Divorce Lawyer in Dallas, TX | High-Asset Divorce, Collaborative Divorce, Property Division, Child Custody & Spousal Support in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Downtown Dallas skyline where a growing population needs divorce services.

At Hargrave Family Law, At Hargrave Family Law, we help people across Dallas move through divorce with dignity and a focus on practical resolutions rather than unnecessary conflict. Since 2017, our team has guided clients through family law matters with a non-adversarial approach backed by more than 230 years of combined experience.

Divorce law in Texas governs how a marriage legally ends and how related issues such as property division, child support, conservatorship, and possession are resolved. In Dallas, these cases are handled through district courts, associate courts, and child support courts that oversee divorce matters.

Recognized year after year by Best Lawyers in America®, Best Law Firms®, and Texas Super Lawyers®, Hargrave Family Law combines legal advocacy with compassionate support. If your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires advocacy in court, our team helps you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Our Divorce Services in Dallas

Uncontested Divorce
Contested Divorce
Divorce for Men
Divorce for Women
High-Asset Divorce
Collaborative Divorce
Divorce Mediation
Military Divorce
Law Enforcement Divorce
Same-Sex Divorce
Divorce for Business Owners
Divorce for Professional Practice Owners
Property Division
Legacy Wealth Division
Complex Asset Division
Debt Division
Spousal Support / Alimony
Temporary Orders
Divorce Involving Children
Post-Divorce Modifications
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreement Disputes
Annulment

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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7 Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid in Dallas

Across the Dallas Metriplex, some of the most common mistakes happen when people act too quickly, rely on assumptions, or make emotional decisions without a clear and intentional legal strategy.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

Making major financial moves too soon: Selling property, transferring money, hiding assets, or taking on new debt can create serious problems in a divorce case. Most courts immediately institute a Standing Order preventing such actions.
Assuming everything will be split automatically and equally: Texas community property law and how property is ultimately divided is not always straightforward. Marital property must still be identified, classified, and valued correctly. This includes your home, retirement account, credit card debt, more.
Relying on verbal agreements: Informal agreements about children, support, or property may not protect you if the other spouse changes course. All agreements should be in writing, and should be clear, concise, and mutually agreed.
Letting conflict or emotion affect parenting decisions: In custody-related disputes, courts look closely at how each parent handles conflict with the other parent and supports the child’s best interests first and foremost.
Posting too much on social media: Messages, photos, and online activity can become part of the divorce case and may be used against you. Airing your dirty laundry in public can reflect poorly on you.
Thinking the same strategy is good for every divorce: Some cases are easily and best resolved through negotiation. Others may require mediation to settle. And others may need a more assertive approach in court. Taking advice from well-meaning friends does not take into account your unique situation, and may not be accurate legally.
Waiting too long to get legal guidance: Delays in consulting with an attorney can lead to very costly mistakes, especially when property and custody are involved. It can often cost more to undo damage from missteps that could have been avoided than if you’d gotten legal advice from the start.

Collaborative Divorce for High-Asset Families

In Texas, collaborative divorce is a formal legal process in which both spouses work with specially trained attorneys and, when needed, neutral financial or mental health professionals.

This approach is often well-suited for families involving high-profile personalities, structured executive compensation, business interests, extensive real estate portfolios, retirement accounts, trusts, legacy wealth, and separate-versus-community property questions.

The collaborative divorce approach allows the parties to privately craft a creative agreement that fits their unique family rather than rely on the standard rules agreements that the court will use to decide. It also keeps their divorce out of the courtroom and public eye.

Hargrave Family Law helps our clients pursue a resolution in line with their core values, with dignity. Our team focuses on informed decision-making, future-focused planning, and practical solutions that protect relationships as well as assets.

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law

Supportive counsel throughout the process
Clients receive clear guidance, practical information, and personal attention at every stage of your divorce so you can make informed decisions with confidence throughout this challenging life transition.
Experienced with high-asset divorce, complicated asset divisions
From business ownership and executive compensation to legacy wealth or separate property disputes, our team is equipped to handle divorce matters involving substantial assets, complicated business ownership, a private professional practice, and other high stakes.
Collaborative divorce strategies that reduce unnecessary conflict
Members of our team are certified in the collaborative divorce process. Even if a divorce does not follow the formal collaborative divorce path, we use the same techniques to prioritize practical, non-adversarial solutions whenever possible, reducing unnecessary and costly conflict..
A proven track record in Texas divorce representation
We empower our clients to design their next chapter with hope, focusing on pursuing solutions that fit their family without escalating conflict that can drain time and emotional energy. Former clients refer others to us, and that is the biggest endorsement we are proud to receive.
Respected in divorce representation by both peers and clients
Hargrave Family Law and our team has consistently earned recognition and high ratings including Best Lawyers in America®, Texas Super Lawyers®, AV Preeminent®, SuperLawyers® and Best Law Firms®, reflecting the integrity and trust our clients and peers place in our team when handling divorce matters.

Protecting Complex Assets in Divorce

When divorce involves businesses, investments, executive compensation, trusts, professional practices, or real estate portfolios, property division requires careful analysis. Texas is a community property state, but that does not mean every asset is automatically divided equally.

Key questions include whether an asset is community or separate property, how it should be valued, and how it can be divided without harming its long-term value.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help our clients protect complex assets through practical strategies such as separate property tracing, neutral valuations, and settlement structures designed to preserve operations, privacy, and future earning power.

About Hargrave Family Law

Since 2017, Hargrave Family Law has helped Dallas-Fort Worth families move through divorce with dignity, clarity, and a focus on the future. Founded by Jennifer Hargrave, the firm was built to change the way divorce is approached by fosusing on informed decision-making, collaborative resolution, and compassionate support.

Clients turn to Hargrave Family Law for proven experience, including Board Certified Family Law attorneys, a 4.9-star rating across more than 200 reviews, and recognition from Best Lawyers in America®, Best Law Firms®, and Texas Super Lawyers®.

Our Process For Dallas Clients

Reach out to our team

You reach out to our firm and speak with a Client Care Coordinator, who gathers the basic details and schedules you for the right next step.

Initial case evaluation

You meet with our Client Intake Specialist, a non-attorney specially trained member of our team, for a complimentary case evaluation, a confidential conversation focused on your concerns, your goals, and the options available to you. No judgement, no obligations.

Review your options

Depending on your situation, that may mean trying counseling, moving forward with representation by our firm, or scheduling a paid attorney consultation for additional exploration and legal advice.

Meet with an attorney if needed

If additional information or legal guidance is appropriate, you can have a paid consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss legal questions you may have about divorce in Texas, specific custody issues, the court process, and or a possible legal strategy that fits your family.

Retain the firm and begin your case

Once you hire Hargrave Family Law, your legal team takes over right away and helps you create a resolution-focused strategy that protects your child, assets, and supports long-term stability.

Support that continues during and after the case

Our Client Care Coordinators continue checking in with you during your case and stay in touch after the case ends to help connect you with any needed support and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce

If my spouse and I both want to keep things civil, do we really need divorce lawyers in Dallas?

Usually, yes. Even in an amicable divorce, you still need legally sound documents that deal with property, support, and parenting terms in a way a Texas court can approve and is enforceable. In Dallas County, an agreed divorce can move more smoothly, but mistakes in the paperwork can still cause delays or future conflict later on.

How does property division work in Texas if most of our wealth was built during the marriage?

Texas is a community property state, which means assets acquired during the marriage are generally presumed to belong to both spouses. That does not always mean a straight 50/50 split, because courts look for a division that is just and right under the circumstances.

Separate property, business interests, retirement accounts, deferred compensation, and commingled accounts often need careful tracing and valuation. For high-asset families in Dallas, getting the classification and valuation right early can have a major impact on the eventual outcome.

Do I have to go to court for divorce in Dallas, or can everything be handled privately?

Although many divorces are resolved without a contested courtroom fight, a divorce must be filed and finalized by a judge. In Texas, mediation is commonly used to settle issues outside the courtroom, and the collaborative divorce process is another option for couples who want a structured, respectful, private divorce.

My spouse controls the money. Can I still start the divorce process?

Yes. Texas courts can issue temporary orders covering use of funds, payment of bills, and protection against unusual spending while the case is pending. One spouse cannot control all access to accounts or financial information. Formal discovery can also be used to uncover income, accounts, and financial and tax records.

How long do I have to wait before a divorce can be finalized in Texas?

Texas has a 60-day waiting period that starts when the divorce petition is filed. That is the minimum, not the guarantee, so most cases involving children, businesses, real estate, or disputes over property often take longer. If the parties agree on terms early, the process can be more efficient once the waiting period has passed.

What Customers Say About Hargrave Family Law

“Jennifer and her team are top notch.”- B.H.

This kind of feedback speaks to the level of care and professionalism clients want on their side in a custody matter. It reflects a skilled, respected, and experienced team that clients feel confident trusting during a stressful family life transition.

“They truly care about their clients and their families.”- K.K.

Families dealing with custody issues need more than someone to manage paperwork and court dates. This review shows the firm’s focus on you, not just the legal process. We walk with you every step of the way, providing resources for you and your children as needed.

“I always felt informed and supported.”- A.W.

Clear communication matters when you are making decisions that affect your children and your future. This shows the firm is dedicated to keeping you informed, educated, prepared, and involved throughout the process.

“Professional, compassionate, and effective.”- S.M.

That balance matters in Texas custody cases, where strong advocacy and practical solutions both count. Clients value a legal advocate that protects their future without adding unnecessary conflict, staying focused on your goals for your family.

“They helped me navigate a very difficult time with dignity.”- J.M.

This reflects what many of our clients are looking for: steady guidance, compassion, respect, clarity, and a hopeful path forward. It is the kind of experience that builds trust and confidence from beginning to end, and it’s a hallmark of our firm’s mission.

Local Dallas Resources for Divorce Cases

Dallas County Family District Courts
Dallas County District Clerk – Family Court Records
Dallas County District Clerk – Family Court Forms
Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center
Dallas County Domestic Relations Office
Dallas County Protective Orders Division
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Dallas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
TexasLawHelp.org
The Family Place
Collin County District Courts
Collin County District Clerk
Collin County Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
Tarrant County Family Law Center / Family District Courts
Tarrant County Dispute Resolution
Texas Access and Visitation Directory

Start the Conversation Today

If you are thinking about divorce, the first step does not have to feel combative and overwhelming. Hargrave Family Law helps clients across Dallas and the DFW metroplex start with clarity and create a plan that fits their values.

If your concerns involve complex assets, challenging custody issues, a desire for privacy, or simply determining how to move forward with less damage to your family, getting the right guidance early matters.

Even early divorce decisions can affect property rights, parenting arrangements, and long-term financial stability, so it is worth getting informed before you act.

To begin, reach out to speak with our Client Care team and schedule a complimentary case evaluation, today. 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

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Jennifer Hargrave

Owner & Managing Partner

Misty Cole

Senior Attorney

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Michelle Heron

Senior Attorney

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Donna Tomlinson

Senior Attorney

Katherine Zimmermann

Senior Attorney

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Hannah Rector

Senior Attorney

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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

3 Ways Tax Reform Can Impact Your Divorce
Going through a divorce understandably takes time and energy, and can leave aspects of life left on the backburner. If…
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5 Tips for Keeping Your Sanity During Divorce
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6 Tips for Telling Kids About Divorce
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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.