Comprehensive Counsel in Divorce, Custody, Support and Property Matters
Whether your marriage is over or you have other family law issues in Arlington, Texas, you need an Arlington family lawyer to help you navigate the process and protect your rights and interests.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have provided full-service legal counsel to women and men throughout the Lone Star State for more than four decades, providing guidance and advocacy on all matters related to family law or divorce. We have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the laws and procedures governing divorce in Texas, including issues involving child custody and visitation, spousal maintenance and child support, and the division of marital property under Texas’ community property laws.
We built our successful practice on a dedication to hard work and thorough preparation, as well as the highest levels of client service and satisfaction. We’ll take the time to listen and learn the specific details of your case, so we can clearly understand your needs and objectives, and can tailor our counsel to get the results you seek. We’ll keep you apprised of all developments in your case, as well as your options moving forward, so you can make good choices about how you proceed. We will be there when you need us, returning your calls or responding to your emails in a timely manner.
To set up a meeting with an experienced Arlington family lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 817-752-3155. There’s no cost or obligation for your first visit.
Family Law in Texas—An Overview
In Texas, as in most other states, family law is based on both statutes (written laws passed by the state legislature) and court opinions from prior cases (referred to as “common law”). The Texas Family Code (a statute) establishes many of the laws governing marriage and other family law matters, including:
- The definition of marriage, how a marriage may be dissolved, how property will be allocated in a divorce, and other basic rules related to divorce proceedings
- The rights of minor children of a marriage in a divorce proceeding, including determinations of custody, visitation, and child support
- How the collaborative divorce process works, if the parties want to terminate the marriage without the intervention of the court
- Those acts that are considered to be juvenile offenses, as well as the procedures within the juvenile justice system
- What constitutes family abuse or domestic violence, as well as how to obtain a protective order, when necessary
- The details regarding the parent-child relationship, including the specifics about SAFCRs (suits affecting the Parent-Child Relationship)
What Issues Arise Most Frequently in Family Court in Arlington?
Family law cases in Arlington, like in many other jurisdictions, often involve emotionally charged issues that require careful legal and personal consideration. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues in family law cases in Arlington and the potential challenges associated with each:
Divorce
- Emotional and financial strain on both parties.
- Disputes over fault or no-fault grounds.
- Division of debts and liabilities.
Child Custody & Visitation
- Determining the best interests of the child.
- Parental disputes over primary custody and visitation schedules.
- Allegations of neglect, abuse, or parental alienation.
Child Support
- Calculating appropriate support based on income and needs.
- Enforcing child support orders.
- Modifying support due to changing financial circumstances.
Property & Asset Division
- Identifying and valuing marital vs. separate property.
- Disputes over business assets or retirement accounts.
- Division of hidden assets or financial discrepancies.
Alimony & Spousal Support
- Determining entitlement and duration.
- Calculating fair amounts based on incomes and lifestyle.
- Addressing disputes over cohabitation or remarriage.
Post-Divorce Modifications
- Adjusting custody, support, or visitation agreements.
- Proving significant changes in circumstances.
- Enforcing compliance with modified agreements.
Pre & Postnuptial Agreements
- Disputes over validity and enforceability.
- Proving coercion or lack of disclosure.
- Addressing provisions that contradict public policy.
Adoption
- Completing home studies and background checks.
- Terminating biological parental rights.
- Navigating interstate or international adoption laws.
Paternity Disputes
- Establishing or contesting biological paternity.
- Addressing custody and support after paternity is confirmed.
- Resolving disputes involving alleged fraud or error.
Grandparents’ Rights
- Seeking visitation or custody against parental objections.
- Proving a significant relationship with the child.
- Addressing situations of parental unfitness or absence.
Other Family Law Matters
- Suits Affecting Parent-Child Relationships
- Custody, Visitation and Support When Parents Are Not Married
- Relocation disputes involving children.
Each of these issues can be further complicated by local laws and regulations, so it’s often beneficial to consult with a qualified Texas family lawyer who is familiar with Arlington’s legal framework. Our Managing Attorney of Family Law, Keith Spencer, is board-certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, so you know you will receive the highest level of representation possible.
What Are the Advantages of Having a Lawyer Represent You in a Divorce?
It may seem like your divorce is uncomplicated, and that may lead you to believe that you don’t need legal representation. In most instances, that would be a mistake. Even where there’s little or no property, and no minor children of the divorce, the party with legal counsel generally fares much better. Here are just a few of the ways an experienced attorney can help you in an Arlington divorce case:
- A lawyer will take care of all matters related to the preparation for the divorce proceeding, from the gathering of evidence to the filing of all necessary documents to oral advocacy in any hearings or meetings
- Make certain that you understand the potential benefits or pitfalls of alternative means of terminating your marriage, such as mediation or collaborative divorce
- Accurately determine whether assets are community or separate property, and confirm that both property and obligations are equally divided under the Texas community property laws
- Confirm that the terms of your agreement are accurately reflected in the court order
What Are the Potential Costs of Hiring a Family Lawyer?
Almost all divorce attorneys bill by the hour, though some may charge a flat fee for an uncontested divorce. As every case is different and as attorneys have different hourly fees, the total cost of legal representation can be difficult to project. You can reduce the costs significantly by organizing and preparing for every meeting with your lawyer. Additionally, if you work cooperatively with your ex, without the involvement of the court, you won’t have to pay an attorney to resolve as many disputes.
What Is the Scope of the Family Law Practice at Bailey & Galyen?
At Bailey & Galyen, we handle virtually any legal concern related to or arising out of the dissolution of a marriage, from child custody and visitation issues to marital property settlements to disputes about child support or alimony. We also have considerable experience helping individuals and families with a range of adoption proceedings, name changes, and juvenile matters, and can prepare and execute a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to protect your rights in a marriage.
Why Should You Hire Bailey & Galyen as Your Family Law Counsel?
In most legal matters, there’s nothing more valuable than experience. At Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than 40 years of hands-on experience to every family law matter we handle. For that reason, we know the potential tactics and strategies your ex’s lawyers will use and can take preemptive steps to ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Get the Results You Need | Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
At the law offices of Bailey and Galyen, with offices throughout Texas, we are committed to your total satisfaction. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request, and we will travel for a consultation, if necessary.
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your family law concerns, call our offices at 817-752-3155 or contact us by e-mail.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law Office Location
2216 S Cooper St,
Arlington, TX 76013
1-817-752-3155
