Family Law Attorney Plano TX | Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Collaborative Divorce & High-Asset Cases in Collin County

A view of Plano, Texas is shown, where residents seeking family law attorney services can find local guidance.

At Hargrave Family Law, our Plano family law attorneys help professionals and families across Collin County and North Texas handle divorce, custody, property division, and related family matters with dignity.

Since 2013, our team has brought years of combined family law experience and includes a Board Certified Family Law attorney through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We focus on protecting what matters most, family relationships, privacy, and long-term empowerment.

Family law in Texas covers the legal matters that shape your household and your future. Because Texas is a community property state, nearly everything acquired during marriage may be treated as jointly owned, making thoughtful legal guidance especially important for Plano families with businesses, real estate, or legacy wealth.

Hargrave Family Law makes the process more manageable by helping you understand your choices and prepare for key decisions. Our team emphasizes non-adversarial and collaborative strategies whenever possible, helping clients reduce unnecessary conflict while preserving options for the future.

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
LGTBQ+ Divorce
Silver Divorce
Divorce After Retirement
Property Division
Prenuptial Agreements
Postnuptial Agreements
Post-Divorce Modifications
Mediation

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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Why Choose Hargrave Family Law in Plano

Board Certified Experience

Our founding attorney is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only 843 active family law attorneys statewide and just 6% of all Texas attorneys across any specialty.

Recognized by the Legal Community

Our firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a Tier 1 Best Law Firms® ranking from U.S. News, and consistent recognition in Best Lawyers in America® and Texas Super Lawyers®.

Divorce With Dignity

We use collaborative, non-adversarial strategies that minimize harm to children, finances, and family relationships, so you can move forward without scorched earth.

Client Empowerment

We give you the information, resources, and clarity to make confident decisions, not pressure-based ones. You stay the author of your next chapter.

Long-Term Partnership

We check in on you beyond the case itself, offering resources and support during the transition and well after the file closes.

Understanding Collaborative Divorce for Professionals and High-Asset Families

For executives, business owners, and dual-income households in Plano, divorce can involve equity, retirement accounts, real estate, and reputations.

Plano’s 2020-2024 median household income of $112,253, with 60.5% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and a median home value of $465,900, points to families with intricate finances that benefit from a private, structured approach rather than open court battles.

Collaborative divorce keeps decisions in your hands. You and your spouse work with trained attorneys, and often a neutral financial professional and mental health coach, to reach agreements outside the courtroom. That means lower conflict, protected privacy, and schedules built around your career and your kids rather than a judge’s docket.

Hargrave Family Law is not a litigation-first firm. We pursue resolution through collaborative practice, mediation, and direct negotiation whenever possible. As one client put it, the team “works with other attorneys in a more collaborative way to reduce costs and complete the process smoothly.”

Litigation is still on the table when a spouse refuses to negotiate in good faith, hides assets, or safety is at risk. When that line is crossed, we are ready. But for most high-asset Plano families, a collaborative path protects what matters most.

Child Custody, Child Support, and Parenting Plans

Custody decisions shape your child’s daily life for years to come, which is why they deserve more thought than a courtroom fight typically allows. In FY 2024, Texas courts received 15,222 new parent-child cases without divorce, a clear sign that families need workable, lasting plans rather than quick fixes.

Texas law uses the term conservatorship instead of custody, and courts start from the presumption that joint managing conservatorship serves the child’s best interest. Parenting time, decision-making authority, and child support are guided by the Texas Family Code, but the strongest plans are the ones parents build together.

At Hargrave Family Law, we help parents focus on what matters: stability, healthy co-parenting, and a future where children can thrive in both homes. Our non-adversarial approach keeps conflict low so families can preserve the relationships that will carry them through birthdays, graduations, and everything in between.

About Hargrave Family Law

At Hargrave Family Law, we are a boutique family law firm serving the North Dallas Metroplex from offices in Dallas and McKinney. Since 2017, our team has guided professionals through divorce and custody matters across Texas.

What sets us apart is how we work. We focus on future-focused, non-adversarial strategies that protect your family, your assets, and your reputation. Divorce does not have to destroy what you have built. Our role is to help you close one chapter with dignity and author the next one on your terms.

Our Process for Plano Families

1. Complimentary Case Evaluation with Our Client Intake Specialist

Your first conversation is a no-cost discussion with our Client Intake Specialist to explore your situation, pain points, and possible paths forward.

2. Paid Attorney Consultation

If you want legal guidance before retaining the firm, you can meet with an attorney to dig into the specifics of your case.

3. Goals and Strategy Planning

Once you retain us, we map out what matters most to you and design a strategy aligned with your values, family, and long-term vision.

4. Information Gathering and Financial Review

We collect the documents, financial records, and details needed to give you accurate advice and protect your interests.

5. Negotiation, Collaboration, Mediation, or Court Strategy

We pursue the resolution path that fits your case, leaning on non-adversarial techniques whenever possible to minimize conflict.

6. Resolution and Next-Step Planning

After your case closes, we help you transition into the next chapter and stay in touch yearly to offer continued support and resources.

Areas We Serve in Plano

We offer services across Plano, including:

Legacy West
Legacy Town Center
Shops at Legacy
Willow Bend
Prestonwood
Deerfield
Gleneagles
Whiffletree
Downtown Plano
West Plano
East Plano
Central Plano
Haggard Park
Ridgeview Ranch
Kings Ridge

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

How long does a divorce actually take in Texas if both spouses agree on everything?

Texas law requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before a judge can finalize the decree. Even in the most cooperative uncontested cases, you are looking at a minimum of about 61 days. Contested cases or those involving complex assets can take six months to over a year.

Is Texas a 50/50 state when it comes to dividing property in a divorce?

Texas is a community property state, which means assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly owned. However, the law requires a just and right division, not necessarily a 50/50 split. Judges can weigh factors like fault in the breakup, earning capacity, health, and who has primary custody of the kids.

Do I really need a lawyer if my spouse and I are on good terms and want a simple divorce?

You can technically file pro se, but even amicable divorces involve legal documents that have lasting financial and parenting consequences. A poorly drafted decree can create headaches years later when refinancing a home, dividing retirement accounts, or modifying custody.

What happens to my business if I built it during the marriage and we divorce?

A business started or grown during the marriage is generally considered community property in Texas, even if only one spouse runs it. The business will need to be valued, often by a forensic accountant or business valuation professional, and that value becomes part of the marital estate. Most often, the business owner keeps the company and offsets the value with other assets.

Can I move out of state with my kids after the divorce is final?

Most Texas custody orders include a geographic restriction, often limiting the child’s primary residence to a specific county or contiguous counties around DFW. To move outside that area, you typically need either the other parent’s written agreement or a court order modifying the original decree.

How much does a collaborative divorce cost compared to a traditional litigated one?

Collaborative divorce is typically less expensive than full-blown litigation. You avoid the costs of contested hearings, depositions, and trial preparation, which is where litigation budgets explode. A typical collaborative case in Dallas might range from a fraction to half of what a contested trial costs, depending on complexity.

What if my spouse is hiding money or assets during the divorce?

Texas requires both parties to provide sworn inventories and financial disclosures, and hiding assets can result in serious sanctions from the court. If you suspect undisclosed accounts, undervalued businesses, or cash being moved, your attorney can use subpoenas, depositions, and forensic accountants to trace funds. Common red flags include sudden business losses, unexplained transfers to family members, or cryptocurrency activity.

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

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

This reflects our resolution-focused approach. Reducing unnecessary conflict saves money, protects relationships, and gets families to the next chapter faster.

“We are beyond grateful for the outcome in the case and highly recommend this firm to anyone needing a skilled and compassionate Dallas divorce attorney” – Justin Y.

Skill and compassion are not opposites. Clients see both at work in their cases, from strategy sessions to final orders.

“Creative innovative solutions, all parties emerged victorious” – Amy B.

Family law rarely has cookie-cutter answers. Creative problem-solving allows us to craft outcomes that work for everyone involved, especially the children.

Local Resources for Family Law Cases in Plano, Texas

Here are specific local resources a Plano family lawyer or client may use:

Collin County District Courts

Main courts for Plano divorce, custody, child support, and family law cases.

Collin County District Clerk

Family case filings, court records, registry funds, and legal document processing.

Collin County Case Lookup and Court Schedules

Online case search and court calendar resource.

Collin County Child Support Office

Child support payment histories, collections, and disbursement support.

Collin County Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

Local mediation resource connected through the Collin County courts.

Collin County County Clerk – Plano Office

Marriage licenses, birth/death certificates, property records, and assumed names.

Texas Judicial Branch Self-Help Resources

Statewide legal information, self-help links, and e-filing support.

Texas Access and Visitation Directory

Directory for parenting education, mediation, supervised visitation, and neutral exchange services.

A Supervised Visitation Center – Hannah’s House of Plano

Plano-area supervised visitation resource listed in the Texas Access and Visitation directory.

North Texas Mediation and Visitation

Supervised visitation and mediation resource serving Collin County and nearby counties.

Unity Visitation Center

Supervised visitation, exchanges, virtual visits, and parenting classes serving Collin and nearby counties.

Forensic Counseling Services

Supervised visitation provider serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.

Reach Out Today

Ready to take the next step? Prospective clients are welcome to request a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist to discuss your situation and explore how Hargrave Family Law can help.

Call us to get started. Your next chapter begins with one conversation.

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

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Misty Cole

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

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.