceable as your life evolves.
Possession and Access
Clear parenting plans are essential for successful co-parenting relationships. We help establish detailed possession and access schedules that serve children’s best interests while protecting both parents’ rights.
Our parenting plans address various scenarios, from standard possession schedules to unique arrangements that accommodate work schedules, distance, and children’s specific needs. We ensure that agreements are practical and enforceable.
Prenuptial Agreements
Protecting your future through detailed prenuptial agreements provides security and clarity for your marriage. We create comprehensive, enforceable agreements that address property rights, support obligations, and other important considerations.
Our prenuptial agreements are designed to withstand legal challenges while fairly addressing both parties’ concerns. We ensure that agreements comply with Texas law and provide appropriate protection.
Property Division
Complex asset division requires thorough analysis and strategic planning to ensure equitable distribution. We address intricate property division issues, including businesses, investments, retirement accounts, and valuable personal property.
Our approach to property division combines legal expertise with financial analysis, ensuring that all assets are identified, valued, and distributed appropriately. We protect your interests while ensuring compliance with Texas community property laws.
Protection Orders
When safety is at risk, we obtain necessary legal protection through protective orders and other legal remedies. Our urgent action helps safeguard you and your loved ones while providing the legal foundation for ongoing protection.
We understand that protective orders are just one part of a comprehensive safety plan. Our team helps you obtain protective orders and ensures they are enforced, providing ongoing legal support for your safety.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Fair spousal support arrangements must reflect your financial needs and contributions to the marriage. We work to secure appropriate spousal maintenance that provides financial security while being fair to both parties.
Our approach to spousal support considers various factors, including marriage duration, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. We ensure that support arrangements are appropriate and sustainable for your specific situation.
Contact us online or call our experienced team at 197-230-38867—we’re ready to handle a wide range of cases with both compassion and strategic insight.
Local Plano Resources for Families in Transition
Navigating family legal challenges often requires support beyond the courtroom. Plano offers numerous resources to help families during difficult transitions, and we encourage our clients to take advantage of these valuable services when appropriate.
The Plano Family Life Center provides counseling services, support groups, and educational programs for families experiencing divorce or custody changes. Their professional counselors can help children and adults process emotions during family transitions while maintaining focus on healthy coping strategies.
For families dealing with domestic violence situations, the Family Place offers comprehensive services including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. Their 24-hour crisis hotline provides immediate support when safety is a concern.
Plano Independent School District recognizes that family changes can impact children’s academic performance. The district’s counseling services provide specialized support for students whose families are experiencing divorce or custody transitions. School counselors can work with parents to ensure children receive appropriate academic and emotional support during these challenging times.
Many Plano families also utilize private tutoring services and educational support programs to help children maintain academic excellence during family transitions. Consistent educational support can provide stability when other aspects of life feel uncertain.
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Local mental health providers can offer support services and refer individuals to qualified family therapists and child psychologists when needed. Professional counseling often helps families go through the emotional aspects of divorce, custody changes, and blended family situations.
Collaborative divorce professionals in the Plano area include trained mental health professionals who specialize in helping families resolve disputes outside of traditional litigation. This approach can be particularly beneficial for families prioritizing children’s emotional well-being.
Plano families often benefit from working with Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA) who understand the complex financial implications of divorce, particularly for high-asset families common in this area. These professionals can help evaluate settlement options, tax implications, and long-term financial planning.
The City of Plano Municipal Court handles certain family-related legal matters and provides resources for getting to know court procedures and requirements.
Many Plano residents find support through faith-based organizations, community groups, and neighborhood associations during family transitions. These informal networks often provide practical assistance, emotional support, and connections to local resources.
Single-parent support groups meet regularly throughout Plano, offering practical advice and emotional support for parents adjusting to solo parenting responsibilities. These groups often share information about local resources, activities for children, and coping strategies.
Please note: While we provide this information as a community service, referencing these resources does not constitute legal advice or formal recommendations. Always consult with qualified professionals for services appropriate to your specific situation.
Get Your Family Lawyer Free Consultation - Contact Us Now!
Don’t go through your family law challenges alone. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy offers free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options without financial obligation. Our experienced team is ready to provide immediate guidance and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Available 24/7 for urgent matters – When family crises arise, we’re here to help with immediate legal guidance and protection.
While our Texas family lawyers serve clients throughout Collin County, we have a particular focus on the following cities:
- Plano
- Frisco
- McKinney
- Allen
- Richardson
- The Colony
- Carrollton
- Addison
- Fairview
- Lucas
Reach out to us at 197-230-38867 or visit our website to arrange your free consultation. We’re here to listen, assess your situation, and offer the legal guidance you need during this challenging time.
FAQs
What does a family lawyer do?
A family lawyer handles legal matters involving family relationships, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. They provide legal advice, represent clients in court, negotiate settlements, and draft legal documents to protect their clients’ interests throughout family law proceedings.
How much does a family lawyer cost?
Family lawyer costs vary based on case complexity, attorney experience, and local market rates. Many attorneys charge hourly rates ranging from $250-$500, while some offer flat-fee services for straightforward cases. We provide free consultations and transparent pricing to help you understand costs upfront.
What questions should I ask during a consultation with a family lawyer?
Key questions include:
- What’s your experience with cases like mine?
- What are my legal options and likely outcomes?
- How do you charge for services?
- What’s your communication style and availability?
- How long might my case take?
- What documents should I gather?
- What strategy do you recommend for my situation?