Family Lawyer in Dallas, TX for Divorce, Collaborative Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Prenuptial Agreements & High-Asset Family Law in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex

Dallas, Texas, where family law services are always needed

At Hargrave Family Law, we help people across Dallas go through divorce with dignity, protect what matters most, and move toward resolution without needless conflict.

Since 2013, our team has guided clients through intricate family law matters with a collaborative, future-focused approach that protects families, assets, and long-term outcomes.

In a court system this busy experience matters. Dallas County’s FY2025 Judicial Management Report shows that the Family District Courts averaged 2,124 new filings.

Our job is to make a hard process feel clearer and more manageable. Hargrave Family Law combines compassionate guidance with strong legal advocacy, helping clients make informed decisions instead of being pushed into unnecessary battles.

That approach is backed by a Board Approved Family Law attorney and recognition in Best Lawyers in America.

Understanding What a Family Lawyer Does and Why It Matters in Dallas

A family lawyer helps with divorce, child custody, support, property division, enforcement, and other legal issues that affect your family and future. In Texas, these cases follow specific state rules, local court procedures, and county filing requirements, so local experience matters.

In Dallas, that can mean handling cases in Dallas County family courts while also managing urgent issues like temporary orders, parenting schedules, or financial restraints.

This becomes even more important when a divorce involves real estate, business interests, executive compensation, retirement accounts, or separate property claims. Texas is a community property state, but that does not always mean a simple 50-50 split. The court looks at what is just and right, and high-asset cases often require careful valuation and strategy.

At Hargrave Family Law, the focus is not just on the ending of a marriage. It is on protecting your children, your finances, your privacy, and your ability to move forward with dignity.

Our Family Law Services in Dallas

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.

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Areas We Serve Across Dallas

Downtown Dallas
Uptown
Deep Ellum
Bishop Arts District
Oak Lawn
Knox-Henderson
Lower Greenville
Lakewood
Preston Hollow
North Dallas
Design District
Victory Park
West End Historic District
Cedar Crest
Pleasant Grove
South Dallas
East Dallas
University Park
Casa View
White Rock

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law

Clients across Dallas-Fort Worth choose Hargrave Family Law because they want a steady guide, a smart strategy, and a process that protects what matters most without creating unnecessary damage.

Collaborative, resolution-focused approach

Many family law matters in Texas can be resolved outside a courtroom, and our firm is built around non-adversarial strategies that reduce conflict when possible, while remaining trial-ready.

Built for complex, high-asset divorces

When significant assets, business interests, executive compensation, or privacy concerns are involved, details matter. We help clients make informed decisions that protect both their finances and their future.

Divorce with dignity

Our work is grounded in your values, not just legal tactics. We help you move through divorce in a way that preserves respect, minimizes harm to the family, and supports the next chapter you want to build.

Recognized family law leadership

Clients trust a firm led by a lawyer who is Board Approved in Family Law. Hargrave Family Law has also earned recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Tier 1 Best Law Firms.

Support that goes beyond the case

Legal issues do not happen in a vacuum. We stay attentive to the human side too, connecting clients with resources and support during the case and continuing to check in even after it is over.

Collaborative Divorce vs Litigation in Texas

In a collaborative divorce, both spouses agree to resolve issues outside of court with their attorneys and, when needed, neutral professionals like financial or mental health professionals. In litigation, a judge may end up making decisions about property, support, and parenting after formal discovery, hearings, and trial.

In Texas, both paths still must follow the law, including the 60-day waiting period in most divorces and the community property rules that affect asset division.

Collaborative divorce is usually better for people who want privacy, flexibility, and a less damaging way to move forward, especially when children, business interests, or significant assets are involved.

That matters because families still face the same high-stakes decisions when a marriage ends. Hargrave Family Law focuses on non-adversarial strategies that help clients protect relationships, preserve dignity, and stay focused on long-term outcomes instead of courtroom conflict.

Protecting High-Value Assets in Divorce

When a divorce involves a business, medical practice, executive compensation, investment accounts, or family wealth, the stakes rise fast.

The Texas Real Estate Research Center reports a median owner-occupied home value of $350,000 in 2025, which helps explain why property protection is often a major issue even before more complex assets are added.

Texas is a community property state, but that does not mean everything is split down the middle without analysis. Separate property, commingled funds, business valuation, reimbursement claims, deferred compensation, and tracing can all affect the outcome. For high-net-worth clients, mistakes made early can be expensive and hard to reverse.

Hargrave Family Law helps clients protect what matters through careful planning, full financial review, and resolution-focused strategy. Our team works to preserve value, reduce unnecessary conflict, and support practical agreements that protect both your assets and your future.

Get To Know Hargrave Family Law

Founded in 2013 by Jennifer Hargrave, Hargrave Family Law is a Dallas family law firm built around a simple idea that divorce does not have to destroy a family.

After beginning her career as an attorney in the financial services industry, Jennifer felt called to pursue a more compassionate approach to family law, one that minimizes conflict and prioritizes the well-being of the entire family.

Clients often come here because they want more than aggressive posturing. They want thoughtful guidance and a legal strategy that fits their values. Hargrave Family Law works to give clients the information and support they need to make informed decisions and move forward with dignity.

With a strong reputation in North Texas and a future-focused mindset, the team helps clients protect what matters most.

Our Process for Dallas Families

Initial contact

You reach out to Hargrave Family Law and speak with a Client Care Coordinator, who gathers the basics and helps you take the next step.

Case evaluation

You meet remotely with our Client Intake Specialist for a complimentary case evaluation focused on your concerns, goals, and possible paths forward.

Option review

Together, you look at practical options, which may include pausing, trying counseling, moving forward with representation, or scheduling a paid attorney consultation.

Attorney consultation if needed

If legal advice is needed at this stage, you can meet with an attorney tailored to your situation under Texas family law.

Representation and ongoing support

Once you hire the firm, your legal team takes over your case, and our Client Care Coordinators continue checking in monthly to offer support and resources beyond the legal work.

Post-case follow-up

Even after your matter is resolved, we stay in touch annually because protecting your next chapter matters too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

Do I have to go to court for a divorce in Texas if both of us want to keep it civil?

Not always. In Texas, many divorces can be resolved without a courtroom fight if both spouses are willing to exchange information, negotiate in good faith, and sign final agreements. You may still need a prove-up or brief court appearance to finalize the case, depending on the county and the judge.

Can my spouse empty accounts or move money around before the divorce is finished?

That risk is real, especially when one spouse controls most of the finances. Depending on the case, Texas courts can issue temporary restraining orders or temporary injunctions to stop unusual spending, asset transfers, or account changes while the divorce is pending.

It is also important to gather statements, tax returns, business records, and login information as early as possible.

How does child custody work in Texas if we both want to stay heavily involved?

Texas uses the term conservatorship rather than custody. Courts usually focus on the child’s best interests, and many parents are named joint managing conservators even when parenting time is not split equally.

The details matter, including school schedules, transportation, decision-making rights, and how you will handle holidays. In Dallas-area cases, a clear parenting plan often prevents future conflict better than a vague one.

What if I want a divorce, but I do not want to destroy my family to get it?

That is exactly why process choice matters. You can pursue divorce in a way that protects your children, limits public conflict, and keeps the focus on long-term outcomes instead of short-term revenge. The right legal strategy can include collaborative divorce and a negotiated settlement.

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Works with other attorneys in a more collaborative way to reduce costs and complete the process smoothly”

This speaks directly to Hargrave Family Law’s non-adversarial approach. In Texas family law matters, a smoother process can help preserve time, privacy, and family relationships.

“Creative… innovative solutions… all parties emerged victorious”

Complex divorce issues often need more than a standard playbook. This feedback shows a practical, forward-looking strategy focused on resolution rather than unnecessary conflict.

“Staff checks in regularly to update you on the process”

Clear communication can ease a lot of stress in family law cases. Clients value knowing where things stand and feeling supported throughout the process.

Local Family Law Resources in Dallas

Dallas County Family District Courts
Dallas County District Clerk
Dallas County Alternative Dispute Resolution Services
Collin County District Courts
Collin County District Clerk
Tarrant County Family Law Center
Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Services
Denton County District Clerk
Texas Law Help
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Dallas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Family Place

Get Started with a Family Lawyer in Dallas

If you are facing divorce, custody issues, property division, or another family law matter, now is the time to get clear guidance. Hargrave Family Law helps Dallas clients move forward with a steady, resolution-focused approach that protects what matters most.

To speak with our team, call us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. If you are ready to work with a Dallas family lawyer who values dignity, strategy, and long-term outcomes, reach out today!

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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

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

Professional woman with glasses in modern office

Michelle Heron

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

Carie Silvestri

Of Counsel

Navigate Your Dallas Divorce with Experienced Legal Guidance

At Hargrave Family Law, our mission is to help good people end broken marriages with dignity and peace. Our Dallas family law team provides the compassionate guidance and practical resources you need to move forward with confidence. We help clients resolve their divorces through collaborative methods, private settlements, mediation, and, when necessary, litigation. Whenever possible, we encourage non-adversarial approaches that minimize conflict, preserve co-parenting relationships, and honor your family’s core values.

With extensive experience in mediation, we have guided hundreds of clients toward fair, lasting resolutions that allow them to move on with their lives. If mediation is unsuccessful, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for your interests in court on matters such as child custody, child support, and equitable property division.

While we prioritize cooperation and resolution, we understand that some cases demand strong, strategic legal advocacy. Our Dallas divorce lawyers combine thoughtful strategy with deep courtroom experience to protect what matters most to you. Whether negotiating a complex settlement or presenting your case before a judge, we offer clear, confident representation that reflects your goals and values—helping you divorce with dignity and move toward the next chapter of your life with hope.

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

Your Next Chapter: Moving on After Divorce
Read More
Protect Your Business in Divorce
Being an entrepreneur, and having the freedom to create and control your own business, can be extremely rewarding. However, when…
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How Does Conflict Affect the Cost of Divorce?
How Does Conflict Affect the Cost of Divorce? Divorce is something that tends to produce powerful emotions in those who…
Read More
Inherited Wealth in Texas Divorce: Community vs. Separate Property
Learn how a high net worth divorce lawyer can help protect inherited wealth in a Texas divorce. Serving Dallas, Plano,…
Read More

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.