Dallas Family Law Attorney

Family law matters touch some of the most personal and emotional parts of your life. Whether you are going through a divorce, working out custody arrangements, or seeking protection for yourself or your children, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. You deserve clear information and a sense of direction so you can make confident decisions about your future.

Our legal team at The Lugo Law Firm is here to provide the guidance you need. Call us at (214) 572-1909 to schedule a free consultation, or complete our online form to get started.

Why Work With The Lugo Law Firm?

In family law, timing matters more than most people realize. Decisions made in the early days of a case, including temporary orders, asset moves, and initial filings, can affect the outcome for months or years. Waiting to hire your attorney while the other side prepares is a disadvantage you do not have to accept.

Your family’s future is not the place to gamble on inexperience. Our attorneys have handled the full range of family law matters Dallas families face, and we bring that depth to every case we take.

Our firm brings 45 years of collective legal knowledge to every case. When you work with The Lugo Law Firm, you get:

A bilingual team that communicates fluently in English and Spanish
Thousands of clients guided through divorce, custody, and protective order matters
Aggressive representation focused on protecting your rights and your family
A commitment to keeping you informed at every stage of your case

At The Lugo Law Firm, your case is handled by an experienced attorney, not passed down to a junior associate. Large firms frequently assign high-volume family law cases to less experienced staff. Here, you get direct access to an attorney who knows your file and is available when you need answers.

We help Dallas families with:

Work through every step of the divorce process
Protect your parental rights in custody and conservatorship matters
Advocate for fair property and asset division
Aggressive representation defending spousal support claims
Obtain and enforce protective orders when safety is at stake

How Divorce Works in Texas

How Divorce Works in Texas Texas recognizes both no-fault and fault-based grounds for ending a marriage. Cases filed in Dallas County Family Courts are subject to the same state rules that apply across Texas. However, local procedures and timelines can vary:

Grounds for divorce: Texas allows a no-fault divorce based on insupportability, meaning the marriage has broken down due to conflict with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment, felony conviction, and living apart for at least three years.
Residency requirement: Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the county where the suit is filed for 90 days before filing.
Waiting period: Texas requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period after a divorce petition is filed before the court can finalize the divorce.

Every divorce is different, and the timeline depends on whether the case is contested or uncontested. Contested cases involving property, custody, or support typically take longer to resolve.

Property and Asset Division

Texas is a community property state, which means most assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses. Courts divide community property in a manner they consider “just and right,” which does not always mean a 50/50 split. Factors that influence division include:

Length of the marriage
Each spouse’s earning capacity and financial needs
Fault in the breakup of the marriage
Health and age of each spouse
Custody arrangements for children
Separate property brought into the marriage

Disputes over business interests, retirement accounts, and real estate can add significant time and complexity to a divorce. Defining which assets qualify as community versus separate property directly protects your financial future.

Representing the Best Interest of the Child

Texas courts make all custody decisions based on what serves the best interest of the child. Under Texas Family Code § 153.002, the court’s primary consideration is always the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Key areas of child-related proceedings include:

Conservatorship: Texas uses the term “conservatorship” instead of custody. Courts typically appoint both parents as joint managing conservators, giving each parent specific rights and duties regarding the child.
Child support: The noncustodial parent usually pays support as a percentage of their net income, with the amount adjusted based on the number of children.
Possession and access: A standard possession order (SPO) outlines when each parent has time with the child, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and summer periods.
Child relocation: If a parent wants to move with the child outside the geographic area specified in the court order, they must either get the other parent’s agreement or seek court approval.

Courts in the George Allen Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas handle a high volume of family law cases each year. Working with an attorney who understands Dallas Family Courts and the specific judges handling your case gives you a meaningful advantage when conservatorship, support, and possession schedules are at stake.

Spousal Support

Texas courts may award spousal maintenance when one spouse cannot meet their minimum reasonable needs after divorce. Eligibility depends on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, and whether family violence occurred. Support is generally limited in both duration and amount.

Protective Orders

If you or your children are in danger due to family violence, Texas law allows you to seek a protective order that restricts the abusive person’s contact and access. A protective order can require the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, and children, and violations carry serious legal consequences.

FAQ: Common Questions About Family Law in Texas

Can a Custody or Support Order Be Changed After the Divorce Is Finalized?

Yes. Texas permits modifications to existing court orders when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. Common types of orders that may be modified are as follows:

Child support amounts
Conservatorship arrangements
Possession and access schedules
Geographic restrictions on residence

What Can I Do If My Ex Isn’t Following the Court Order?

When a parent or former spouse fails to comply with a court order, Texas law provides several enforcement options. These violations can carry serious consequences. Common enforcement actions include the following:

Filing a motion for contempt
Seeking a makeup visitation time
Requesting wage garnishment for unpaid support
Pursuing fines or jail time for repeated violations

Can a Parent Lose Custody for Violating a Court Order?

Yes. Repeated violations of a court order, such as denying the other parent their scheduled time or failing to pay child support, can be grounds for a custody modification. Texas courts have broad authority to restructure conservatorship arrangements when a pattern of noncompliance harms the child’s stability or well-being.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dallas Family Law Attorney Now

Are you facing a family law issue and unsure about what steps to take next? Delays in family law cases can affect custody arrangements, financial outcomes, and your ability to protect yourself and your children. At The Lugo Law Firm, our attorneys are ready to sit down with you, answer your questions, and help you move forward with a clear plan. If you need a Dallas family law attorney you can trust, call us at (214) 572-1909 to schedule a free consultation or reach out online today.

Family Law