Divorce can be an emotionally complex and legally intricate process. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we bring strategic advocacy and legal expertise to guide families across Collin County through every stage of divorce with clarity and compassion.
With our firm’s established presence in North Texas since 2002 and legal experience spanning three generations, we understand how important it is to have our seasoned Plano divorce attorney protect your assets, parental rights, and peace of mind.
Our attorneys handle divorces involving:
- Complex financial assets: Multi-jurisdictional properties and real estate
- Business interests: Equity in businesses and executive compensation
- Retirement planning: Accounts, pensions, and stock options
- High-value property: Intellectual property, trusts, and high net worth estates
- Family matters: Parenting plans and custody disputes
Contact our experienced Plano divorce lawyers today to protect your family’s future and secure the guidance you need during this important transition.
Why Choose Our Divorce Lawyers in Plano?
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our legal team combines local expertise with a proven track record in family law cases across Collin County. We understand that divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a life transition that affects everything you care about.
Experienced Legal Advocacy
With our firm’s established presence in Texas courts since 2002, we bring familiarity with local judges, county-specific procedures, and the nuances of family law in Collin County courtrooms. Richard C. McConathy founded our firm with a commitment to providing strategic, effective representation across all practice areas, including family law matters.
No two divorces are identical. Whether through mediation or litigation, we develop tailored solutions designed to protect your specific priorities:
- For parents: Creating custody arrangements that prioritize children’s wellbeing
- For business owners: Safeguarding your company’s operations and value
- For high-asset individuals: Ensuring fair division of complex financial portfolios
- For domestic violence survivors: Obtaining necessary protections while pursuing divorce
During this challenging time, we keep you informed at every step and handle your concerns with empathy and transparency. Our commitment to responsive communication means you’ll never wonder about your case status or next steps.
The court decision is influenced by factors such as parental involvement, emotional stability, and the child’s relationship with both parents.
Our Divorce Services in Plano
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
We guide clients through both contested disputes and amicable uncontested filings. In either scenario, our team ensures all necessary paperwork, agreements, and deadlines are handled correctly.
Uncontested Divorce Benefits
An uncontested divorce can offer significant advantages when both parties can agree on major issues:
- Reduced legal costs
- Faster resolution (typically 60-90 days after filing)
- Greater privacy
- Less emotional strain
Contested Divorce Protection
When agreements cannot be reached, our litigation experience becomes invaluable. We provide:
- Strategic courtroom representation
- Thorough evidence gathering and presentation
- Expert witness coordination
- Aggressive advocacy for your interests
Child Custody and Support
We advocate for parenting plans that reflect the child’s best interests, including:
- Physical custody arrangements
- Joint or sole managing conservatorship
- Visitation schedules
- Fair and accurate child support calculations
Texas uses specific guidelines for calculating child support:
| Number of Children | Percentage of Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 20% |
| 2 children | 25% |
| 3 children | 30% |
| 4 children | 35% |
| 5+ children | 40% |
However, these percentages can be adjusted based on various factors, including:
- The child’s demonstrated needs
- Resources available to the custodial parent
- Educational or healthcare requirements
- Time spent with each parent
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Our experienced attorneys evaluate income, earning potential, and financial need to pursue or defend appropriate alimony requests under Texas law.
To qualify for spousal maintenance in Texas, the marriage must generally have lasted at least 10 years (with exceptions for cases involving disability or domestic violence), and the requesting spouse must demonstrate inability to meet their minimum reasonable needs.
Property and Asset Division
Texas is a community property state, which means most assets acquired during marriage are subject to division. Our firm ensures fair division of:
- Business interests and professional practices
- Investment portfolios and securities
- Retirement funds (401(k)s, IRAs, pensions)
- Complex real estate holdings
- Vehicles, collectibles, and personal property
Protecting Separate Property
Not all property is subject to division. We help clients identify and protect:
- Assets owned before marriage
- Inheritances received during marriage
- Gifts specifically made to one spouse
- Certain personal injury settlements
⚖️ Our team works with financial analysts and forensic accountants to trace separate property and ensure it remains protected during divorce proceedings. We’ve successfully helped business owners maintain operational control while creating fair buyout arrangements for ex-spouses.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders
Our attorneys assist with obtaining emergency protective orders and represent survivors in divorce proceedings involving abuse. We prioritize client safety while pursuing divorce remedies, including:
- Exclusive use of the family home
- Temporary custody arrangements
- Financial support during separation
- Long-term protective measures
Family Law Experience
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has successfully handled numerous family law matters since 2002. Our team brings the same dedication and strategic approach to divorce cases that has earned us a strong reputation in criminal defense. We understand the sensitive nature of family law proceedings and work diligently to protect our clients’ rights and interests during this challenging time.
About Our Plano Divorce Attorneys
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy bring a family legacy of legal excellence spanning three generations. Since 2002, our firm has protected the futures of individuals and families across North Texas.
Richard C. McConathy earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. As a member of the Irving Bar Association and Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association, he maintains connections throughout the legal community that benefit our family law clients.
The Divorce Process in Texas
📌 From filing to final decree, we guide you through each step of the divorce timeline—equipping you with knowledge, legal protection, and assertive representation.
1. Divorce Petition Filing
We help file the Original Petition for Divorce and handle service of process. In Texas, at least one spouse must have been a state resident for six months and a county resident for 90 days before filing.
Important considerations include:
- Grounds for divorce (no-fault or fault-based)
- Temporary orders needed
- Filing in the appropriate county court
2. Temporary Orders
We file for temporary orders on custody, support, and property use to stabilize your situation during the pending divorce. These orders typically address:
- Who stays in the family home
- Temporary custody arrangements
- Interim spousal support
- Bill payment responsibilities
- Temporary use of vehicles and property
Our attorneys prepare comprehensive temporary orders requests that protect your immediate interests while setting the foundation for favorable final settlements.
3. Discovery Phase
Our team gathers and analyzes all financial, custodial, and personal evidence to strengthen your position. Discovery tools include:
- Written interrogatories
- Requests for production of documents
- Depositions
- Subpoenas for financial records
- Expert evaluations (business valuation, custody evaluations, etc.)
4. Settlement Negotiations
Most divorce cases settle before trial. Advantages include:
- Saves time and money
- Preserves privacy
- Reduces emotional strain
- Gives parties more control over outcomes
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who pursue favorable settlements while preparing thoroughly for trial if needed.
5. Pre-Trial Conferences
If settlement isn’t reached, we represent you in pre-trial conferences where the court:
- Reviews pending issues
- Considers preliminary motions
- Sets deadlines and trial dates
- May order additional mediation attempts
6. Divorce Trial
In cases that proceed to trial, our experienced litigators present compelling evidence and arguments regarding:
- Property division
- Custody arrangements
- Support obligations
- Any disputed matters
7. Post-Divorce Matters
After the divorce decree, we assist with:
- Implementing property transfers
- Enforcing court orders
- Modifying orders when circumstances change
- Addressing ongoing co-parenting issues
Common Divorce Issues We Help Resolve
Texas recognizes different conservatorship arrangements:
- Joint Managing Conservatorship: Both parents share decision-making rights and responsibilities
- Sole Managing Conservatorship: One parent has primary decision-making authority
Key factors the court considers include:
- Child’s preferences (if 12 or older)
- Each parent’s abilities and resources
- Stability of each home environment
- Past parental involvement
- Any history of domestic violence
We help negotiate or litigate appropriate visitation schedules, including:
- Standard possession orders
- Extended standard possession
- Custom schedules for special circumstances
- Long-distance parenting arrangements
Our attorneys ensure fair child support calculations that account for:
- Accurate income determination
- Healthcare and educational needs
- Child care expenses
- Multiple household support obligations
- Special needs considerations
We assist with legal parentage issues through:
- Voluntary acknowledgment facilitation
- Court-ordered paternity establishment
- DNA testing arrangements
Establishing paternity is essential for:
- Securing legal parental rights
- Ensuring appropriate financial support
- Enabling access to benefits and inheritance
Our detailed approach to property division includes:
- Comprehensive asset discovery
- Professional valuations for businesses and real estate
- Retirement account division through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Tax-conscious distribution strategies
- Debt allocation and liability protection
Schedule a Consultation With Our Plano Divorce Lawyers
Take the first step toward protecting your family and future. Our experienced Plano divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy are ready to support you through every phase of your case.
Contact us online or call (972) 805-8855 today to schedule your confidential consultation.