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Family Law

Decades of Experience, Client-Focused Service

Established in 1973, our Arlington attorneys have been dedicated to providing effective legal solutions and strong client advocacy across multiple practice areas.

Family Law Attorney in Arlington

Serving Individuals & Families in Tarrant County & the DFW Metro Area

Family law cases often require life-changing decisions when emotions run high. Whether your goal is to adopt a child, protect your family from an abusive spouse, or get custody of your children in a divorce, you need a skilled family attorney Arlington residents trust. 

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, we understand that family law matters can be among the most challenging and complex legal issues you can face. Our highly effective team is here to provide empathetic yet steadfast guidance throughout the legal process. We have family law attorneys who are Board Certified from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization a distinction achieved by fewer than one percent of legal professionals in the state, reflecting the highest professionalism. Our attorneys have also been recognized on the Super Lawyers list and have earned an AV Preeminent® Peer Review rating through Martindale-Hubbell®. 

These outstanding achievements reflect the quality of family law representation at our firm, which has served Texans for over 60 years.  To provide the best possible service, we continuously stay updated with the latest legal developments and innovative approaches in family law. This proactive approach helps us anticipate potential challenges and work towards favorable outcomes for our clients.

Our Proven Commitment to Clients: Our firm believes in transparency and open communication. We prioritize listening to and understanding each client's unique circumstances, personal goals, and concerns. This client-centered approach allows us to tailor our legal strategies to best align with your needs and expectations, ensuring you are supported at every stage of the legal journey.

Request a confidential consultation with an Arlington family law lawyer at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz by phone at (817) 587-6452. Or contact us online. Hablamos español.

Understanding Family Law in the Context of Texas

Family law in Texas encompasses a wide array of regulations and legal procedures that affect personal relationships. From marriage dissolution to child custody disputes, Texas law provides guidelines to ensure fair adjudication of family-related matters. Under Texas Family Code, family law cases must be handled within the state’s jurisdiction, which is significant because local courts and judges have specific procedures and standards that can influence outcomes. Clients must work with a family law attorney Arlington trusts, like those at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, who have a deep understanding of these local legal nuances.

Texas is a community property state, meaning that any assets acquired during the marriage are typically considered joint property. This impacts divorce proceedings, requiring skilled legal assessment to ensure equitable division. Additionally, Texas law emphasizes the 'best interests of the child' standard in custody battles, making it necessary for parents to present compelling evidence. Our team at Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz is well-versed in these Texas family law standards, ensuring that clients receive informed guidance throughout their legal proceedings.

Our Family Law Practice Area

We handle a wide range of family law cases, including:

  • Annulment: We can guide you through this legal procedure, which declares a marriage invalid as if it never existed. This can be a complex process, involving specific criteria that must be met under Texas law. Our team will assist you from start to finish, ensuring that all necessary documentation is expertly managed.
  • Divorce: We handle all types of divorce, from uncontested to highly contested, high net-worth, and same-sex cases. We understand that each divorce carries its own set of emotional and financial burdens. Our attorneys work diligently to protect your interests while helping you navigate through alimony concerns and equitable distribution of property.
  • Child Custody: This can be one of the most contentious and complex issues, whether during divorce or in a post-divorce situation. We prioritize fostering outcomes that support the best interests of the children, assisting with crafting custody agreements that encourage healthy and stable living arrangements. 
  • Child Support: Texas requires parents to financially support their children under all circumstances, including divorce. Establishing fair child support terms is crucial, and we work to calculate obligations accurately while considering income, medical expenses, and educational costs. This comprehensive approach helps in minimizing disputes and ensuring compliance.
  • Spousal Support (alimony): We can help you pursue or contest these financial payments in a pending divorce or seek a modification or termination post-divorce situation. Our firm evaluates factors such as earning capacity, duration of marriage, and the spouses’ health to advocate for reasonable support arrangements.
  • Asset and Property Division: Our team can assist in pursuing a fair and just distribution of marital property and debt in divorce.  This involves a thorough investigation into the categorization of assets and liabilities, alongside the use of forensic accounting techniques when necessary, to ensure complete transparency and equity in property division.
  • Separate Property Agreements: We can help address the ownership and management of individual assets you wish to keep separate from marital property. Our attorneys assist in drafting precise agreements that safeguard your assets, minimizing potential disputes during divorce proceedings.
  • Enforcement of Court Orders: This involves compliance with orders such as child support or custody arrangements.  Whether addressing non-compliance or seeking enforcement, our firm diligently works to uphold the court's directives, using legal mechanisms available in Texas to ensure obligations are met.
  • Adoption: We work to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Our services include pre-planned adoption agreements. Understanding the variety of adoption paths available, we ensure every legal facet is tended to so adoptive parents can proceed confidently.
  • Modification of Custody and Support Orders: We help clients seek and contest modifications through the Texas family courts. Changing circumstances such as relocation or shifts in financial status necessitate experienced guidance, which we provide to facilitate the necessary legal adjustments.
  • Paternity: Determining paternity can impact custody, visitation, and child support obligations. We can help unmarried parents in this matter. Our firm will assist in establishing paternity legally, which can lead to securing rights and responsibilities essential for the child's well-being.
  • Parental Rights: Our firm strongly advocates for your parental rights, whether in divorce or custody cases. We understand the sensitivity surrounding these issues and aim to uphold your parental role through firm and considerate advocacy.
  • Legal Separation: While Texas does not have a formal legal separation, our attorneys can assist by providing other legal agreements for separating couples. This includes handling temporary arrangements for finances and care of children, giving clients a structured plan while preparing for future decisions.
  • Visitation Rights: We work to pursue visitation rights that allow children to maintain relationships with parents or extended family.  Acknowledging the importance of familial bonds, we strive to secure agreeable and flexible visitation schedules that serve the children’s best interests.

The Role of Mediation in Family Law Cases

Mediation serves as a powerful tool in resolving family law disputes, offering an alternative to prolonged litigation. In Texas, mediation is often encouraged or even required, especially in divorce and child custody cases. It allows the involved parties to work collaboratively towards a mutually beneficial resolution, with the guidance of a neutral third-party mediator. This process can be less adversarial, preserving relationships and promoting amicable settlements that are customized to the family's needs.

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, we understand the complexities that arise in family law mediation. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support by preparing clients for mediation sessions, helping them understand their rights, and strategically advising on negotiation tactics. This ensures that our clients are well-equipped to articulate their interests and work towards agreeable outcomes. Mediation not only benefits the parties involved by potentially reducing costs and time spent in court, but it also empowers them to take control of their future, making decisions that suit their unique circumstances.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Arlington

What Should I Expect During a Divorce Process in Arlington?

Divorce in Arlington typically begins with filing a divorce petition, followed by serving the petition to your spouse. During this period, temporary orders may be established to address issues like child custody, support, or property use. Discovery is a critical stage where both parties exchange relevant information to understand each other's financial situation and claims. Negotiations, mediation, or court hearings may follow, depending on whether the parties can settle. Finally, the court issues a divorce decree, which formally finalizes the divorce. At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, we guide clients through each step, ensuring clarity in the process and a focus on achieving favorable arrangements.

How Are Child Custody Arrangements Determined?

Child custody decisions in Arlington, like elsewhere in Texas, prioritize the 'best interests of the child.' Courts consider various factors, including each parent's living conditions, relationship with the child, and ability to provide for the child's needs. Joint custody is typically encouraged unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Custody arrangements can encompass joint conservatorship or sole physical custody arrangements, where one parent becomes the primary caretaker while the other receives visitation rights. Our firm assists in presenting compelling evidence that supports your custody goals, ensuring proposals align with both the child's well-being and the parents' needs.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Local Family Attorney?

Local family attorneys offer distinct advantages, including familiarity with Arlington's legal landscape. Knowledge of local court preferences, procedures, and personnel can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Additionally, hiring a local attorney ensures accessibility for consultations and responsiveness to imminent legal matters. Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz's deep-rooted community involvement enhances our understanding of clients' cultural and geographical challenges, enabling us to provide individualized and relevant legal advice. Our proximity to clients ensures that we’re always available for urgent needs or clarifications, fostering a strong client-attorney relationship.

What Should I Know About Property Division in a Texas Divorce?

In Texas, divorcing couples must navigate community property law, which entails dividing all property fairly acquired during marriage. This process can become complicated when distinguishing between community and separate property, especially for assets owned before marriage or obtained via inheritance. Our firm guides clients through this process by evaluating documentation, including deeds, tax records, and investment portfolios. We aim to ensure a fair division that acknowledges each party's contributions while upholding the financial future for both.

Is Mediation a Viable Option for Resolving My Family Law Dispute?

Mediation serves as a practical alternative to going to court, offering more control over the outcomes and typically less financial and emotional strain. It is often less formal and allows for creative solutions tailored to the family’s unique situation. In Arlington, mediation is frequently employed in divorce and custody cases. At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, our mediation support includes preparing clients with informed negotiation strategies and professional support throughout the mediation sessions to optimize the benefits of this dispute resolution method. It empowers clients to decide collaboratively with their counterparts, contributing to more sustainable and satisfactory outcomes.

Why Choose Us for Your Family Law Needs in Arlington?

At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, our attorneys provide compassion and commitment to clients who often face the most difficult times of their lives. We understand you may feel exposed or emotionally raw because of the highly personal and emotional nature of your case. We work to provide the effective representation you need, combined with sensitivity and empathy. 

As locals who grew up in the community and continue to play an active role, our attorneys understand how the local courts operate. We have strong working relationships with the staff and judges in these courts and understand their procedures, preferences, and approaches to handling family law cases. 

When working with one of our family lawyers, you can expect to hear from us regularly. You can also expect to receive individualized attention and as much time as needed to fully understand all aspects of your situation. We emphasize clear and transparent communication to ensure our clients feel informed and empowered to make decisions that impact their futures. Continuous updates, in-depth consultations, and detailed explanations of legal strategies are part of our commitment to client service.

 Let our exceptional team guide you through the legal challenges you face. Our mission is to help you resolve your family law case effectively and efficiently so that you can move forward toward a brighter future.  From setting realistic expectations to crafting innovative legal solutions, we aim to transform legal complexities into understandable terms. Our goal is to foster a partnership with you, working collaboratively towards resolutions that uphold your interests and support your well-being.

Call (817) 587-6452 or complete our online contact form to consult an Arlington family law lawyer today. 

  • Client-Focused and Responsive Representation

    At Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, PC, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. Our attorneys are committed to promptly returning calls and emails, keeping you informed at every step of your case.

  • Experienced Legal Advocacy Across Multiple Practice Areas
    With 60+ years of experience, we provide top-tier representation in immigration, family law, personal injury, real estate, estate planning, and business law.
  • A Dedicated Team Ready to Fight for You
    When legal issues arise, you need a team that acts fast. Our team gets to work immediately, using our expertise to protect your best interests and pursue the best possible outcome.
  • A Proven Track Record of Success

    Our firm’s long history of service to Texans speaks for itself. Clients trust us for dedicated advocacy, personalized service, and strong results—time and time again.

What Our Clients Say

Real Stories of Success and Trusted Representation
  • "Professional, courteous & respectful."
    Everything was expedited in a very timely manner. Ms. Brown has been a great communicator and her instructions have been clear and helpful. I have appreciated their help and counsel throughout a difficult time.
    - Former Client
  • "My family will never hire a different attorney."

    My family has personally used Brooke 3 times! Each time she listened to us and made sure we understood the whole process. She fought for the things that I was entitled to but also brought me down to earth when things were not possible.

    - Former Client
  • "Straightforward, genuine, and will fight to get what is right."
    Even with all of her clients, she makes sure to give our situation every bit of attention when it’s our time. I know I can call or email with questions anytime and get an answer quickly!
    - Former Client
  • "After my initial consultation I felt relief."
    David is honest, caring, and confident in the law and what needs to be done, he is thorough, efficient (with time and costs), highly prepared, and professional. I’m so very appreciative that I found him.
    - Mary W.

Recognized for Excellence

Accolades for Client Service

We have the highest accolades for ethical standings, have earned the AV Preeminent recognition from Martindale-Hubbell, and David Kulesz has been recognized by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, since 2005. However, our customer-focused approach transcends the board-certified lawyers at our firm.

  • Martindale Hubbell
  • Super Lawyers Jackson
  • Super Lawyers Kulesz
  • Super Lawyer Kulesz 20 Years
  • TXBF Life Fellow
  • Avvo Jackson
  • Expertise
  • CompliAssure Secured
  • Top Attorney 2022

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