Divorce Attorney in Texas for Contested, Uncontested, High-Asset & Collaborative Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Spousal Maintenance in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

A downtown, metropolitan area in Texas at night, where a growing population needs Child Support services.

At Hargrave Family Law, we guide our clients across Texas to move through divorce with dignity, empowering them to create a clear sustainable plan for what comes next.

A Texas divorce can shape your life for years to come, encompassing property division, parenting schedules, child support, spousal maintenance, business interests, retirement accounts, real estate, and your overall long-term financial stability. It’s important to have the right legal advocate walking with you every step of the way.

Since 2017, Hargrave Family Law has guided over 1,000 families through high-stakes divorce and family law matters using collaborative, non-adversarial strategies that protect your children, your assets, and your peace.

The State of Texas courts saw 48,400 new divorce cases involving children and 62,802 without children in fiscal year 2024, showing how many families face these life-changing decisions each year.

With our stellar team that includes attorneys and paralegals Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, our repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, and continued recognition by Texas SuperLawyers® and AVVO, Hargrave Family Law is well-equipped to provide personalized divorce guidance tailored to your goals.

Our Divorce Services in Texas

Contested Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
High-Asset Divorce
Complex Asset Divorce
Collaborative Divorce
Gray Divorce
Post-Retirement Divorce
Divorce Mediation
Property Division
Business Owner Divorce
Child Custody / Conservatorship
Child Support
Prenuptial Agreements
Spousal Maintenance / Alimony
Temporary Orders
Divorce Settlement Agreements
Retirement Account Division
Real Estate Division
Post-Divorce Modifications

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 Texas Clients Choose Hargrave Family Law

Board-Certification in Family Law

Clients value experienced guidance from a firm led by a lawyer who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With Board certified attorneys and paralegals on our team, you know you are getting excellent legal advocacy that’s focused on applying Texas law to enable you to honor your goals and core values as you create your new future.

A Resolution-Focused Approach

A Texas divorce does not always require a courtroom battle, and our firm is built around collaborative, non-adversarial strategies that reduce conflict when possible, allowing you to find solutions that allow you to get on with your life.

Experience With Complex Assets

High-level professionals, business owners, and families with substantial property or legacy wealth choose our firm for our strategic, discreet handling of business interests, structured executive compensation, separate property claims, complex assets, and long-term financial outcomes.

Boutique Attention, Not Assembly-Line Service

Our clients get a tailored, creative strategy shaped around their values, goals, and unique family circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all process. Your first step with us will be to tell us your goals for the future that you want to build, and we go from there.

Recognized Excellence

Our firm’s stellar reputation is evidenced by its numerous honors, such as repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, as well as continued peer recognition in Texas SuperLawyers® and AVVO. This speaks to our diligence, dedication, and integrity. We care about our clients, and we back it up with real advocacy.

Support Beyond the Legal File

Our clients value the way our team stays connected with them throughout their divorce and beyond. Through constant communication, we offer practical resources, and empower you to move into the next chapter with confidence.

Collaborative Divorce vs Traditional Litigation

In a traditional litigated divorce, after months of discovery, hearings, and ongoing conflict, a judge may be the one deciding for your family about property division, child support, and parenting terms.

Collaborative divorce takes a different approach, focusing on private negotiated solutions, creative options that fit your situation, and the reduction of unnecessary harm to the family and coparenting relationships.

In Texas, collaborative divorce is an alternate formal legal process. Negotiations occur outside the courtroom and away from the public eye. For many Texas-area families, this creates a more desirable path to resolve difficult issues more cooperatively without turning every disagreement into a public courtroom battle.

Collaborative divorce can help by:

Keeping sensitive financial and family matters more private
Reducing costs tied to motions, hearings, and prolonged conflict
Keeping major decisions in your hands instead of a judge’s
Creating better options for high-net-worth families, business owners, and other families with unique circumstances
Prioritize reputation management and discretion

For many clients, that added privacy, control, and reduced conflict is what makes the collaborative process both desirable and extremely effective.

How We Approach Divorce for High-Net-Worth Clients

A high-net-worth divorce often involves business interests, executive deferred compensation, substantial real estate holdings, trusts, separate property claims, and real privacy concerns, all of which should be managed alongside the personal and intimate process of changing a family’s future.

In Texas, courts divide community property in a “just and right” manner, so the details matter.

At Hargrave Family Law, our highly skilled attorneys focus on collaborative, non-adversarial strategies whenever possible in order to stay focused on finding solutions. That means careful financial analysis, thoughtful negotiation, and creative solutions designed around your goals, your family, and the future you want to design.

Clients come to us because they want dignity, discretion, and minimized destruction. We will guide you to craft a strategic plan that supports the life after divorce that your family deserves, one filled with confidence and peace.

About Hargrave Family Law

At Hargrave Family Law, we have served over 1,000 clients across Dallas-Fort Worth since 2017, helping people with broken marriages move through divorce with more dignity and less damage.

We focus on collaborative, non-adversarial strategies designed to protect families, support better long-term outcomes, and create brighter futures. That personalized approach matters in a state court system as broad as Texas, where family-law matters may pass through more than 450 district courts and more than 500 county-level courts across the state.

Our highly experienced team brings over 230 years of combined experience to our clients as well as a stellar reputation built on both skill and compassion.

Hargrave Family Law includes Board Certified family law attorneys and paralegals, has earned repeated inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® and Tier 1 Best Law Firms®, and continued recognition by Texas SuperLawyers® and AVVO, and holds a 4.9-star Google rating across 200 plus reviews.

We draw on our extensive family law experience to strategically advocate for the future you deserve.

Our Client Process in Texas

1. Initial Intake

When you contact our firm, you will first speak with a Client Care Coordinator who gathers the basic details and helps move things forward.

2. Case Evaluation

Your Client Care Coordinator will schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist. This remote meeting is designed to discuss your pain points, goals, and available options.

3. Options Review

Depending on your situation, those options may include doing nothing for now, continuing to work on the marriage through counseling, retaining our firm, or scheduling a paid consultation with an attorney.

4. Attorney Consultation if Needed

If it makes sense to go deeper, you can meet with an attorney for a paid consultation to review the same options in more detail and get legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.

5. Ongoing Support

If you hire our firm, your legal team takes over your case, while our Client Care Coordinators continue checking in monthly with support, resources, and service follow-up. After the case is over, they continue to stay in touch annually.

What Clients Say About Hargrave Family Law

“I felt heard, informed, and supported through every step.”- K.L.

Clients often come to us overwhelmed and not knowing where to begin. Feedback like this shows the firm’s commitment to keeping our clients informed and empowering them to make confident decisions.

“They helped me protect what mattered most without turning it into a war.”- R.S.

That speaks directly to Hargrave Family Law’s non-adversarial approach. For clients with children, businesses, reputation, or significant assets, protecting the future matters as much as resolving the case.

“Professional, compassionate, and incredibly responsive.”- M.T.

Strong family law representation is not just about legal knowledge. It is also about being available, respectful, and a steady advocate during a very personal and intimate process.

“I could tell they genuinely cared about my family and the outcome.”- D.H.

This kind of trust and confidence matters in divorce cases, especially when the goal is dignity, privacy, and a healthier next chapter for the family.

Local Resources In Texas

Texas Courts Self-Help Family Law Resources
Texas Law Help Divorce Resources
Texas State Law Library Divorce Guides
Texas Family Code
Texas Judicial Branch Court Directory
Texas Office of Court Administration
Texas Child Support Division
Texas Attorney General Child Support Interactive
Texas Access and Visitation Hotline
Texas Office of the Attorney General Parenting Time Resources
Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Resources
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Texas Vital Statistics / Marriage and Divorce Records
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Title and Registration
Texas Comptroller Business Entity Search
Texas Secretary of State Business Organizations Search

Start with a Confidential Case Evaluation

If you are considering divorce, the first step with our firm is a complimentary case evaluation with our Client Intake Specialist. This confidential conversation helps us understand your situation and goals, discusses your options, and helps you determine the right next step based on your unique family needs and financial concerns.

Hargrave Family Law is proud to serve clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth area who want a thoughtful, strategic approach to divorce that values their goals and their family’s future.

We can help you move into the next chapter of your life with confidence. Reach out to us when you are ready, 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

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

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.