Award-Winning Southlake Family Lawyers

There are few things that are as difficult as matters that impact the very makeup of your family. When your family’s future hangs in the balance, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a warrior who will fight for you and the future you want.

Nicole Carroll leads our team of Southlake family lawyers. Her name has become synonymous with unwavering advocacy and genuine compassion, we’ve earned the trust of everyone from household-name athletes to your neighbors down the street.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful resolution or bracing for a courtroom battle, we’ve seen it all—and won every type of family case. No case is too complex, too public, or too private for our team. We don’t just practice family law; we protect families, preserve legacies, and help you write the next chapter of your story.

When you need a family lawyer in Southlake, Varghese Summersett is battle-proven and ready.

At Home in Southlake

We live here. Our kids go to school here. So we understand Southlake. Our practice is conveniently located at 3120 Sabre Dr Suite 110, right in the heart of Southlake. We carefully selected this location with both accessibility and privacy in mind—knowing that when you’re dealing with sensitive family matters, you deserve a setting that offers both easy access and the discretion you need. Our office sits in a quiet, professional environment where you can speak freely without worrying about running into neighbors or colleagues in the waiting room. Whether you’re coming from Town Square, the local schools, or nearby neighborhoods, we’re just minutes away, yet tucked away enough to provide the confidential atmosphere that delicate family discussions require.

Our Southlake Family Lawyer Will Stand By Your Side

Nicole Carroll leads our Southlake family law team with a unique blend of legal expertise and personal understanding. She knows that behind every case are real people facing life-altering decisions—parents worrying about their children, spouses navigating the end of a marriage, and families seeking security in uncertain times.

When you choose our firm, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who will:

• Stand with you at every court appearance, prepared and confident, as aggressive as the situation requires us to be
• Help you understand all of your legal options
• Fight strategically for your best interests
• Protect your children’s welfare as if they were our own
• Support you emotionally through the process, not just legally

Nicole and our entire Southlake team have spent decades mastering the complexities of Texas family law while never forgetting that every client’s story is unique. We’ve learned that the best legal outcomes come from combining aggressive representation with genuine care for the families we serve.

Your family’s future is our priority. Let us show you what experienced, compassionate advocacy looks like when it matters most.

Call us today at (817) 900-3220 to get started.

Experience in Southlake Matters

While all Southlake divorce and family law cases are filed in Tarrant County, navigating a divorce in Southlake presents unique considerations that demand both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the community. At Varghese Summersett, our Southlake family law attorney, Nicole Carroll, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. With decades of experience, Nicole has successfully handled a broad spectrum of family law cases in Southlake, ranging from discreet, confidential matters resolved outside of formal court proceedings to high-profile, contentious cases that require aggressive litigation.

What sets our firm apart is not just our collective five decades of experience but also our in-depth knowledge of the nuances that come with Southlake family law cases. Southlake is a distinctive community, known for its 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 are adept at crafting tailored strategies to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome.

We understand that divorce and family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally taxing. That’s why we pride ourselves on being not only skilled litigators but also compassionate advisors. We are dedicated to minimizing the stress and uncertainty of these legal proceedings by offering clear guidance and unwavering support at every stage of the process.

Over the years, we’ve seen and handled virtually every scenario that could arise in a Southlake divorce. From complex financial disputes to intricate custody arrangements, we have a proven track record of successfully overcoming the challenges our clients face. More importantly, we don’t just aim to resolve legal issues—we strive to empower our clients to move forward with confidence and security.

At Varghese Summersett, we are more than just legal representatives; we are trusted advocates who are committed to protecting what matters most to you. When it comes to your family, your assets, and your future, experience matters—and our experience in Southlake makes all the difference.

We have a reputation with the local judiciary and attorneys alike for being well-prepared, tenacious, and ready for trial should the need arise. We take a holistic approach to divorce. We protect your greatest interests – your family, your reputation, and all you have worked for.

We are highly experienced in asset protection, asset valuation, business valuations, and custody agreements. We are also sensitive to your needs. Some wish to do everything possible to stay out of the spotlight or even public records. Others wish to go to the ends of the earth to win. Whatever your position, we can guide you on the pros and cons of each approach and help you navigate troubled waters successfully.

Why Southlake Families Choose Us

Strategic Advantage Through Local Expertise

While many law firms talk about experience, we bring something more valuable: deep institutional knowledge of Tarrant County’s family court system. Each judge has their own approach to family law cases—some prioritize certain factors, others respond better to specific legal strategies. We know them all personally, and this insider knowledge translates directly into better outcomes for your family.

Results That Speak for Themselves

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 navigated every scenario the Texas family court system can present. More importantly, we know which battles are worth fighting and which compromises serve your family’s best interests.

Every Approach, Every Outcome

Whether you’re a public figure seeking an entirely private resolution or someone who needs the full force of courtroom advocacy, we have the right tools for your situation. Our team excels at collaborative divorce processes that keep proceedings out of public records and maintain family dignity. For those who require aggressive litigation—perhaps due to hidden assets, abuse situations, or uncooperative spouses—we bring the same intensity that’s won high-stakes cases for prominent clients. No matter your path, we match our strategy to your specific needs and circumstances.

Financial Security and Asset Protection

Divorce is fundamentally about protecting your financial future, and we excel at both the legal and practical aspects of wealth preservation. 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 holistic 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 financial foundation is solid and protected. Many clients return to us years later, grateful for the comprehensive planning that helped them not just survive their divorce, but thrive afterward.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Southlake

• 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.

Initiating the Divorce

To initiate the Texas divorce process, you need to:

1. Fulfill the residency requirements, which include having a Texas residency for a minimum of six months.
2. Have residency in the county where the divorce is being filed for at least 90 days before the
   filing date.
3. Submit a petition to the corresponding court.

Once the residency requirements are met, the divorce process is initiated by:

1. Filing a petition in the district court county where either party has resided for the last 90 days.
2. Providing legal notice to the other party.
3. Attending the hearing.
4. Obtaining the final decree.

Types of Divorces in Texas

Divorces in Texas fall under two broad categories: contested and uncontested, and fault-based or no-fault divorces. Understanding these types can help you make informed decisions about your case. In an uncontested divorce, both parties reach a consensus on all aspects of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support. However, disagreements over these terms in a contested divorce necessitate resolution through negotiation, mediation, or a trial.

Texas also permits no-fault divorces, eliminating the need to demonstrate wrongdoing by either spouse. The most prevalent basis for such divorces is insupportability, although other grounds encompass:

• cruelty
• adultery
• felony conviction
• abandonment
• living apart
• confinement in a mental hospital.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorces in Southlake

In a contested divorce, spouses are unable to reach an agreement on specific terms pertaining to the dissolution of their marriage. Common disputes in contested divorces encompass issues such as:

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony

Our Southlake divorce attorney plays an essential role in such cases, providing the necessary legal representation and guidance to navigate the contested divorce process effectively.

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce in Texas is characterized by a simplified procedure where spouses have reached mutual agreements. This approach can save time and money, reduce stress, and allow for a smoother transition to post-divorce life. A Southlake divorce attorney can facilitate an uncontested divorce, ensuring proper filing of the case, offering legal representation, and aiding couples in amicably resolving their differences to avoid litigation.

Fault vs. No Fault Divorces in Southlake

A fault-based divorce requires one spouse to substantiate that the other’s misconduct caused the marriage to deteriorate, whereas a no-fault divorce allows parties to terminate the marriage without assigning fault. The grounds for a fault-based divorce can include adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, among others.

Choosing the appropriate grounds for divorce requires careful consideration and professional guidance. Our Southlake divorce attorney can offer comprehensive insights into the implications of fault-based and no-fault divorces, aiding clients in identifying the most suitable legal strategy based on their specific situations.

Collaborative vs. Traditional Divorce

Collaborative divorces can be a way of avoiding the usual publicity of a divorce. Collaborative divorce and alternative dispute resolution methods also provide less confrontational approach to ending a marriage. These methods involve the spouses working together to reach a mutually agreeable settlement, without resorting to court proceedings.

Collaborative divorce involves:

• Both parties and their attorneys working together to resolve the issues at hand
• Promoting open communication and cooperation
• Leading to an amicable resolution that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved.

The Collaborative Divorce Process

The collaborative divorce process begins when both parties agree to resolve their divorce issues amicably. They engage in a series of meetings where they negotiate and resolve issues related to property division, spousal support, and child custody, among others.

This process not only allows for a more peaceful dissolution of marriage but also results in reduced legal expenses and a swifter resolution compared to traditional litigation. Once a mutual agreement is reached, the attorneys prepare an Agreed Final Decree of Divorce, which is then submitted to the court for finalization of the settlement.

Mediation and Other Alternatives

Apart from collaborative divorce, other alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation can also be used to resolve disputes. In mediation, a trained, neutral professional facilitates communication and negotiation between the couple regarding the significant issues related to ending their marriage.

Our Southlake divorce attorney can play an instrumental role in mediation. They assist in resolving disputes, facilitate the creation of an equitable final agreement, and empower both parties by allowing them to influence the outcome.

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, necessitating the guidance and support of a Southlake divorce attorney.

In Texas, parents are generally presumed to be ‘joint managing conservators,’ entailing shared custody and decision-making responsibilities, unless evidence suggests otherwise. When it comes to property division, Texas follows a community property model, where marital assets are divided equitably among the spouses.

Child Custody and Support

Child custody and support are among the most critical issues in a divorce. In Texas, the child’s best interests are given top priority during a divorce. This involves:

• Assessing the child’s physical and emotional needs
• Evaluating the stability of the child’s environment
• Considering the parents’ abilities to care for the child

Our Southlake divorce attorney plays a vital role in family law cases, particularly those involving matters of custody and support. They present evidence and arguments to support their client’s case, aiming to achieve a just and suitable outcome that prioritizes the best interest of the child.

Spousal Maintenance and Property Division

Spousal maintenance and property division are also significant issues in a divorce. Determining the amount of spousal maintenance involves the court’s discretion and considers factors such as:

• The supporting spouse’s average monthly income
• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of each spouse
• The earning capacity of each spouse
• The standard of living during the marriage

Property division, on the other hand, involves dividing marital assets acquired during the marriage equitably between the spouses. This process can be complex, but with a Southlake divorce attorney, you can be assured that your rights will be protected and your interests well-represented.

What you can expect from Varghese Summersett

Our attorneys have more than just decades of experience handling divorce and custody cases in Southlake; we have a track record of success. We have appeared before every judge and associate judge in the county and are adept at helping individuals get to the best possible outcome for their unique situation.

We fight for what you want your family to look like, your future to look like, help secure your finances, and always protect your best interests.

Our Southlake divorce attorney brings local expertise, a deep understanding of the legal system, personalized attention, and most importantly, committed representation for your case. Whether it’s contested or uncontested, fault-based or no-fault, your attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests and ensure a fair outcome for you and your family. Give us at call at (817) 900-3220 to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an attorney charge for a divorce in Texas?

The cost of a contested divorce in Texas can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fees. Most lawyers in Southlake charge $350 to $750 an hour. It is important to consult with an attorney to get a specific estimate for your situation.

What is the significance of local knowledge and expertise in the selection of a Southlake divorce attorney?

Local knowledge and expertise are crucial in selecting a Southlake divorce attorney as they provide personalized attention and streamline the divorce process for clients. In sports terms, knowing the game is important, but so is knowing the opposing team and the venue is what gives you the edge.