Allen, Texas Family Law Attorney for Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division and Collaborative Divorce

allen family lawyer - hargrave family law

Since 2017, Hargrave Family Law has helped Allen families handle divorce, custody, and other family law cases with dignity and hope.

Allen is the kind of place where families thrive. With its quiet neighborhoods that cheer loudly at Eagle Stadium, award-winning schools in Allen ISD, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to picture the perfect life of calm and stability.

However even in this peaceful Dallas metroplex suburb, relationships can inevitably shift and evolve. Marriages built on shared dreams can start to drift apart under the weight of modern life, everyday stresses of work demands, packed schedules, parenting challenges, emotional distance, or years of unspoken resentments.

In a city like Allen, where privacy is valued and appearances often matter, it can be difficult to acknowledge that a marriage is broken or that family law help is needed. Behind many closed doors, couples are quietly facing those tough realizations.

When that time comes, having the right Allen family attorney by your side can make all the difference in privately finding the resolutions that are right for your family.

Family law is never just about legal paperwork, it’s about protecting your children, your finances, your emotional well-being and your path towards a new life. You deserve guidance that’s personalized and deeply rooted in both Texas law and Allen’s unique way of life.

With Hargrave Family Law you can take the next step with an Allen family law attorney who will listen to ensure they understand your family, your values, and your dreams for your future.

What Families Say About Hargrave Family Law

“From the first consultation, I felt heard, supported, and truly understood.” Ava H.

The process begins with listening, which matters when the stakes are personal.

“My children and family dynamic were always the top priority.” Erin B.

Parenting stability stays top of mind, even while untangling a high-asset estate or juggling unique family demands.

“Someone regularly checked in with me to see if I had questions or needed anything.” Allison B.

Consistent communication keeps you informed and in control of your own decisions.

“They helped me prepare, ease my fears, and provided such clarity and confidence.” Kim G.

Preparation and clarity replace uncertainty and chaos at every stage.

“They were personable, caring, thorough and have been amazing all around.” Liz R.

We provide strategic, responsive legal advocacy that treats you as a person, not a file.

The Decision to End a Marriage in Divorce is Never an Easy One

From the outside, life in Allen often seems picture-perfect. Families gather at Celebration Park, the community rallies at games in Eagle Stadium, and weekends are filled with neighborhood BBQs and soccer games. But many couples live in loneliness and quiet conflict behind the scenes.

We know that the decision to divorce comes from the piling up of emotional distance, loneliness, unmet expectations, and the exhausting pressure of maintaining a picture-perfect image, when behind closed doors life feels anything but perfect. In close-knit communities like Allen, it can be difficult to ask for help.

Reaching out to a compassionate Allen family law attorney is an empowering act of strength and courage.

With us beside you as your legal advocate, you will be empowered with information to make informed, intentional choices, providing the stepping stones to a brighter future for you and your family.

Family Law Services We Provide in Allen, TX

Divorce
Divorce for Men
Divorce for Women
Collaborative Divorce
Child Custody
Modifications
Child Support
Cohabitation Agreements
High Net Worth Divorce
Property Division
Prenuptial Agreements
Postnuptial Agreements
Post-Divorce Modifications

WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOUR RIGHTS

Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options. You may find that you are entitled to payment if your claim was denied or underpaid.

Schedule a Case Evaluation

Seven professional women posing in office setting

Understanding Family Law in Allen, Texas

Allen families are often deeply rooted, highly involved, and invested in setting up their family to thrive. That means family law here touches on more than just legal definitions, and it needs to shape futures in which you feel equipped and empowered.

From dual-career households to legacy wealth to cultural dynamics shaping parenting, every case has a unique set of circumstances that deserves to be understood, not generalized.

Our skilled Allen family law attorneys understand that family law matters here may involve:

Prioritizing children’s access to the top schools within Allen ISD or surrounding private schools.
Managing college savings accounts, private tuition, tutoring, AP testing, and college preparatory programs.
Negotiating high-net-worth asset division that includes retirement plans, real estate, investment accounts, compensation plans with extensive company benefits, and family-owned businesses.
Creating tailored parenting plans that support demanding extracurricular schedules or religious traditions.

We know that family law solutions in Allen must reflect more than legal statutes, they must reflect your real lives and your community.

Texas Family Law Basics, Tailored for Allen Families

While each family law case is different, every case must adhere to Texas law.

Texas is a community property state, meaning most property acquired during a marriage is considered to be community property and subject to an equitable division. This includes income (including deferred compensation and stock options), homes (including vacation homes), vehicles, retirement accounts, investment accounts, as well as debts and liabilities.

In determining conservatorship (custody), decisions are always based on what’s best for the child. Collin County courts generally encourage joint managing conservatorship, where both parents share custodial responsibilities for parenting. However, that doesn’t always result in equal parenting time for each parent.

Several factors may come into play, and that’s where expert legal guidance is beneficial. Texas courts favor shared continued involvement by both parents. It can be up to the parents to decide how time is divided if agreements can be reached; otherwise, the court will make those decisions for you.

One of our team of skilled Allen family law attorneys will walk you through these considerations and tailor your legal strategy to your family’s real-life needs all while keeping your goals, dreams, and desire for discretion top of mind.

Key benefits of hiring a local Allen family law attorney:

Understanding of local values that influence court expectations
Insight as to how specific judges view custody and support
Local connections with therapists and other trusted professionals
Expert valuation of Allen real estate and business interests

Protecting Your Children: Parenting Plans That Work in Real Life

Allen parents want the very best for their children, and that commitment doesn’t end when a marriage ends. One of the most sensitive parts of any divorce is developing a parenting plan that supports the children’s emotional well-being, academic success, and continued sense of stability.

In Allen, a parenting plan often means coordinating:

Coordinating pickups and drop-offs at multiple schools for children of different ages
Managing rigorous schedules affiliated with extracurricular activities, select sports, and supplemental academic training
Protecting time with extended family members nearby
Juggling vacation and holiday schedules that work around school calendars and work demands
Respecting religious or cultural traditions

Our compassionate Allen family law attorneys will help you craft a parenting plan that reflects your family’s values and keeps your children’s well-being at the very center of every decision. Keeping the children’s best interests in mind is at the heart of every decision.

Untangling Finances: Property, Support, and the Future

Addressing finances during the break up of a marriage can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Texas is a community property state, and marital estates may include marital assets such as:

Homes in neighborhoods like Twin Creeks or Stacy Ridge
Vacation homes inside and outside of the United States
Retirement plans, pensions, and 401(k)s
Business ownership or professional practices
Complex deferred compensation plans and stock options
Investment portfolios

If you are parting ways with shared debt, we’ll help you negotiate a financial outcome that is in line with your goals and equips you for the future.

Calculating child support in Texas typically follows a standard formula based on net income of the paying parent and the number of children. Many Allen parents realize, however, that their children’s needs exceed the basic child support calculation. Our Allen family law attorneys will help you negotiate payment for additional expenses such as:

Tuition for private school and/or expenses related to homeschooling;
Additional educational expenses, such as tutors, enrichment programs, college prep advising, AP testing, dual-credit college classes;
Extracurricular activities, such as select team sports (e.g., soccer, football, baseball), competitive dance, marching band, and cheerleading;
Other child-care expenses (e.g., nanny, au Paire); and
Summer camps and enrichment workshops.

For more information about child support in Texas, we invite you to download our Essential Guide for Texas Child Support Laws.

Spousal maintenance may also apply if one spouse lacks sufficient income post-divorce. Acquiring spousal maintenance in Texas is challenging because Texas law places the burden on the requesting spouse to prove they don’t have sufficient resources to pay for their minimum reasonable needs and that they cannot earn a sufficient income.

We find that spousal maintenance may also be awarded if that spouse is unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, or because that spouse is providing care for a child with a physical or mental disability.

Though spousal maintenance post-divorce is rare in Texas, temporary spousal maintenance is more common in that period while the divorce is pending and the community property estate has not yet been divided.

Your Allen family law attorney will help you ensure you have the right documentation, analyze your financial picture with you, and help you reach for the security and independence you need to move forward.

Life Changes: Modifying Orders and Enforcing Agreements

Life in Allen moves fast. New jobs, new schools, new demands on your time and finances. And sometimes, the court orders entered during your divorce no longer match your current reality.

You have options. The law can and should evolve as your life does.

Fortunately, Texas law allows for modification of child support or custody as long as there’s been a substantial change in circumstances, as well as an enforcement of the terms of the original order.

Maybe you’ve accepted a job outside the city. Maybe your child’s needs have changed. Maybe you and your children aren’t receiving the child support ordered. An Allen family law attorney can help you pursue:

Modifying custody or visitation schedules
Adjusting child support amounts to reflect new circumstances
Enforcing compliance with existing court orders

Your First Consultation With Hargrave Family Law

Taking the first step to meet with a family law firm can feel overwhelming, but can also be empowering. You don’t need to have all the answers in order to reach out, with us you’ll have a safe space to ask the right questions.

During your initial conversation with Hargrave Family Law , you’ll have the chance to:

Share your story confidentially
Gain clarity about your concerns and goals
Learn what your options look like
Begin planning next steps with confidence, even hope

You’ll gain the information you need to make informed decisions as to how to move forward towards a brighter future.

FAQs: Allen Family Law Attorneys Answer Your Most Pressing Questions

Where do I file for divorce in Allen?

Divorces are filed in Collin County District Court, and we’ll help with all the logistics.

Do I have to go to court to get divorced?

Not always. Many Allen couples are able to come to resolution through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law, which avoids the necessity of a public trial.

How is child support calculated in Allen?

The State of Texas uses a guideline formula based on income and number of children, but it can be adjusted by the parties if they are in agreement, common in Allen in order to meet a family’s lifestyle or a child’s involvement in select sports.

Will I receive or pay for spousal maintenance?

Possibly. Spousal support is rare in Texas, is usually temporary, and typically applies when one spouse is unemployable and cannot support themselves or is caring for children with special needs. The parties can always agree to spousal maintenance as well.

Can I move out of Allen with my child?

Maybe. If there is a geographic restriction in your custody order, you’ll need the other party’s agreement or the court’s permission to relocate. If you agree with the other parent, you will need to formally modify the order with the court for it to be enforceable. If you ask the court to decide, it will evaluate what’s best for the child.

You Deserve Dignity, Stability, and a Future That Feels Like Home

Walking through family law matters is never easy, but it can be the first step toward a more peaceful, healthier, and more stable life for the whole family. In the Allen community where family, reputation and values run deep, you deserve a strategic legal advocate that understands.

With the right Allen family law attorney on your side, you will be empowered to make the decisions necessary to set you and your family up to thrive. We will help you protect what matters and step into the next chapter of your life with clarity and courage. And some hope as well.

Let’s move forward together. Schedule your Complimentary Case Evaluation today and take the first step towards hope and peace of mind. We’re here to help.

Contact Us

Call Our Office With Any Questions or To Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation

Call Hargrave Family Law

How We Support our clients

PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
We provide clear, strategic legal guidance designed to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
We draw on extensive family law experience to protect your interests and strategically advocate for the future you’re envisioning.
ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
We provide compassionate, strategic advocacy for parents. ensuring the child’s well-being is considered and remains at the heart of every decision.
ASSET PROTECTION
We provide thoughtful, strategic counsel to safeguard your assets and secure the financial foundation for your next chapter.
BUSINESS OWNERS
We offer strategic guidance tailored to business owners, protecting both personal and professional interests while preserving the value you’ve worked hard to build.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We craft creative, customized solutions that honor your family’s unique needs while protecting what matters most.

Choosing an experienced Attorney

Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Hargrave Family Law, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Dallas family law team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, offering the clarity, compassion, and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence. We focus exclusively on family law, helping clients begin anew with dignity and hope. We invite you to schedule a complimentary case evaluation, where our Client Intake Specialist will listen to your concerns, discuss your goals, and help you explore your options—empowering you to make informed decisions and start writing the next chapter of your life.

Meet them All

Smiling woman in glasses and black jacket indoors

Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Professional woman in navy dress, office background

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Smiling woman with short gray hair indoors

Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office building lobby

Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

Smiling professional woman in office setting

LaQuisha Batson

Associate Attorney

additional resources

Don’t Face This Alone

Part of our mission is to offer the resources you need to move forward and reclaim peace. We invite you to explore the wealth of resources and information available from our dedicated Dallas family law team. We’ve listed just a few below.

View all resources

FAQ

Have questions? we have answers

Will my spouse find out if I contact a divorce attorney?
The fact that you have reached out to contact a divorce attorney is privileged information and should remain protected. If you are concerned that your communications are being monitored, you need to bring that to your attorney’s attention right away, so we can help you protect your communication for that initial contact. I would recommend that you go ahead and use a phone that your spouse doesn’t have access to. If you have a phone at work or a friend’s phone, that can be helpful. Also, you may want to set up another email account that you can use for communication with your attorney. We want to make sure that all of your communication throughout the divorce process remains privileged and protected.
What is common law marriage (in Texas)?
It is quite possible to be married, even if you never had a formal marriage ceremony, you didn’t go to the courthouse, and you didn’t sign a marriage certificate! Marriage can come about by what’s called a “common law marriage.” So, if you live together, and you intended to be married, and you held yourselves out to other people as married, then you may in fact be married. That means if the marriage has come to an end, the relationship has come to an end, and you may also need a divorce in order to bring an end to that relationship. If you have any questions about whether you are married under the laws of Texas, we’d love to talk with you and help you figure out whether your next step is to file for divorce.
Do I need a premarital agreement?
If you are preparing for marriage, you may want to consider a premarital agreement as part of your marriage planning. Many people have the mistaken notion that a premarital agreement is simply planning the divorce before the marriage. And I’m going to tell you in my experience that simply isn’t the case, whether you’re in Texas or you’re in any other state, that state is going to impose rights and responsibilities with regard to your marital property. Wouldn’t you rather sit down with your intended spouse and talk about what those rights and responsibilities are, where the two of you are actually making the decisions about how you’re going to hold that property. If you own a business, if you have children from a prior marriage, if you have significant assets that you’re bringing into the marriage, or your partner has significant assets that a premarital agreement may be right for you at Hargrave Family Law, we like to work with our clients to make sure that the premarital agreement is a constructive part of marriage planning in Texas.
What grounds do I need to file for divorce (in Texas)?
In the state of Texas, couples no longer have to go through the painful process of proving grounds in order to get a divorce. In fact, Texas is a no-fault state, which means you simply have to show that the marriage has become insupportable, or in other words, the marriage is broken. Does that mean there aren’t reasons for the divorce? Of course not. There are always reasons for divorce. We no longer have to prove those reasons. At Hargrave Family Law, we know if you’ve been living in a broken marriage, it’s been a painful journey, and we want to help you bring us into that journey so you can start the next chapter of your life.
What is collaborative divorce?
A collaborative divorce allows couples who are beginning the divorce process to make the commitment to each other that they’re going to work together to resolve the issues that need to be settled. Instead of going to court and litigating the issues in front of the judge, they’re going to work with a team of dedicated professionals, including their lawyers, a mental health professional, and a financial professional who are all committed to helping them reach a final resolution. We find that our clients who engage in the collaborative divorce process enjoy the perfect privacy it provides for their families, and they enjoy the control. So there isn’t somebody else who’s making these decisions for them. And they also enjoy a stronger co-parenting relationship after the divorce is finalized.
Can I modify my custody agreement?
In the state of Texas, it is possible to modify the provisions of the original order. In order to do so, we need to show the court that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This applies whenever we’re changing child support.
- If somebody’s got a new job, and they’re making a significant amount of money, then it may be time to modify.
- If a parent has moved out of state, it may be time to modify the possession schedule,
- or if the parents are no longer able to reach agreements for any number of reasons regarding important aspects of the child’s care, then again, that may be time to modify.
In order to determine whether you’re eligible for a modification, you’ll need to meet with an attorney and see if your circumstances meet the threshold requirements in order to request the court for change, or the parties may simply agree to the changes in which case most of the time, the court will adopt those changes.
Should I empty our bank account before filing for divorce?
Emptying a bank account before filing for divorce will have serious consequences and will most certainly increase the tension and conflict in your divorce process. Before taking such a step, we strongly urge you to talk with your lawyer and make sure you’ve considered all your options. What we don’t want to do is take a step early on in the process that can make negotiating a desirable settlement, more difficult, if not impossible, later on.

You should also read this post on addressing your finances in a divorce.
I’m concerned my spouse will be abusive to our kids, what can I do?
If there has been any history of abuse in your home, whether that abuse has been directed against you or your children or any other family member for that matter, you need to take steps to put a safety plan in place as you prepare to leave your marriage.

We know that the decision to divorce is a very difficult one, especially if you’ve been in an abusive relationship. We also know that there is a heightened risk associated with the decision to divorce. We’re going to help protect you and make sure that there are safety measures in place so that you don’t have to risk hurting yourself or your children in the divorce process.
I was just served divorce papers. What should I do?
Being served with divorce papers can be a scary and intimidating time for many people. Not surprisingly when it comes to questions about divorce, we get this one a lot! The first thing you need to do is simply take a breath. You’re going to be okay. Divorce is a legal proceeding. And being served with papers is simply the formal way that your spouse lets you know that he or she has initiated that process.

Second, you’re going to find in the petition that there may be standing orders or a temporary restraining order. These are important to pay attention to because they may limit what you’re able to do – with your finances, for example.

There are other guidelines that are set forth in those orders that are very important, and you need to pay attention to them. Also, there’s a timeline that comes with the service of process, and that means that you need to get an answer on file. And there also may be a hearing date that’s scheduled. The very best thing you can do right now is to pick up the phone and contact a lawyer, so you can learn more about what this means for you.
I’ve decided to file for divorce, what can I do to prepare?
If you are in a broken marriage, and you’ve decided to file for divorce, the very best thing you can do to help prepare for that divorce is to gather information. First, you’re going to want to gather information about your household finances and understand where your accounts are.

If you have a financial advisor, take time to meet with him or her. Get copies of tax returns, and now is also a great time to get a copy of your credit report. In addition to financials, you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself emotionally. And by that, I mean take time to do the things that you love to do, spend time with people who love and support you. And finally, when it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the most important steps you can take is to meet with a divorce lawyer who can help you plan for the divorce and make sure you understand and know all your options.
How can I tell my spouse I want a divorce?
Having decided you want a divorce, your first big challenge is how to break the news to your spouse. Check the post, Honey, I want a Divorce for tips on making the divorce conversation easier.
How long does it take to get divorced (in Texas)?
In Texas, just because you file for divorce doesn’t mean you have to get a divorce. Sometimes couples are able to reconcile in the divorce process. If that’s something that you think might be an option, we want to know that early on, so we can help you select a process that provides the space for that to happen. And we can also put you in touch with resources that we think may be helpful.

You can also read te post How long does it take to get divorced in Texas?
Can I spy on my spouse during the divorce?
Before you take any steps, to spy on your spouse, whether you are installing a GPS tracker, you’ve got keylogger software, or you have any listening devices in your home, you need to make sure you speak with a lawyer. So many of these techniques for getting information about your spouse without their permission are illegal and can actually cause harm to your legal case. We want to make sure you get all the information that you need in the legal avenues that are available so that you can have the very best outcome possible.
How can I make divorce easier on my kids?
If you are beginning the divorce process, the very best thing you can do for your children is to let them know that they are loved by you and by the other parent. Here are some tips we found to help make divorce easier on your children.
- Keep your routines as stable and steady as possible
- Remind them that they are loved by both parents and be supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent.
- Make sure you’re not disparaging or discouraging the other parent,
- Make sure your child has time to do the things they love to do and to spend time with their friends and their family members.
- And finally, if you find that your kiddos are experiencing disruption in their sleep or eating patterns or that they’re experiencing sadness, this is a great time to get a child therapist involved to help support your child.
You should also read Breaking the News: & Tips for Telling Your Kids About Divorce and find out more information on parenting through divorce on our blog.
Can I date during my divorce?
When facing divorce, it’s understandable that you may want to move on to your next stage in life as quickly as possible. Maybe you’ve found a companion you’d like to spend time with while your divorce is concluded. Divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave discusses the legality of dating after filing for divorce and how to tell if you are in a common-law marriage in the state of Texas.