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State Bar of Texas

Dallas Family Law Attorney

Family law encompasses a wide range of legal needs that include, but are not limited to, divorce.

family law attorney mckinney texas

While divorce makes up a large part of what family lawyers do, it cannot be wholly reduced to divorce alone. That doesn’t tell the entire story. Instead, families are involved in countless types of disputes where important legal rights are at stake. People call family law attorneys when they can no longer resolve a legal issue on their own.

There are a number of reasons why couples enlist the aid of family law attorneys. The McKinney, Texas family law attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC have helped numerous couples in other ways as well. Here, we’ll touch on some of the ways that a family lawyer can help you.

Services

We practice in the following areas of family law:

Reach out to our family lawyers in Prosper, Texas for more information.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help You With Adoption

The family attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC have helped a number of couples adopt. But the process takes time and isn’t by any means simple or easy. An attorney is invaluable at identifying whether there are any problems or roadblocks that could prevent adoption. Then, an attorney can address them so that your adoption can go through smoothly.

Family law attorneys can help couples prepare for the adoption process, file the appropriate paperwork, and prepare for the home study, each of which is vital to a successful adoption.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Enforce a Child Support Agreement

In Texas, one parent generally has custodianship of the child. This means that the child or children reside with one parent while the other parent has access and conservatorship of the child. That means that they can see the child (possession) or make important decisions regarding the child (conservatorship).

On the other hand, the non-custodial parent pays child support to the parent who has primary custodianship. If one parent is delinquent or their financial circumstances have changed, a family law attorney can help them change a child support payment or enforce the court order for child support payments.

The state of Texas is very serious about child support payments. It is important that you continue to meet your obligations as best you can until a judge actually modifies the existing order. If you don’t, then your wages could be garnished and the judge could find you in contempt.

The Collin County family law attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC can help you enforce a court order for child support or make changes to an existing arrangement.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Make Modifications to an Existing Visitation Schedule

Circumstances change, and when they do, you want to ensure that the court is aware of any revised agreement between you and the other parent. Without the weight of the court behind it, one parent can decide to change the agreement without the other’s consent. This creates a host of problems.

Often, modifications are just as contentious as the initial custody fight, and you want a strong advocate in your corner. Convincing a judge to modify visitation will require that you collect evidence that shows how the circumstances have changed. If you want to block any modification, then you will need proof as well.

You should not go into a modification dispute on your own. Fortunately, a McKinney divorce attorney at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC will help parents make changes to their custody schedule.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Through Your Divorce

Tidwell Law Firm will help you through your divorce by advocating for your rights and your interests. This can include setting up conservatorship or custodianship and establishing a Standard Possession Order (SPO) that defines the children’s visitation schedule. In addition, we can help negotiate the distribution of property, child support, and alimony.

Couples are free to reach an agreement on these issue by themselves. In practice, however, it is rarely possible to agree to everything. Instead, the couple needs a judge to decide, which means they need a divorce lawyer in McKinney, Texas.

As part of our practice, we are skilled at helping our clients negotiate a favorable divorce. But when negotiations break down and we reach an impasse, we can also go into court and convince a judge to give our clients what they want.

Family Law Attorneys Help with Annulments and Separations

To annul a marriage, the couple must meet formal requirements under Texas law. Annulment is sometimes preferable to divorce, especially if your right to certain benefits are at stake or you have religious objections to divorce.

In addition, there may be some issues that couples hammer out before they are legally divorced. This is known as a legal separation. Separation is complicated, and you shouldn’t simply make verbal agreements that can be misrepresented later on. Instead, most of our clients would benefit from written separation agreements. The family attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC can help you with either of these.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help Establish Paternity

A family law attorney can help establish paternity if you believe that someone is:

  • Saying you’re the father when you don’t believe you are, or
  • The father of your child is claiming that the child isn’t his.

This can be a prelude to receiving child support and working out a custody arrangement.

Family Law Attorneys Can Help You Define Prenuptial Agreements

There are many reasons why one or another individual entering a marriage would prefer a premarital arrangement. For example, an agreement can protect your assets in the event of a divorce. Also, if you already have a family from a prior marriage, you might want to protect assets in the event you die. A properly-drafted prenuptial agreement can help you accomplish these (and other) goals.

Far from being a tool the wealthy used, prenuptial agreement are cropping up more and more, especially with blended families. Before heading down the aisle, you should talk with an attorney to see if you would benefit from a prenup as well. A family lawyer at the Tidwell Law Firm can help you draft the agreement.

Family Law Attorneys Help with Spousal Support

There are a number of reasons why the court may award one spouse alimony after the dissolution of a marriage.

For example, one spouse might need time to get education or additional work experience before he or she can become self-supporting. In other situations, a spouse made serious sacrifices to their career in order to support their spouse.

A divorce attorney in McKinney, Texas can help establish those reasons and advocate for your needs.

Family Law Attorneys Help with Equitable Property Division

Family attorneys will help you sort through your property during and after your divorce. They will advocate for your interests and the interests of your children before the court. This includes any and all post-divorce arrangements.

You should not assume that it is obvious what property is subject to a divorce and which is yours alone. Meet with an experienced divorce attorney to review your individual experiences.

Can We Help You with Your Family Law Needs?

Family law disputes can be some of the most emotional that we see. So much is at stake, and family relations are often strained. The McKinney Texas family law attorneys at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC can help you resolve your divorce in a manner that benefits both you and your children. We can also help with the other legal issues discussed above.

Give us a call or contact us online and we can begin helping you determine the best course of action. Your well-being is our primary concern.

Client Reviews

I needed legal advice for a child custody dispute and had spoken with a few lawyers in order to gauge expenses and commitment requirements for legal action. Most of the lawyers I spoke with heard my situation...

William C.

I used Jerry Tidwell as the representing lawyer for two family law cases: my divorce and subsequent modification to child possession schedule. In each situation, Jerry took the time to listen to my concerns...

Karl Y.

Having to deal with the complex world of criminal cases, you will need the best legal representation on your side. Attorney Jerry Tidwell Jr. is that lawyer who knows his craft and always on the side of truth...

Joseph B.

Jerry has been amazing to work with and fights for you in every legal way possible while being completely open and honest throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Jerry for any legal matter you may...

Charles J.

When I found myself in need of a lawyer, I was referred to Jerry Tidwell. I am grateful for his help and expertise. After deciding to take my case to jury trial, the DA decided to make a deal, and anything...

Anonymous

Mr. Tidwell was reliable and well informed. He was just the individual that I needed in my time of legal need. I would refer him without a doubt and would utilize his services again in the future.

Anonymous

I hired Mr. Tidwell on a Tuesday evening. By Thursday, we had a final order and the case was settled. Mr. Tidwell was efficient, extremely communicative, and able to get us the exact result we had hoped for...

Candice H.

I was recommended to seek legal counsel from Jerry W. Tidwell, Jr. when I found myself accused of a crime I did not commit. Jerry helped me through the full process of my Criminal Defense from the early stages...

Dave **

They were awesome and very caring during my divorce. Very knowledgeable on all the laws. I have referred this firm to several people. My attorney was a bull dog!

Denise T

This lawyer is very thorough and knowledgeable about the law. He helped us rescue our grandchild from a very abusive home, and gave this child a much happier life. As God must’ve chose him to deliver children...

Flo S

Thank you for helping me to get through my divorce case — your wide range of expertise and representation was indispensable during this difficult time and I can’t thank you enough for your work ethic and most...

Flordeliza

When Mary called me from [the] law firm I was pensive. She immediately settled me and knew why I was calling and provided sincere empathy. My current situation is quite dire but she assured me the attorneys can...

John E

Jerry gave me excellent legal representation. He is very knowledgeable, attentive and answered all my questions. I highly recommend him! I would give 10 🌟 if I could

Jordan B.

[The law firm] was recommended to me by several people in the area. I hired ... Jerry Tidwell has been my family lawyer. He has been available, honest and helpful. Nobody wants to be in the position to hire a...

Katie O

Mr. Tidwell is an exceptional attorney. He is prompt in his response time, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Mr. Tidwell outlined all options & their pros and cons. Highly recommend!

Katie P

I’m not sure if I can find the words to express how thankful we are to Mr. Tidwell for resolving our custody case. He goes above and beyond and never sugar coats things. If you’re looking for a custody lawyer...

Kristina B.

At first with [the other law firm], I started off, pretty bumpy and very slow. [Wound] up going through ... different lawyers and finally ended up with Jerry Tidwell. Once Tidwell took over [the] case...

Natisha M

I really can’t say enough of how much I appreciate Jerry and how he handled my case. The situation I was put in felt impossible but Jerry got everything taken care of and gave me the best outcome I could have...

Nick S.

We are forever grateful for all of the hard work Jerry and Mary put into our case. They communicated with us every step of the way and got our case closed with the BEST outcome in record time.

Jennifer K

This firm specifically Sarah Blackstock did exceptional work on my behalf. Her responsiveness is beyond exceptional.

Tim T

Mrs. Lanski was very kind, polite, and professional. She really made me feel welcome and that the team had my back. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication.

Melissa O

After 11+ years of fighting a battle I didn't think I could ever win, Sarah was able to change my mind. She was very considerate of all feelings involved, and found the best solution for everyone. Definitely...

Mary L

I had a wonderful consultation with this firm. Jerry and Mary were extremely helpful guiding me in the right direction. They are very professional, polite and knowledgeable. I’d recommend using them for your...

Nicole M

Mary Lanski is a real asset ... [s]he is attentive, courteous and very responsive. Out of 10, I would give her a 10+

Julia K

Phenomenal service. From the moment they picked up the phone call until the moment we disconnected it was top notch. Would definitely recommend.

J (Anonymous)

This guy has great reviews. He is going to help me resolve a problem I had on a case 16 years ago that I paid him for. Awesome guy!

Jonathan M

A well versed and trusting attorney! Mr. Tidwell was reliable and well informed. He was just the individual that i needed in my time of legal need. I would refer him without a doubt and likewise myself would...

Anonymous

When I found myself in need of a lawyer, I was referred to Jerry Tidwell. I am grateful for his help and expertise and I road the wave of the legal system. After deciding to take my case to jury trial, the DA...

Anonymous

Great guy to have in your corner I hired Mr Tidwell to assist me with some family law issues. From the first meeting I had a good feeling about him. His no nonsense, straight shooting ways are something to be...

Matt

Worth it! Mr. Tidewell viewed my case and warned me of potential holes in my own legal strategy that I had overlooked. He was open and honest with his intent and execution. Stellar performance; was aggressive...

William

Aggressive, Knowledgeable, and Trustworthy I consulted with and hired Jerry Tidwell to represent me on a child custody modification case back in February of this year. He was respectful of my perspective, and...

Mallory E
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5151 Headquarters Drive
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Plano, TX 75024