Divorce Attorney Arlington, TX
Unlike 99% of family law attorneys in the state, Donna J. Smiedt is board-certified. She has held this distinction since 1991 and is deeply committed to fighting for her clients in all matters relating to divorce.
“So thankful.”
"Aside from expert legal advice, I found Donna to have great wisdom from her years of experience and she gave me guidance which helped me in the long run. I am in an excellent position financially (and emotionally) because I followed her advice. I always felt she had my best interest in mind and I am so thankful she was there to help me."
Board-Certified Attorney Donna J. Smiedt Will Fight for You in a Divorce
We understand that this is a difficult time for your family, and we want to help. Our attorneys exclusively practice family law so that we can provide you with focused legal care.
Our lead attorney, Donna J Smiedt, is a board-certified family law attorney who has been practicing family law since 1986. Donna has helped many families in Southlake, Westover Hills, Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas achieve positive resolutions to their cases.
Need Some Extra Support?
We Have Therapy Dogs
Divorce can be an especially difficult and complicated time in your life. We do what we can to relieve your burden with dedicated and compassionate representation. We even have divorce therapy dogs at our office to provide some additional comfort and help you feel positive about your next steps.
To speak to a lawyer about your case, and to meet one of our friendly dogs, reach out online or call us at:
(817) 572-9900
We Handle Mediated and Collaborative Divorce A Faster, More Affordable, and More Peaceful Solution
At the Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt, our lawyers believe settling your case out of court is often the best option. Donna and her staff offer mediation and collaborative services to help the parties agree on an amicable arrangement that serves their best interests. By keeping your divorce out of the courtroom, you can:
- Avoid the added stress and complexities of court
- Have more input on the division of property
- Build a more positive relationship with your children
- Maintain a better post-divorce relationship with your ex
Our family law attorneys can help you and your spouse make sensible decisions while dividing property to ensure the result is beneficial to your entire family.
When a Collaborative Approach Fails Donna Won't Hesitate to Go to Court
Divorce lawyer Donna Smiedt offers thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you find the best avenue for your case and achieve the best possible outcome. We can represent you in court and help file important documents so you don't miss your chance to fight for custody, visitation rights, or property. To speak with our divorce attorneys in Arlington, call (817) 572-9900.
"The entire team was excellent." A Glowing Review for Our Arlington Divorce Attorneys
"The entire team at The Family Law Firm was excellent in every aspect of my custody case. Donna J Smiedt was fantastic. Everyone was extremely helpful and professional throughout the entire process. Their preparation and dedication to my case was outstanding. I have and will continue to refer anyone going through a challenging situation to speak with Donna and her team."
niranjan agnew
Securing a Dedicated Lawyer Can Save You in the Long Run
There are many factors that can add emotional, financial, and legal complications to the divorce process and make your situation harder. Ms. Donna Smiedt and her team can ask the right questions and fight to protect your rights and assets when an amicable solution isn't possible. If you are going through a legal separation, there are several benefits to enlisting the help of a divorce attorney:
Donna Prioritizes Your Children
These cases are made all the more complicated when children are involved. Our attorneys will work hard to ensure that your children's best interests are upheld during the child custody and child support agreements.
She Will Protect Your Property
Because marital property in Texas is not divided evenly but in a "fair and just" manner, you need strong legal representation to protect your property and best interests throughout the division process.
Her Team Is Your Biggest Advocate
If your former spouse has enlisted the help of an attorney, you need to do so as well. In fact, even if they don't have an attorney, you should retain one to make sure our best interests are protected. Without the right support in your corner, you run the risk of an unfavorable settlement. We support clients throughout Southlake, Westover Hills, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
"She helped me immensely." A Top-Rated Law Office in the Arlington, TX, Area
"Donna is an amazing, very talented family law attorney that I recommend highly. She helped me immensely during a very difficult time of my life during my divorce. She works tirelessly to ensure her clients are well represented, covers all contingencies, (even those you don’t think off), and the bottom line is she WINS the best outcome for your family."
Catherine C.
The Basics of Divorce in Texas Allow Donna to Explain:
Residency Requirements
Before filing for a divorce, either you or your spouse must have been a continuous resident of Texas for at least six months. Additionally, one of you must have been a resident of the county in which you are filing for at least 90 days.
A "No-Fault State"
You do not need a specific reason for dissolving your marriage. Since Texas is a “no-fault” state, you can list “insupportability” as the cause of divorce when you petition the court, indicating a conflict of personalities within your marriage.
Conservatorship
Texas law includes "conservatorship" child custody, which means that the courts prefer to give joint custody of children. This would allow both parents to have an equal say in their children's upbringing, but important factors such as abuse, neglect, and other conditions can affect a parent's claim to join custody.
Community Property
Texas is also a "community property" state, which means that both parties of marriage own any property acquired during the marriage. You may claim certain property as "separate," which means you are the sole owner of it, but you must prove that it was earned before or after your marriage.
Just and Right Division
Under Texas law, property owned by both parties of the marriage is subject to just and right division, which means that the way property is divided by the court can be affected by signs of fault or unequal earning power.
Get the Alimony You Deserve Our Team Will Fight for Every Penny You Are Owed
Alimony, sometimes called "spousal maintenance" or "spousal support," is a type of financial support that one party pays to the other according to court orders. Securing alimony is very difficult in Texas, but your chances of being awarded this support are much better when you hire an attorney to make your position understood by the courts. Our firm is here to help clients throughout the region, including Southlake and Westover Hills, understand every aspect of this area of law.
Discuss Your Case With A Distinguished Divorce Lawyer
Donna Smiedt and everyone at our law firm serving Arlington, TX, and greater Fort Worth work hard to minimize the stress and complexity of your divorce. Our law office even has divorce therapy dogs to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout the process. Our team can help clients involved in spousal support cases or complex, high-asset divorces.
Do you live in Southlake, Westover Hills, or another community in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area? We'd love to meet with you. To learn more about our legal services, contact our office online or call us at (817) 572-9900 and speak to a member of our friendly staff today.
"I'd hire them again in a heartbeat." Read a 5-Star Review
"Donna successfully helped me get what I wanted out of my case. She charged a reasonable fee for her services and never once wasted my time. I would hire The Family Law Firm again in a heartbeat should I ever need her services again."
Charity Vicente, 5-Star Review
The Divorce Process With The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt
Our law firm in Arlington, TX, can help you through each and every step.
Loved by Our Clients
“We hired Donna Smiedt to handle a very contentious child custody case in 2010. My wife and I can not say enough good things about Donna and her personal attention to a stressful matter. We highly recommend to anyone going through a divorce or considering divorce.”
Ed McKiernan
Have Questions About the Process? Ask a Board-Certified Attorney
Divorce lawyer Donna Smiedt and her legal team in Arlington offer thorough, compassionate legal advice to help you determine the best avenue for your case and achieve the best possible outcome. Ms. Smiedt has helped clients with their family law and divorce cases since she began practicing in 1986.
Our Texas divorce attorneys understand that this process can be confusing. Contact our law firm with your questions or discuss your situation in-depth during a consultation with our attorneys by calling our office at:
(817) 572-9900
Fees & Payment Options at Our Office
Knowing what to expect when it comes to legal fees and financial information can help you feel more prepared. Clients of The Family Law Firm of Donna J Smiedt can typically expect to pay a reasonable initial consultation fee. If you decide that we are the right lawyers to represent your case, you will receive a contract that you can sign immediately or later on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Separation and Family Law in Texas
Is it worth getting a divorce lawyer?
Yes, many common divorce situations require a lawyer’s help because both parties cannot agree on major issues such as the division of property and child custody. Even in a collaborative divorce, it’s easy to lose track of important factors that can impact the property you receive and who is responsible for certain debts. A lawyer can help you keep track of every aspect of the divorce and make sure you receive your rightful property according to the law.
What if my former partner and I can’t agree on anything?
If you and your ex cannot come to an agreement on the distribution of property, child custody, or other divisions, then that division will be decided in court. While settling disputes in court is not the best choice for everyone, it can be the only viable option when your partner is uncooperative or refuses to participate in the divorce. Our law firm can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
What information do I have to share with my divorce lawyer?
You must share all information about your property, including bank accounts, investments, debts, etc. Intentionally leaving any items out of your listed properties can lead to sanctions and other penalties. We also strongly recommend disclosing information about any threats, abuse, neglect, or other factors that could place you or your children in danger. We can help you file for temporary restraining orders and other safety measures to protect you and your family.
Do I need my former partner to sign off on the divorce papers?
No, you can file for divorce even when the other party refuses to participate in the proceedings. When a divorce case is brought before the court, refusing to participate will only take away the respondent’s chance to argue their case and have any influence in the court’s decisions regarding custody, visitation, property, etc.
"An amazing lawyer!" Another 5-Star Review
"Donna was an amazing lawyer in my case! She made things go by as smooth as possible and I would recommend her to anyone."
Ashley Hayes
