Family Law

Southlake Family Law Attorney

Serving Individuals & Families in Tarrant County, Keller, Grapevine & Trophy Club

Going through a divorce or facing another family law issue can be emotionally painful and uncertain. The process is often complicated and frightening, especially if you have never encountered the legal system. The most personal and vital family law matters of your life may be in play, from your financial resources and marital property to custody of your children. Many decisions and arrangements will have to be made, which can threaten your stability and your family. In addition, the most personal aspects of your life will be subject to Texas laws, which you may need more understanding. 

You must have trusted legal guidance and support throughout all this. Any Southlake family law attorney at the Law Office of Dana L. White understands that you are going through a challenging time and that this may be one of the most difficult transitions you have ever faced. That is why our family law attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you understand your legal rights, have the information and counsel you need to make wise decisions and protect your best interests during the legal process. 


Need legal help with a divorce or another family law matter? Book a confidential consultation with a family law lawyer at our Southlake office by contacting us online or at (817) 697-0180


Family law encompasses the legal issues that involve families and intimate relationships. At the Law Office of Dana L. White, our attorneys handle all types of family law issues, including the following:

  • Divorce. These cases can be uncontested, contested, same-sex, and high net-worth.
  • Child custody and visitation.
  • Division of marital property and debt.
  • Child support.
  • Alimony/spousal maintenance
  • Modifications of existing family court orders.
  • Enforcement of existing family court orders.
  • Paternity issues.
  • Prenuptial and post-marital agreements.
  • Grandparents’ rights.

Our family law firm in Southlake, TX, collaborates to help you resolve your case. Our Southlake family law attorneys work together as a team to devise creative solutions that will apply to the unique circumstances of your situation. 

We know that no two family law cases are alike; the facts and circumstances surrounding your issues will call for solutions tailored to you. 

Our depth of experience in representing Texans with all kinds of unique family law challenges for decades has given our team the knowledge, insight, and resources you need to navigate the legal process. 

In addition, our lawyers are here to provide you with the support you need to make the journey less stressful and adversarial, wherever possible. 


Need advice concerning your issue? Request a consultation with one of our Southlake attorneys for family law at the Law Office of Dana L. White via our online form or by calling (817) 697-0180


Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is a minimum statutory requirement of at least 60 days from the date of filing; however, divorces are rarely finalized in that period of time. If the case goes to trial, it may take two years or more. The actual time required depends upon many factors, including but not limited to:

    • What issues are contested, and how contested are those issues
    • The amount of debt and property to be divided
    • The level of “discovery” or research that is required
    • Whether or not minor children are involved
    • The level of cooperation with your attorney
    • The schedules of the court and the attorneys

    Thus, the time involved in getting a divorce depends on all of the circumstances and every case is different. If you and your spouse agree on most of the aspects of your separation, such as child custody and property division, your divorce may proceed quickly. However, if you and your spouse have a contentious relationship or disagree on matters like property division, child custody, possession orders, and child support, it can take much longer, possibly even over a year. The Law Office of Dana L. White appreciates and recognizes that you want to resolve your divorce quickly, and we diligently work and represent on your behalf to ensure a timely and efficient process in conformance with the quality of our representation.

  • Texas law distinguishes between community property and separate property:

    • Community Property – All property, other than separate property, acquired by either spouse during the marriage.
    • Separate Property – Property that was owned prior to marriage; property received during the marriage by gift or inheritance; and property obtained via recovery for personal injuries, except for the loss of income during the marriage.
  • Yes, if circumstances have changed in a material and substantial way, you may request modifications to your custody order. Typically, this is done in the same court that issued the original order. You will also have to prove that the change you seek is in the child’s best interest. Our team of lawyers at the Law Office of Dana L. White can assist you with building a convincing case that will show your need for a modification.

  • The orders that were created during your divorce proceedings are legally binding and must be followed. If your ex-partner is in violation of the court order and is failing to uphold their end of the agreement, you can take legal action to hold them accountable. The Law Office of Dana L. White is here to assist you in your efforts to enforce orders of the court.

  • Some common reasons why our clients choose a Will with a Living Trust:

    • If a person owns real property in another state, having a Living Trust will avoid the necessity for two probate proceedings, one in each state, which makes a Living Trust more desirable than a Will.
    • A Living Trust provides a significant lifetime advantage if a person becomes incapacitated. With a Living Trust, the trust assets will continue to be managed for the person’s benefit by the successor trustee without the necessity for a court-supervised guardianship proceeding.
    • Another advantage of a Living Trust over a Will is that once assets are transferred into the trust, they will be controlled by and eventually distributed as specified in the trust agreement. A Will, on the other hand, only controls the disposition of assets that become part of the court-supervised probate proceeding.
    • Many types of assets pass automatically at the owner’s death outside of the probate process, including property held in joint tenancy or pay-on-death form, life insurance, and retirement accounts. These types of assets pass to a designated beneficiary regardless of what the owner’s Will may say. So, the estate plan contained in a person’s Will can easily and inadvertently be defeated by forms of title that avoid probate. This problem is minimized with a Living Trust where title to assets is held by the trust, or the trust is named as the designated beneficiary.
    • Privacy is another advantage of having a Living Trust. With a Will and a court-supervised probate proceeding, an inventory of a decedent’s estate becomes a matter of public record. A Living Trust, on the other hand, is privately managed and not subject to public scrutiny.