Top Southlake Divorce Attorney | Varghese Summersett

Our Southlake divorce attorney helps you protect your assets, parental rights, and financial future during one of life’s most difficult transitions. Divorce cases in Southlake are filed in Tarrant County Family Court, where local knowledge of judges and procedures can make a significant difference in your outcome. At Varghese Summersett, our family law team has decades of combined experience handling high-asset divorces, custody disputes, and complex property divisions for Southlake families.

Why Hire Our Southlake Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce in Southlake often involves substantial assets, business interests, and complicated custody arrangements. Having a local attorney who understands the Tarrant County court system gives you an advantage. Our team knows every judge in Tarrant County Family Court, their preferences, and how to position your case in the most favorable light.

A qualified divorce lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment in property division. The challenges of divorce can be financial, emotional, and legal all at once. Our attorneys help you through each stage, from filing paperwork to negotiating settlements to courtroom representation when necessary.

We handle asset valuations, business divisions, and uncovering hidden assets regularly in Southlake divorces. These are common issues in our community, and we have the experience to address them effectively. Learn more about high net worth divorce strategies on our website.

Visit Our Southlake Office

We are located at 3120 Sabre Drive, on the border of Southlake and Westlake. We selected this location to provide clients with world-class space and privacy that they wouldn’t find in the town center.

Where Are Southlake Divorce Cases Filed?

Southlake divorce cases are filed in Tarrant County Family Court, located at 200 Weatherford Street in Fort Worth, Texas. To start your divorce, you must submit the appropriate paperwork to the District Clerk’s office. Our attorneys handle this filing process for you and guide you through every step.

The Tarrant County Family Court handles all divorce, custody, and family law matters for Southlake residents. Knowing how this court operates and what each judge expects is essential to building a strong case.

What Family Law Services Do You Offer in Southlake?

Our Southlake divorce lawyers handle a full range of family matters:

• Divorce: Both contested and uncontested divorces, including collaborative divorce options.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Determining where children will live and how parents will share time.
• Child Support: Establishing, enforcing, and modifying financial support for children.
• Spousal Support (Alimony): Negotiating and litigating financial support during or after divorce.
• Property Division: Dividing assets and debts accumulated during the marriage.
• Paternity: Establishing and challenging paternity rights and obligations.
• Adoption: Legal processes to establish parent-child relationships.
• Termination of Parental Rights: Ending legal parent-child relationships when necessary.
• Protective Orders: Obtaining or defending against orders related to domestic violence.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting and enforcing agreements about asset ownership and division.
• Mediation and Collaborative Law: Alternative dispute resolution methods outside of court.
• Grandparents’ Rights: Visitation, custody, and guardianship issues involving grandparents.

How Does the Texas Divorce Process Work?

The Texas divorce process can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with family law. Working with a Southlake divorce lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout. Texas has a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. During this time, you’ll work through issues like property division, custody arrangements, and support.

Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation rather than going to trial. However, when settlement isn’t possible, you need attorneys who can represent you effectively in court. Our team prepares every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers.

Ready to discuss your options? Call us at (817) 203-2220 to speak with a Southlake family lawyer.

What Makes Southlake Divorce Cases Unique?

We understand the unique dynamics of divorce cases in Southlake. Our community has distinct characteristics that affect how divorce cases unfold. Many Southlake families have substantial assets, business interests, and complex financial portfolios that require careful analysis during divorce.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling asset valuations, divisions, business breakups, and finding hidden assets in Southlake. These issues come up regularly in our practice, and we know how to address them.

How Are Businesses Divided in Southlake Divorces?

In Southlake divorce cases, business interests are subject to division by the family law court. The court evaluates assets acquired or created during the marriage to determine how business ownership should be divided. This process can be complex, requiring expert knowledge of business valuation methods and Texas community property law.

A small fraction of cases go to trial. When that happens, you want experienced trial attorneys on your side. Our attorneys are known for their courtroom experience. We have all the legal tools to secure the most favorable outcome in contested divorces.

How Is Real Estate Handled in Divorce?

Income-producing real estate, such as rental properties and commercial buildings, can significantly impact divorce settlements. Accurate property valuation may require business valuation experts and appraisers. The eventual division depends on various factors, including each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and Texas community property principles.

Our Southlake divorce attorneys are experienced in asset division and can help achieve fair resolutions in cases involving real estate holdings.

What About Hidden Assets in Divorce?

It’s not uncommon for Southlake divorces to involve hidden assets. Sometimes one spouse doesn’t know about all the family’s assets. Spouses may attempt to conceal assets by transferring them to another person, moving them to a foreign location, or hiding cash and properties.

Concealing assets during a divorce in Texas can result in severe legal consequences, including financial penalties, sanctions, and even criminal charges such as perjury or fraud. A skilled divorce attorney, working with a forensic accountant, can uncover hidden assets and income to ensure fair division.

Secret bank accounts are another concern. Our attorneys uncover hidden accounts by closely reviewing bank statements and issuing subpoenas when necessary. If hidden accounts are discovered, they become part of the marital property and are divided according to Texas law.

What Is Community Property vs. Separate Property?

In Texas, property is classified as either community property or separate property. Understanding this distinction is essential to protecting your interests in divorce.

Separate property includes any property owned before marriage, property received during marriage as a gift or inheritance, and recovery for personal injuries (excluding loss of income during marriage). To protect separate property, maintain financial records throughout your marriage and keep separate property distinct from marital assets.

Community property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Texas law requires that community property be divided in a “just and right” manner, which doesn’t always mean 50/50. The court considers factors like each spouse’s earning capacity, fault in the breakup, and the best interests of children.

Disputes often arise over whether property is separate or community, the valuation of assets, and reimbursement for improvements made to a spouse’s separate property. Our attorneys help resolve these disputes effectively. Learn more about marital property division in Texas.

How Does Spousal Maintenance Work in Texas?

Spousal support, often called alimony, is financial support paid to a spouse during or after divorce. Texas courts don’t award spousal support as frequently as some other states, and the laws are somewhat restrictive.

Texas recognizes three types of spousal support:

• Temporary Spousal Support: Awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse cover living expenses.
• Contractual Alimony: Agreed upon by the parties as part of their divorce settlement. This isn’t court-ordered but is a private agreement.
• Court-Ordered Spousal Maintenance: Awarded after divorce under specific circumstances, such as long marriages or situations where a spouse cannot meet minimum reasonable needs.

What Are Collaborative Law and Mediation?

Collaborative law and mediation offer alternatives to traditional divorce litigation. These methods allow divorcing spouses to work together constructively to resolve disputes. They can be particularly beneficial when parties are willing to communicate openly and reach an equitable resolution.

Our attorneys are experienced in both collaborative law and mediation. We guide clients through these processes while ensuring their rights and interests are protected.

Take the first step toward resolution. Call (817) 203-2220 to speak with our team.

Watch: Southlake Family Law at Varghese Summersett

How Do I Choose the Right Divorce Attorney in Southlake?

Selecting the right divorce attorney is essential to protecting your rights and interests. Consider these factors when choosing representation:

• Experience handling similar cases in Tarrant County
• Communication style and responsiveness
• Fees and payment structure
• Availability and caseload

Choose an attorney you feel comfortable with and trust to manage your case effectively. We encourage you to call us to discuss how we can help with your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southlake Divorce

How long does it take to get a divorce in Southlake, Texas?

Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. The total time depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and the complexity of issues involved. An uncontested divorce may be completed shortly after the 60-day period, while a contested divorce can take several months to over a year.

Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in Southlake?

While you can represent yourself, having an experienced Southlake divorce attorney significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. An attorney protects your rights, helps you understand the legal process, and advocates for your interests in property division, custody, and support matters.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Southlake?

Attorney fees vary depending on experience, case complexity, and fee structure. Some attorneys charge hourly rates while others offer flat fees for certain services. We recommend discussing fees and payment options during your initial consultation to understand the cost of representation.

How can I find the best divorce lawyer in Southlake?

Research attorneys thoroughly, ask for recommendations, and meet with potential lawyers to discuss your case. Ask about their experience, track record, and approach to handling divorce cases. Choose an attorney you feel comfortable working with and trust to represent your interests.

Contact Our Southlake Divorce Attorneys

Finding the right Southlake divorce attorney is essential to navigating divorce and achieving a fair resolution. From addressing unique aspects of Southlake divorce cases to providing full family law services, our experienced team can make a difference in your outcome. We protect your rights and interests throughout the divorce process, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

Call us at (817) 203-2220 today to speak with a Southlake divorce attorney.