Looking for a Southlake family lawyer? Varghese Summersett handles divorce, child custody, property division, and all family law matters in Tarrant County. Our team brings decades of experience to families throughout Southlake and the surrounding areas.
When your family’s future is at stake, you need more than legal advice. You need an advocate who will fight for you. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful resolution or preparing for trial, we’ve handled every type of family case and know how to protect what matters most to you.
Why Choose Our Southlake Family Lawyer?
We live here. Our kids go to school here. We understand Southlake. Our office is located at 3120 Sabre Dr Suite 110, right in the heart of the community. We chose this location with both accessibility and privacy in mind.
When you’re dealing with sensitive family matters, you deserve a setting that offers easy access and discretion. Our office sits in a quiet, professional environment where you can speak freely. Whether you’re coming from Town Square, local schools, or nearby neighborhoods, we’re just minutes away.
What Can a Southlake Family Lawyer Do for You?
When you choose our firm, you gain a dedicated advocate who will stand with you at every court appearance, prepared and confident. We help you understand all of your legal options and fight strategically for your best interests.
Our team protects your children’s welfare and supports you emotionally through the process. Our Southlake attorneys have spent decades mastering the complexities of Texas family law while never forgetting that every client’s story is unique.
Your family’s future is our priority. Call us today at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation.
Does Experience in Southlake Family Law Matter?
All Southlake divorce and family law cases are filed in Tarrant County. But handling a divorce in Southlake presents unique considerations that demand both legal expertise and deep understanding of the community.
Our attorneys have successfully handled a broad spectrum of family law cases in Southlake. Our work ranges from discreet matters resolved outside of court to high-profile cases requiring aggressive litigation. We know the local judges, understand the procedures, and have a reputation for being well-prepared and ready for trial.
Southlake is a distinctive community known for thriving families, prominent residents, and complex financial situations. Whether your case involves business valuations, high-net-worth asset division, child custody disputes, or prenuptial agreements, our attorneys craft tailored strategies to protect your interests.
We take a holistic approach to divorce. We protect your greatest interests: your family, your reputation, and everything you’ve worked for. We are highly experienced in asset protection, asset valuation, business valuations, and custody agreements.
What Makes Our Southlake Family Law Team Different?
Local Expertise That Matters
While many firms talk about experience, we bring institutional knowledge of Tarrant County’s family court system. Each judge has their own approach to family law cases. Some prioritize certain factors while others respond better to specific strategies. We know them all personally, and this knowledge translates into better outcomes for your family.
A Track Record of Results
Our 20+ year track record in Southlake isn’t just about years of practice. It’s about successfully handling cases just like yours. From six-figure property divisions to complex custody arrangements, we’ve handled every scenario the Texas family court system can present.
Ready to discuss your case? Schedule a free consultation with our Southlake family lawyers.
Every Approach, Every Outcome
Whether you’re a public figure seeking private resolution or someone who needs aggressive courtroom advocacy, we have the right tools. Our team excels at collaborative divorce processes that keep proceedings out of public records. For cases involving hidden assets, abuse, or uncooperative spouses, we bring the same intensity that’s won high-stakes cases for prominent clients.
Financial Security and Asset Protection
Divorce is fundamentally about protecting your financial future. We work with specialized financial experts to ensure accurate business valuations, uncover hidden assets, and negotiate fair division of retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Our team understands the nuances of dividing complex estates in Texas, including community property laws that impact everything from stock options to professional practices.
Post-Divorce Financial Planning
A fair settlement is just the beginning. Our approach includes connecting you with trusted estate planning attorneys to update wills, establish trusts for your children, and restructure beneficiary designations. We help you transition from joint accounts to independent financial management, ensuring your new foundation is solid and protected.
What Types of Family Law Cases Do You Handle in Southlake?
Our Southlake family lawyers handle all types of family law matters, including:
- Adoption
- Business Division
- Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- Child custody
- Child support
- Temporary Orders
- Enforcement of Orders
- Grandparent Rights
- Mediation
- Possession and Access
- Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Pre-Nuptial Agreement
- Property division
Nationally Recognized by Best Lawyers
Varghese Summersett has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as a Best Law Firm in the United States.
Watch: Why Southlake Families Trust Our Team
How Does the Southlake Divorce Process Work?
Every Southlake divorce case gets filed in Tarrant County Court in downtown Fort Worth. We have been down this road countless times and know all the ins and outs of the process.
The process starts with filing a petition with the appropriate family court. Texas law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. However, several factors can influence the timeline, including whether you have children and the level of conflict between spouses. Learn more about what divorce costs in Texas.
How Do You Start a Divorce in Southlake?
To file for divorce in Texas, you must meet these residency requirements:
- You or your spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months
- You or your spouse must have lived in the county where you’re filing for at least 90 days before the filing date, per Texas Family Code § 6.301
- You must submit a petition to the district court
Once residency requirements are met, the process involves filing the petition, providing legal notice to your spouse, attending hearings, and obtaining the final decree.
What Is the Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
Texas divorces fall into two categories: contested and uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all terms, including property division, child custody, and support. This approach saves time and money while reducing stress.
In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more terms. Common disputes include property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. These cases require resolution through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Our Southlake divorce attorneys provide the legal representation and guidance needed to handle contested cases effectively.
Facing a complex divorce? Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with an experienced Southlake family lawyer.
What Are Fault and No-Fault Divorce in Texas?
Texas permits both fault-based and no-fault divorces. In a no-fault divorce, you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. The most common ground is “insupportability,” which means the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict.
Fault-based grounds include cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, living apart for three years, and confinement in a mental hospital. Choosing the right grounds requires careful consideration. Our attorneys provide guidance on the best legal strategy for your situation.
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce offers a less confrontational way to end a marriage. Both parties and their attorneys work together to resolve issues without going to court. This process promotes open communication and cooperation.
The collaborative process begins when both parties agree to resolve matters amicably. Through a series of meetings, spouses negotiate property division, spousal support, child custody, and other issues. This approach often results in reduced legal expenses and faster resolution compared to litigation.
Learn more about the pros and cons of collaborative divorce.
How Does Mediation Work in Texas Family Law?
Apart from collaborative divorce, mediation is another option for resolving disputes. A trained, neutral professional facilitates communication and negotiation between spouses on major issues.
Our Southlake family lawyers play an active role in mediation. We help resolve disputes, facilitate fair agreements, and ensure both parties have a voice in the outcome.
What Are the Key Issues in Southlake Family Cases?
Child custody and support, spousal maintenance, and property division are the key issues in Texas divorce cases. These matters can be complex and emotionally charged.
How Is Child Custody Decided in Texas?
In Texas, parents are generally presumed to be “joint managing conservators,” meaning they share custody and decision-making responsibilities. The court’s primary focus is always the child’s best interests. Learn more about child custody evaluations in Texas.
Factors the court considers include the child’s physical and emotional needs, stability of each parent’s home environment, and each parent’s ability to care for the child. Our attorneys present evidence and arguments to achieve outcomes that prioritize your child’s wellbeing.
How Are Spousal Maintenance and Property Division Handled?
Determining spousal maintenance involves several factors: the supporting spouse’s average monthly income, the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
Texas follows a community property model for property division. Marital assets acquired during the marriage are divided equitably between spouses. This process can be complex when dealing with businesses, retirement accounts, or investment portfolios. Our team works to ensure your rights are protected throughout this process.
Use our Texas child support calculator to estimate support obligations.
What Can You Expect from Varghese Summersett?
Our attorneys have more than decades of experience handling divorce and custody cases in Southlake. We have appeared before every judge and associate judge in Tarrant County and know how to help you reach the best possible outcome for your situation.
We fight for what you want your family to look like and your future to look like. We help secure your finances and always protect your best interests. Whether your case is contested or uncontested, fault-based or no-fault, your attorney will work tirelessly to ensure a fair outcome for you and your family.
Give us a call at (817) 203-2220 to get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southlake Family Law
How much does a divorce attorney cost in Southlake?
The cost of divorce in Texas varies widely depending on case complexity and attorney fees. Most family lawyers in Southlake charge $350 to $750 per hour. Contested divorces with complex asset division or custody disputes cost more than uncontested divorces. Contact our office for a specific estimate based on your situation.
Why does local knowledge matter when choosing a Southlake family lawyer?
Local knowledge matters because every judge handles family law cases differently. An attorney who knows Tarrant County’s family court system, its judges, and local procedures can tailor strategy accordingly. Think of it like sports: knowing the game matters, but knowing the opposing team and venue gives you the edge.
How long does a divorce take in Southlake?
Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before any divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all terms may be completed shortly after this waiting period. Contested divorces can take six months to two years or longer, depending on the complexity of disputed issues.
Can I keep my divorce private in Southlake?
Yes. Collaborative divorce and mediation can help keep your case out of public court records. For high-profile clients or those who value privacy, we offer strategies to resolve matters discreetly while still protecting your interests.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a Southlake family lawyer?
Bring financial documents including tax returns, bank statements, and retirement account statements. Also bring any existing court orders, prenuptial agreements, and a list of your questions and concerns. The more information you provide, the better we can evaluate your case.
Southlake Family Law Practice Areas
Experienced family law attorneys serving Southlake
Divorce
Child Custody & Support
Need family law help in Southlake? Get a free consultation.
Talk to Our Southlake Family Lawyer Today
Your family deserves experienced, compassionate representation. At Varghese Summersett, we bring local expertise, a deep understanding of Texas family law, and committed advocacy to every case. Call (817) 203-2220 to schedule your free consultation with a Southlake family lawyer who will fight for your future.
