Donna J. Smiedt
About Attorney Smiedt
Board Certified Family Law Attorney
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Donna has been practicing law since 1986. She became a Board Certified Family Law Attorney in 1991. She is licensed to practice in Texas State Court and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, as well as being sworn to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Her prestigious memberships and affiliations include:
- The Tarrant County Family Bar Association
- The Tarrant County Bar Association
- The Arlington Bar Association
- The Arlington Professional and Businesswomen’s Club
- The Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
- The College of the State Bar of Texas
To request a consultation with a lawyer who specializes in family law, message our law firm or give us a call today.
(817) 572-9900
Why Arlington Leans on Donna For their Family Law Needs
High Honors
Donna has earned several high honors and recognition for her legal work. Fort Worth Magazine named her a Top Attorney in 2013. In 2018, the readers of Arlington Today Magazine voted her as Best Family Law Attorney. Acknowledgment of her achievements has also often come from her legal peers. The prestigious law resource Martindale-Hubbell® awarded Mrs. Smiedt its top rating, AV. An AV rating indicates that a lawyer has reached a pinnacle of excellence and integrity.
Intense Education
Donna moved to the United States from South Africa at age 14 and graduated from high school just one year later. After earning her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University at age 19, she immediately enrolled in SMU's law school. Undaunted as one of the school's youngest students, she graduated at age 22. Donna considers this her greatest achievement and carries the same work ethic and persistence to each of her client's cases to this day.
True Compassion
Donna dedicated herself to the practice of family law because she believes in helping folks through trying times. She is deeply dedicated to her daily work and strives to convey that to her clients. In keeping with her mission, she provides each client with the highest degree of professionalism. Her clients are often comforted by the fact she combines her specialty background with her natural compassion for the frequently traumatic experiences families are dealing with.
Memberships & Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
Donna Is a Deep Believer in Marriage
For many folks, the situation that drove them to need a family lawyer can be a low point in their life. Dealing with an attorney who is jaded about marriage can sometimes make matters worse.
Donna maintains an optimistic outlook on marriage that helps her clients remain positive throughout their legal situation. When asked about all of this, here is what attorney Smiedt had to say:
“Most of my clients are surprised to find out that I am happily married and have been so for 23 years. They seem to think that this is somewhat inconsistent with my chosen profession.
“To the contrary, after being a divorce lawyer for 33 years I have learned a lot about relationships and human nature and believe that I have used this knowledge in my own personal pursuit of happiness.
“I try to impart this wisdom to my clients by impressing upon them that even if this particular relationship did not work, learn from your mistakes, be the best person that you can be, and don’t be afraid to love again!”
"I would recommend Ms. Smiedt
and her team to anyone"
Arlington Loves Donna Smiedt
Ross Dunk
2022
Donna represented me with my divorce and child custody case. She was always professional and helpful. I never felt like she was judging me and I appreciated it immensely. Her knowledge of the law and the family court system was very good. Her office staff have always been professional and helpful too.
View on GoogleJoan smith
2022
Divorce is never easy but having Ms. Smiedt and her team representing me during this tough time made it so much easier. Ms. Smiedt is generous with her time and is extremely professional. She guided me through the unfamiliar details with knowledge, patience and kindness. I would recommend Ms. Smiedt and her team to anyone looking for an Attorney. Thanks again!
View on GoogleAbout the Law Office
The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt provides a relaxing and stress-free environment for our clients. One of the ways we achieve this is by bringing divorce therapy dogs to the office to help people feel a bit more at home and relaxed during their otherwise stressful situations.
Our Arlington office is centrally located right in the middle of Dallas and Fort Worth, at the heart of the Metroplex. When clients visit our office, they know we care. We can discuss their case as well as the emotional toll it's taking on them.
Our compassion and advocacy have led to widespread recognition. On your left, you can see Donna featured on the cover of the 100th issue of Arlington Today.
“I make every attempt to accomplish my client’s wishes and goals within the parameters of the law.” - Donna Smiedt
Donna's Primary Areas of Practice
Attorney Smiedt has an extensive track record of success in a variety of family law cases. Clients around Arlington have come to her with serious problems and are left satisfied with the solutions she provided.
I make every attempt to accomplish my client’s wishes
Divorce
Divorces can often escalate and become contentious. It is often wise to retain a divorce attorney to protect your interests from day one instead of allowing yourself to be blindsided by an ex-partner's lawyer.
Child Custody
Child custody in Texas is referred to as conservatorship. Custody disputes can lead to drawn out court battles. Attorney Smiedt can help navigate disputes, represent your needs as a parent, and always put your child's best interests first.
Child Support
The process of creating child support arrangements can be exhausting. An attorney like Donna Smiedt can make it easier. She understands how child support is determined in Texas and how to best fight for parents' rights.
Prenuptial Agreements
A properly written prenup can protect your property, retirement accounts, and potentially your future earnings in the event of a divorce. Even couples that stay married can benefit from the peace of mind provided by a prenuptial agreement.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation can help you avoid a lengthy and contentious court battle. Save time, money, and stress by making mutually agreeable compromises with the help of a neutral third party who acts as a mediator.
Our Complete List of Services
- Adoption
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Child Protective Services Litigation
- Collaborative Divorce
- Custody Modifications
- Family Law
- Grandparent Rights
- High-Asset Divorce
- Interstate Child Custody
- Mediation
- Paternity Law
- Pre-Marital Agreements
- Pre-Marital Mediation
- Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Property Division
- Spousal Support
- Termination of Parental Rights
- Traditional Divorce
- Visitation Rights
