Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process can be confusing and stressful, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We can protect your rights and assets throughout this process.
Board-certified family law attorney Donna J. Smiedt serves clients throughout the Mansfield, TX, area.
Consider Mediation For Your Family Law Case
Divorces don't always have to involve contentious court battles. If your spouse is open to collaborating for a civil discussion regarding the distribution of assets, spousal support and maintenance, and custody, you may benefit from mediation.
Mediation is led by a neutral party. Both spouses and their attorneys can work with a single person to make arrangements and settle all aspects of their divorce, without stepping into the courtroom.
If you are interested in mediation, divorce attorney Donna J. Smiedt can serve as a mediator or as your attorney in a mediated setting.
"An absolute blessing to me and my family." Mansfield Can Count on Our Law Firm
Billie L.
Arlington, TX
2023
This Law firm has been an absolute blessing to me and my family. Donna J Smiedt was professional and personable. She was extremely helpful with the complex situation I had and took every opportunity to do whatever they could to aide in my case. They are a hardworking Law firm, who doesn't treat you as a case or number, but as a person! I would highly recommend The Family Law Firm.
View on this siteMarie Williams
Arlington, TX
2023
Very professional and friendly practice. I would highly recommend Donna and her team..Any of my questions or concerns have been quickly addressed each time I had to reach out. The entire process is handled with respect and they do understand that having to deal with custody issues is a sensitive subject.
View on Google
Choose a Board-Certified
Family Law Attorney
Ms. Smiedt has been serving clients in Greater Mansfield since 1986, and earned her Texas Family Law board certification in 1991. Whether your journey leads to a mediated collaborative divorce or court hearings, Ms. Smiedt is an attorney who can protect your best interests in family law every step of the way.
If you're in the Mansfield or Greater Arlington area and are facing divorce or other family law matters, request your consultation at our law office online or call:
(817) 572-9900
Our Arlington law firm is located just 13 miles north of Mansfield. We proudly serve clients throughout the Fort Worth area.
Child Custody Arrangements
In Texas, child custody is referred to as "conservatorship." Ideally, both parents will play a part in raising their children in a joint managing conservatorship. This arrangement allows both parents to make decisions regarding the children's education, healthcare, and more.
However, one parent can be named the primary conservator, allowing them to choose where the children reside and receive child support payments.
Let our lawyer help you determine what would be best for your child.
Child Support
If you and your soon-to-be ex have children, Donna Smiedt can advocate for a child support agreement that serves the children's best interests and is within the paying spouse's means. We invite you to take a look at the basic principles of child support:
Purpose
Child support ensures that a child will have the same standard of living in both households or, if child custody is only given to one parent, that they will have the same standard of living as before. It can also provide much-needed continuity and stability.
Distribution
The money provided by child support can be distributed in a variety of ways relating to a child's basic needs. These can include paying for food, as well as more elective things, like toys. It can cover transportation, education, housing, medical care, and the many other costs of raising a child.
Timeline
Typically, child support is no longer required after a child turns 18 or after they graduate from high school. In the case of a child with special needs, a lawyer like Ms. Smiedt can help you seek a child support extension so that your child has the resources they need to thrive.
Spousal Support
Vs. Spousal Maintenance
Texas courts don't use the term "alimony," which is used in most other states in reference to court-ordered financial support paid from one spouse to the other following divorce. Instead, Texas divorces can involve spousal support and spousal maintenance. These are entirely separate from child support.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is paid voluntarily rather than being ordered by the courts. For example, if one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the higher-earning spouse can agree to pay the other spouse a certain amount of money each month. The terms of spousal maintenance are agreed upon in the divorce settlement. Although it can be enforced like a contract, spousal maintenance is not a court order.
Spousal Support
When it comes to spousal support, the courts will determine an appropriate amount based on each party's available resources, the amount of time it would take to gain the skills or credentials to get a job that would provide adequate support, any domestic violence on the part of either spouse, and other factors. The duration of the marriage will influence the duration of payments. Failure to pay spousal support can result in steep fines or jail time.
Both spouses can benefit from a divorce attorney to protect their financial rights and obligations. Ms. Smiedt can help you reach a spousal support agreement, or advocate for a spousal maintenance agreement that serves both parties' best interests.
Need to Modify Child Support Payments? Donna Smiedt Can Help
Has your ex recently gotten a new job and they're making more money? Our attorney can help you raise the amount of child support they pay. Are you facing financial hardships and feel as though your child support payments are no longer fair? Our attorney can help determine if you qualify for a new court order. If you lost your job or recently had another child, you likely qualify.
High-Value Assets Require Aggressive Legal Representation
Dividing Debts in a Divorce
As you and your spouse go through the divorce process, you may also have debts to address, such as car loans, credit card bills, and medical costs. Generally speaking, all debt acquired during the divorce, regardless of whose name is on the loan, will be divided equitably between the divorcing spouses. However, the spouse who actively acquired the debt may be responsible for a greater share of it.
You do not want to be stuck with more than your share of this responsibility. Board-certified lawyer Donna Smiedt can make a compelling case on your behalf for a truly equitable division of debt.
Determining What Happens to
Your Mortgage
After a Divorce
Your mortgage can be both a significant source of mutual debt and one of the biggest assets you and your spouse hold jointly. Deciding what will happen to your mortgage can become very contentious.
Some divorcing spouses may decide to sell their home, splitting whatever profits are left over and potentially eliminating that debt. Others decide that one partner should have the home in their name, making them fully responsible for all costs going forward.
During your divorce, making sure all aspects of your mortgage are handled in a way that serves your best interests is critical. Having a board-certified family law attorney in your corner is the surest way to achieve the outcome you need. Ms. Smiedt is here for you.
Talk to Donna J. Smiedt
When it comes to divorce in Texas, the tone can change suddenly. What was once amicable can easily become contentious.
Ms. Smiedt has helped many clients in Mansfield and Fort Worth achieve the right outcome through mediation. But she has also helped many clients dealing with domestic violence, high-value assets, and other factors that may lead to a more difficult divorce.
As you go through your divorce, protect yourself with the help of a compassionate lawyer who can assist you even if the situation changes dramatically. Board-certified family law attorney Donna Smiedt can bring you peace of mind in your divorce or any other family law matter.
To learn more, contact our law firm online or call:
(817) 572-9900
Divorce attorney Donna J. Smiedt can protect you, your family, and your rights.
"I will HIGHLY recommend!" Hear From Our Mansfield Clients
Archie R.
Arlington, TX
2023
I always felt better after speaking with Donna. She took time to get to know me as a person, not just as a client. She knows the law and the procedures well and does all she can to guide you through this difficult and complicated process. Thanks Donna J!
View on this siteLinda Olson
Arlington, TX
2023
This is one of the very best law firms in town!!! The whole team worked to help my situation and were very successful. Very passionate and compassionate. Went out of their way to help and went above and beyond what anyone could have ever expected!!! I will HIGHLY recommend!
View on GoogleStay Calm With Our Divorce Therapy Dogs
Even the simplest divorce can bring out many strong emotions. Our law firm understands this, and we're here to help. Not only can we provide the legal strength you need, but we also have some fluffy canine coworkers to help keep you calm during the divorce process.
When you visit our office serving the Mansfield and Fort Worth areas, our friendly divorce therapy dogs can join if you wish. Their wagging tails and adorable company can bring some much-deserved levity to your day.
We Provide Virtual
Consultations and Counsel
Another Way We Put Our Clients First
Divorces can be stressful, leaving you with much to do in a very short period of time. Our law firm is here to accommodate your schedule.
We provide convenient virtual family law consultations so that you do not have to travel from Mansfield to consult an attorney.
Our virtual counsel can cover mediation and collaborative divorce as well.
Divorce FAQ
How long will my divorce take?
From the day you file your Original Petition for Divorce, it will take at least 60 days for your divorce to be finalized. However, it can take up to a year for complicated cases that involve children and assets. A judge can waive the waiting period if domestic violence is involved.
Do I really need a divorce lawyer?
While you don't need a divorce lawyer to file for divorce, it's always a good idea to put one on your side when children, property, and money are involved.
What is the new child support payment law?
Texas passed Senate Bill 870 in September of 2023. This law states a judge can order a parent who falls behind on child support payments to actively seek employment or enroll in a community employment program that helps them find a suitable job. This law is meant to prevent parents from intentionally staying unemployed or taking low-wage jobs to keep their child support payments low.
"Donna was absolutely amazing."
Why Mansfield Clients Choose Our Lawyer in Their Divorce Cases
Csuri B.
Arlington, TX
2023
Donna J is super professional, responsive and easy to work with. I appreciated that everything was able to be completed via mail without in person inconveniences. I have recommended this office to several friends and they've had the same positive experiences.
View on this siteHenry T.
Arlington, TX
2023
Donna was absolutely amazing. Not only was she professional and knowledgeable she took the time to make sure I understood everything. Her paralegal was wonderful to work with as well. They are a great team. They got back to me on everything promptly. I could not thank them both enough. I will highly recommend them to my family and friends.
View on this site
