At Hargrave Family Law, we truly understand what’s at stake in our clients’ cases. Our highly respected team was built to be your advocate as you protect what matters most: your children, your assets, and your peace.
Divorce is more than the end of a relationship. It’s the unraveling of a life built together. Plano is a sprawling city where the sense of community is woven into the fabric of daily life. From weekend soccer games at Russell Creek Park to family outings at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve to exploring historic Downtown Plano, ties to the community run deep.
That can make the process of building a new foundation quite daunting. Every decision now carries lasting consequences regarding your children’s future, your privacy, your home, your financial stability, and your peace of mind.
If your marriage has experienced growing distance, a breach of trust, or simply the realization that your visions for the future are no longer in alignment, leaving a broken marriage may make the road ahead feel uncertain. But here’s the good news. You don’t have to walk that journey alone.
Whether your priority is protecting your children, preserving your assets, or simply creating a new chapter full of peace, working with the right legal team can restore your sense of control and direction. Taking the first step toward clarity takes courage.
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.
“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.
Strategic, responsive advocacy that treats you as a person, not a file.
What You Need to Know About Texas Family Law
While your family’s situation is unique and personal, the legal framework is universal. Texas State law governs every divorce in Collin County. A skilled Plano divorce attorney can help you understand these laws so you can protect what matters most and avoid costly missteps.
Here are some specifics to know:
Texas Divorce Laws to Know
Community Property: Texas follows community property law. The State views most assets and debts accumulated during the marriage as community property and subject to equitable division, regardless of whose name is on the title. Most marital assets start with a baseline of being divided 50/50 unless there’s a compelling reason not to. That being said, the parties can negotiate a settlement that fits with their family’s situation. The division of assets will involve:
- Retirement accounts, including pensions and 401(k) plans
- Investment accounts
- Deferred compensation and stock options
- Real estate portfolios
- Businesses and professional practices
- Collectibles (art, jewelry, etc.)
Separate Property: This can include inheritances, gifts received before or during marriage, or assets owned before marriage. If you can prove the timing of ownership, these generally remain yours if properly documented unless you have co-mingled them with the marital community estate. A skilled Plano family attorney can guide you in asserting separate property claims.
Child Custody (Conservatorship): Plano’s strong schools and family-centered communities make child-focused divorce planning essential. Texas courts strongly favor shared parenting, or joint conservatorship, unless a child’s best interests suggest otherwise. Key elements of a parenting plan:
- School zoning and enrollment
- Holiday and summer parenting time
- Legal and medical decision-making authority
- Geographic restrictions
- Communication and logistics
It generally is best for both parents to remain a consistent presence in a child’s life. It’s important to receive legal guidance to help you craft a parenting plan that reflects each child’s needs so they can continue to thrive after the divorce is final. Because at the end of the day, your kids deserve stability and the freedom to flourish.
Spousal Maintenance: This is rare and can be difficult to obtain in Texas. Generally, spousal support is granted only in specific scenarios involving the inability to maintain employment, physical or mental disability, or diminished employment due to the care of children with special needs. A court may grant temporary spousal support while a divorce case is pending, prior to the division of the marital estate.
Waiting Period: A mandatory 60-day period is required in Texas between the date of filing and finalization of the divorce. The typical divorce case usually takes 6-9 months, depending on the level of conflict and property complexity.
No Legal Separation: In Texas, you’re either married or divorced. There’s no in-between legal separation status.
Our knowledgeable Plano family lawyers will work side-by-side with you to empower you to make informed decisions as you build your next chapter with clarity.
Our Family Law Services in Plano
- Divorce
- Divorce for Men
- Divorce for Women
- Collaborative Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Cohabitation Agreements
- High Net Worth Divorce
- High Asset Divorce
- Business Owner Divorce
- Professional Practice Divorce
- Military Divorce
- LGBTQ+ Divorce
- Silver Divorce
- Divorce After Retirement
- Property Division
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Postnuptial Agreements
- Post-Divorce Modifications
- Mediation
Your Trusted Advocates Through Life’s Biggest Transitions
You do not have to figure out what comes next on your own. Schedule a complimentary case evaluation with a member of our team so we can understand your situation, answer your questions, and explore how we may be able to help you write your next chapter.
Schedule a Case Evaluation
The Key Legal Issues in Plano Divorces
Every divorce involves the same legal areas (property, children, and finances), but in a city like Plano, the stakes are often higher. High-value homes, competitive school districts, and entrepreneurial ventures can turn an already emotional process into a complex one.
No two families are alike, and no two divorces should be either. What works for a couple in Wind Haven might not suit a family in Hunters Glen. Your divorce process should reflect your goals, values, and priorities.
Sample Paths to Divorce in Texas
Uncontested Divorce: Ideal for couples in agreement on all terms. Fast, private, and cost-effective. An attorney drafts the legal documents based on the agreements already reached by the couple.
Mediation: Highly encouraged in Collin County. A neutral mediator helps find resolution without litigation. It is advised that both parties are represented by an attorney to ensure they understand their options.
Collaborative Divorce: Popular among professionals and families wanting discretion and privacy. Both parties commit to resolving differences without going to court, and work with a team of professionals to craft a solution that fits their situation.
Contested Divorce: Necessary when disputes exist and the couple cannot reach a resolution on one or several issues. Court involvement is required, including formal hearings, and occasional expert testimony.
Default Divorce: If one spouse does not respond to legal filings after the proper steps are taken, a default judgment can be obtained. This is rare.
One of our seasoned Plano divorce lawyers will educate you further on your options and help you choose the path that most closely aligns with your values, your finances, and your future goals.
High-Asset & Executive Divorce in Plano
Plano is home to many notable business headquarters as well as many of North Texas’ most accomplished professionals. High-net-worth divorces require a divorce attorney skilled at strategic planning to address unique areas such as executive compensation, real estate portfolios, business valuations, and retirement plans.
Common issues in high-asset divorces:
- Stock options, deferred compensation, RSUs, and acquired equity
- Multiple real estate properties
- Large investment portfolios
- Business ownership and valuation challenges
- Retirement account and pension divisions
- Hidden or international assets
- Privacy and maintaining public reputation
The right Plano divorce lawyer can work with trusted professional financial experts to develop a plan to protect your wealth and your peace of mind.
It All Starts with a Conversation
Reaching out or scheduling a complimentary case evaluation with us doesn’t mean you’re committed to taking action. You are taking the first step to educate yourself and understand your options. You’ll have a private, no-pressure conversation in which you can ask questions, articulate your concerns, map out your goals, learn about your options, and begin to craft a plan that makes sense for you and your unique family.
Just know that you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll help guide you as you take the first step toward building a new chapter, one that you get to write.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Texas
How long does divorce take in Plano?
On average, 6 to 9 months, depending on the level of conflict and complexity of the marital estate.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Most cases settle through mediation.
Can I keep my house?
Possibly. Your lawyer can help you evaluate if this is the best financial decision for you, and if so, work to help you refinance or offset its value.
How is custody decided?
Conservatorship is always based on the child’s best interest and the goal of providing stability and continuity in the presence of both parents.
Can I move with my kids?
Most court orders have geographic restrictions; if so, you may only agree with court approval or by agreement of the parties. If you make an agreement outside of the court order, it’s strongly advised that you formally modify it with a new court order.
How much does a divorce cost?
It is not possible to provide an estimate without knowing the particulars of your case. Divorces can cost anywhere from ten thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. The biggest driver of cost in divorce is the level of conflict. The easier you and your spouse are able to reach agreements, the more cost-effective the divorce will be.
Can we use one lawyer?
One lawyer can’t represent both spouses. In some instances where the couple has reached agreement on everything already, one party can hire an attorney to prepare the legal documents. It is always advisable, however, for both parties to consult attorneys to ensure they understand their options and rights.
How are retirement accounts split?
Dividing retirement accounts can be complicated. Generally, retirement benefits earned during marriage are considered community property and split like any other asset. However, retirement funds should be valued differently than other financial accounts. When the funds were vested is also important.
Often, additional legal documents such as Qualified Domestic Relations Orders are required for tax-efficient division. This is an example of when having an experienced divorce attorney is important.
Is mediation required?
In most Collin County cases, judges do require mediation before a final trial is scheduled.
Build a New Future
Divorce is a pivotal transition, an opportunity to be the author of your hopeful next chapter that’s full of possibilities. With the right Plano family law attorney by your side, you can move forward with peace and purpose. We’re here to help.
Reach out to schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation.
