Divorce Lawyer in Frisco, TX

At Hargrave Family Law, we represent professionals and executives across Frisco who are facing divorce involving high-value marital estates. Our team includes attorneys and paralegals Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization who have guided clients with marital estates ranging up to 9-figures through the division of significant assets. 

Beneath the polished surface of Frisco’s aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, many families are quietly carrying the burden of stress that change can bring. It might be the slow drifting apart after years of focusing on work and kids. Or it could be the emotional toll of juggling dual careers, both spouses busy working hard to ensure the financial health of the family.  Or maybe your goals and desires for your lives simply no longer mesh. 

In a place where the pressure to succeed is intense, reaching out for help can feel like failure. But it’s not. At Hargrave Family Law, we believe asking for support is a profound act of courage. It’s the first step toward reclaiming your voice, your family’s peace, and a brighter future for all of you.

In Texas, the Texas Family Code governs how a marriage legally ends and how related issues such as property division,  spousal support, child support, conservatorship, and possession are resolved. In Frisco, these cases are handled through district courts in Collin and Denton Counties. How you reach resolution is up to you, and who you choose as your legal guide and advocate matters.

We have been recognized year after year since opening in 2017 by Best Lawyers in America®, Best Law Firms in America®, and Texas Super Lawyers®, among other accolades. Hargrave Family Law combines robust legal advocacy with compassionate and strategic support. If your case can be resolved through negotiation or requires advocacy in court, our team empowers you to understand your options and make informed decisions to build a future in which you and your children can thrive.

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

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

Clients may arrive uncertain but leave feeling heard from the very first conversation.

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

A reflection of the firm’s focus on protecting co-parenting relationships and family stability.

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

Clarity and confidence replace fear when difficult decisions are guided by a strategic,  skilled attorney.

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

Consistent check-ins keep clients supported throughout the process and beyond.

Our Divorce Services in Frisco

• Uncontested Divorce
• Contested Divorce by the other party
• 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 within a Divorce
• Legacy Wealth Division
• Complex Asset Division
• Debt Division
• Spousal Support / Alimony
• Temporary Orders within a Divorce
• Divorce Involving Children
• Post-Divorce Modifications
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements and Disputes

How Divorce Works in Texas and What That Means for Frisco Residents

To file in Collin or Denton County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least 6 months and in the county for at least 90 days. Frisco residents file their cases with the Collin or Denton County District Clerk, depending on where they reside, and their case is heard in the Collin or Denton County District Courts.

While most divorces are no-fault, Texas still recognizes fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment, and felony convictions.

After filing an Original Petition for Divorce, Temporary Orders often follow, which govern finances and parenting while the case proceeds. A mandatory 60-day waiting period applies before a court can sign a Final Decree of Divorce.

Under Texas Family Code Section 7.001, courts divide marital assets in a manner deemed “just and right”, a standard that shapes how we approach RSUs, deferred compensation, QDROs, and business valuations. Texas is a community property state, and strategy matters when the estate includes complicated financial and physical assets, inherited wealth and assets, or a professional practice requiring accurate business valuation.

Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. And that growth brings complexity and stress. Divorce law cases in Frisco require more than a one-size-fits-all approach, they demand robust legal advocacy that will help you protect what matters most, as well as supportive resources that help you along the journey.

Why Choose Hargrave Family Law in Frisco

Board Certified in Family Law

Our team includes attorneys and paralegals who  are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by fewer than one percent of Texas attorneys. It signals a depth of experience that truly matters.

Fluency in high asset estates

Our firm works with up to 9-figure marital estates including RSUs, deferred compensation, legacy wealth, layered executive compensation, QDROs, and business valuations involving businesses and professional practices and physician groups. These asset types can be complicated to characterize, value, and divide properly under Texas community property law.

Peer-validated credentials

Members of our firm hold an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an AVVO 10.0 rating, and recognition by Best Lawyers in America® (since 2013) and Texas Super Lawyers® (since 2012 ), as well as repeated collective recognition as a Tier 1 Best Law Firms in America®. These peer-review driven and client review supported accolades indicate respect within the legal community and satisfaction among our clients..

A non-adversarial, resolution-focused approach

We use collaborative strategies that protect co-parenting relationships and minimize conflict and disruption to your family. Our representation is built around dignity, strategy, and long-term outcomes that serve you for years to come, not warfare.

Discretion that respects what is at stake

We handle your divorce with the confidentiality and discretion your professional and personal life requires. Reaching a viable resolution that fits your unique family outside of the courtroom is our goal, keeping financials and private matters out of the public eye.

What Shapes Your Divorce Outcome in Collin and Denton Counties

Several variables determine how your marital estate is divided, how parenting time is structured, and how long the process takes. No two divorces resolve the same way, and in both Collin and Denton Counties, the details carry real weight. 

Contested vs. uncontested: faster agreement on terms shortens the timeline and lowers cost, while conflict and unresolved disputes extend both.

Minor children: custody and conservatorship arrangements shape everything from the possession schedule to the potential for successful coparenting after the dust settles.

Marital estate: real estate portfolios, business interests, executive compensation, retirement accounts, robust investment portfolios, and legacy wealth each require careful asset characterization and division.

Community vs. separate property: assets brought into or built before the marriage as well as inherited wealth or assets often trigger valuation disputes that must be carefully researched and documented.

Your choice: the collaborative process keeps decisions about your family’s future in your hands, while litigation lets a judge decide for you.

What Is the Difference Between Collaborative Divorce and Traditional Litigation?

In a collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys sign an agreement committing to resolve issues outside the courtroom. The process is private with the common goal of reaching solutions through structured negotiations rather than giving up the decision power to a judge. 

Depending on the needs of the family, neutral professionals may also assist with and advise regarding financial issues, parenting plans, or communication challenges during the negotiation process.

Traditional divorce litigation is more adversarial. Each spouse presents arguments and evidence through the court process, and a judge ultimately decides issues such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. Court filings and hearings also become part of the public record, and hearings are public as well.

Which is better for you? While collaborative divorce may offer greater privacy, flexibility, and control, it requires both spouses to participate honestly and work toward an agreement. Litigation may be more appropriate when there is a significant power imbalance, a history of abuse, hidden assets, or an unwillingness to negotiate in good faith. 

Successfully choosing the right approach depends on the level of conflict, the complexity of the family’s finances, and whether both spouses are committed to resolving the divorce outside of court.

Co-Parenting That Works for Frisco Families

Parenting in Frisco is intense. Between rigorous educational demands, sports and other extracurriculars, and packed schedules, co-parenting requires both structure and flexibility.

Texas encourages joint conservatorship, where both parents actively participate in their children’s lives. But the “how” is different for every family. At Hargrave Family Law, we work with you to build a parenting plan that reflects both your children’s needs and your lifestyle so your children can continue to thrive after the divorce is final. 

Because no matter what changes, your kids deserve stability, love, and the freedom to flourish.  When both parents are willing to focus on solutions without the necessity of court intervention, the more options we can explore to meet the needs of your unique family.

About Hargrave Family Law

Hargrave Family Law was founded in 2017 to serve people facing high-stakes divorce who want resolution, not combat. Our firm operates as a boutique practice across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Frisco and the broader Collin and Denton County areas. We have extensive experience with the judges in both of the McKinney and Denton courthouses. Our team brings decades of family law experience and is repeatedly recognized  with a Tier 1 ranking byBest Law Firms in America®, based on peer reviews.

Our philosophy is clear: divorce without destruction. We empower you to divorce with dignity through collaborative, creative strategies that help you build a new life that allows you and your children to thrive. That means protecting your portion of the marital estate and the co-parenting relationships while keeping decisions in your hands, not a judge’s.

Our Process for Frisco Clients

1. Initial Contact and Intake

When you first reach out, our Client Care Coordinator handles your first intake and starts collecting information. They then schedule your complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist.

2. Complimentary Case Evaluation

You meet remotely with our Client Intake Specialist, a non-attorney member of our team, to talk through your concerns, your goals, and your options. The goal is to help you gain clarity in order to choose the next right step.

3. Attorney Consultation

If it makes sense, you can meet with an attorney to examine the specifics of your situation and ask legal questions. This is an overview where strategy begins to take shape around asset characterization, community property, and the outcomes that matter to you.

4. Retention and Legal Representation

Once you retain us, your legal team takes over the work of your case. You’ll work with your attorney to craft strategies that protect what matters most and empower you to create your next chapter with confidence and clarity.

5. Ongoing Connection During Your Case

While your legal team advances your legal matter, our Client Care Coordinators check in with you monthly and provide resources and non-legal support. These conversations are about you, not your case, making sure you have what you and your family need as you progress through the divorce journey.

6. Post-Resolution Support

After your case closes, we stay in touch once a year. The relationship does not end at the final decree, and neither does our support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Frisco

How long does a divorce actually take in Texas, and what is the 60-day waiting period about?

Texas law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date you file the Petition before a final Order can be entered. A divorce involving a substantial marital estate usually takes several months to a year, depending on the level of conflict and on how quickly asset characterization and valuation are resolved. Conflict is the number one driver of cost and delay in a divorce.

Does Texas require a period of separation before you can file for divorce?

No. Texas has no legal separation status and no separation requirement before filing. In Texas, either you are married or you or not, whether or not you are living together..

How does Texas community property law treat assets I brought into the marriage?

Texas is a community property state, but property you owned before marriage generally remains separate property if you can trace and document it and keep it separate. The challenge is separate assets that were commingled with marital funds, or that appreciated during the marriage, as they can become subject to division if they are not maintained completely separately. Documentation is crucial.

How are RSUs, deferred compensation, and executive bonuses divided in a Texas divorce?

It depends on when the equity or compensation was earned relative to the marriage. Unvested RSUs and deferred compensation are frequently divided using a fractional formula that separates the community portion from the separate portion based on grant and vesting dates. But dividing assets such as these is complicated and best discussed with your attorney.

Can I keep my business or professional practice in a Texas divorce?

Yes. A business, medical group, or professional practice is typically valued, and the other spouse may be compensated for their community interest through other assets rather than a forced sale or ownership transfer. Discussing strategies with your attorney will help guide you in making the right decision for you.

What is a QDRO, and do I need one to protect my retirement account?

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a separate court order in a divorce that allows retirement accounts like a 401(k) or pension to be divided without triggering early withdrawal penalties or immediate tax consequences. If retirement assets are part of your marital estate, a properly drafted QDRO is required to transfer funds correctly. It also can offer you a one-time, penalty-free withdrawal at the time of divorce finalization.

What is the real difference between collaborative divorce and traditional litigation?

In a collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys commit in writing to privately resolving matters outside of court, often with financial and other neutral professionals involved to facilitate a continuing focus on resolution. Traditional litigation is adversarial, costly,  and progresses through the public court system, with a judge making final decisions on any outstanding issues you can’t resolve.

How is child custody determined in Collin and Denton Counties?

Texas courts decide custody, called conservatorship, based on the “best interest of the child”. Collin and Denton County judges consider each parent’s involvement, ability to provide for the child and offer stability, as well as their ability to co-parent. We believe collaborating cooperatively on a parenting schedule that fits your unique family is best, putting the decisions in your hands rather than the judge’s.

What does it mean that an attorney is Board Certified in Family Law?

Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a credential held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. It requires substantial trial and case experience, peer references, and passing a rigorous examination in family law. Both attorneys and paralegals can achieve board certification, and we have both on our team.

What is the difference between a complimentary case evaluation and a paid attorney consultation?

A complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist is a private, no-obligation conversation to discuss your situation, goals, and options so you have clarity about the next right  steps. A paid consultation with the attorney is a conversation in which they can answer legal questions and provide more overall legal guidance to help you make decisions. You do not need to consult with an attorney to decide to retain our firm if the facts of your case do not warrant it; in fact most of our new clients don’t.

Local Resources in Frisco for Divorce Cases 

• Collin County District Clerk
  Maintains official court records and filings for civil and family cases in Collin County.
• Collin County Courthouse
  The main judicial facility in McKinney where family law matters are heard.
• Collin County Family Court
  Handles contested and uncontested family matters including child custody and property division.
• Collin County Clerk’s Office
  Issues certified copies of vital records and maintains official county documents.
• Collin County Child Support Division
  Works in conjunction with the Attorney General’s office to enforce and modify support orders.
• Collin County Domestic Relations Office
  Supervises court-ordered services such as parenting classes and custody evaluations.
• Collin County Appraisal District
  Provides property valuation records often referenced during marital asset assessments.
• Denton County District and Family Court

Handles family law cases for Frisco residents whose matters fall within Denton County.

• Denton County Child Support Services
• Frisco Family Services
  Assists Frisco residents facing destabilizing events, including divorce. Its programs may help clients manage related financial strain through food assistance, rent or utility support, and case-management services.
• Frisco Police Department Victim Assistance Program
  This city program supports individuals and families affected by domestic or family violence. 
• Texas Law Help
  A nonprofit resource offering self-help legal information and forms for family law matters statewide.

Start Your Divorce in Frisco with Clarity and Confidence

Divorce may feel like an end — but with the right support, it can also be a powerful new beginning. Closing this chapter with a substantial marital estate does not have to become destructive. With the right counsel, you can move through this with your dignity intact.

Key benefits of hiring a local Frisco divorce attorney:

• Specific insight into how judges approach custody and support
• Knowledge of local values that influence court expectations
• Vast experience in working with other lawyers in Collin and Denton counties
• Connections with local professionals like appraisers and therapists

You’ve worked hard for what you’ve built. Our job is to help protect it—while also guiding you toward a better life full of possibilities.

The first step is a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist, a private, no-obligation conversation to help you understand your situation before you commit to anything.

Call us to take the first step toward the future you want and to becoming empowered to move forward with hope, clarity, and confidence. We’re here to help.