


Less Stressful
Fort Worth Divorce Attorney
Full-Service Legal Representation
At Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we strive to be the most effective and personable family law firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you are looking for a law firm that has left the bureaucracy and red tape behind, you have come to the right place. Call today to speak directly to one of our experienced Fort Worth divorce attorneys serving Tarrant, Parker, Johnson, Wise, Hood, Denton, Somervell, and Jack Counties.
Our team is ready to help you identify your goals and create a strategy for achieving them. We are prepared to go the distance to make sure you receive the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Do you have questions about a family law issue in Texas? Call (817) 497-8148 for an initial consultation with our dedicated Fort Worth divorce lawyer.


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Value a capable team with experienced staff. For the past 9 months, the folks at the Law Offices of Mark Childress handled my case with class and empathy. My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice. I felt like I was kept in the loop and always briefed properly. As I move forward with other ventures I wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths again. And hats off to Konner, THANK YOU!- Cody C.
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I needed an attorney who would stand up for me and my child during a very hard time. Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client. He was very knowledgeable not only about the law but about the opposing attorney and the judge. He prepared me well and we won our case. I would recommend Mark Childress to anyone who is fighting for custody or in need of child support.- Kelley C.
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I called in inquiring about a divorce and how it all happens. I had 2 people call me back within an hour and in an hour maybe 2 I was talking with the lawyer. I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care. Divorce is the hardest thing we will go through minus losing a kid and his team will be retained. He even called me back himself the next day to see how I was. Great service.- Bobby N.
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This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years. He had my case figured out in 1short conversation and had what he called "a convoluted mess" fixed. I'm pretty sure my ex felt like he'd been hit by a bus. My family is finally in tact and everyone is finally happy.- Heather S.

Why Choose Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC?
Direct Contact With Your Divorce Attorney
Going through a divorce can be challenging. It is easy to understand why you would benefit from having someone to talk to about what you are going through. When you choose our firm to handle your family law issues, you are choosing a firm that puts your best interests first.
We provide our clients with solutions to all types of family law issues, including:
We are a firm that prepares each case for every possible twist and turn to make sure that we are able to serve our clients' interests. Whether your case can be settled amicably or it is in your best interest to go to trial, our divorce lawyers will be your strongest advocates every step of the way.
We welcome the opportunity to put your mind at ease and learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today to arrange your initial consultation with our Fort Worth divorce lawyer.
Our divorce attorneys in Fort Worth are members of:
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Is a Lawyer Required for Divorce?
In Texas, legal representation is not required when filing for divorce. However, retaining our divorce attorneys in Fort Worth can bring tremendous value. Here are several reasons as to why you should hire a lawyer for your divorce case:
- Fear of abuse: divorce on its own is emotionally challenging, but when you are in fear of your own safety, it makes matters worse. Domestic violence is not uncommon and can occur more often if divorce is inevitable. Our legal specialists can help you and your children divorce safely without worry of retaliation.
- Hidden assets: If you feel that your spouse is hiding assets, they can be uncovered during the discovery phase with the help of our Fort Worth divorce attorneys. Couples with high-net worth often see this incident come into play.
- Children: child custody cases can become contentious quickly. During these cases, your parental rights are often at risk. Don’t lose custody or visitation rights by not hiring an attorney. We have the extensive experience that you will need to achieve your desired goals.
- Guidance: the laws in Texas aren’t always crystal clear. Many people get lost in translation when attempting divorce on their own. You will need a divorce lawyer that understands the intricacies of the law and how they relate to your specific issues.
If your spouse has hired an attorney, you will want to do the same. Even if you are in agreement with your spouse, that is not to say that his or her lawyer will be ethical. Protect your best interests and your future by calling the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress today.
Get Answers to Your Questions
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How long does divorce take in Texas?
A Texas divorce can take anywhere from 60 days or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues that need to be resolved (i.e., deciding on child custody or figuring out property division). In addition, as mentioned above, once the petition is filed, there is a 60-day waiting period before the divorce is finalized.
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How long do you have to be separated before you can file for divorce in Texas?
There is no separation requirement in order to file for divorce in Texas. As long as you or your spouse have lived in the state for six months and one of you has been a resident of the county you're filing in for at least 90 days, you can file for divorce.
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How much does divorce cost in Texas?
- Filing fee ranges from $350.00 - $450.00
- Process server fee ranges from $75.00-$150.00 on average depending on complexity of service.
- Retainer – the amount necessary to retain our services so that we can represent you. This retainer acts as a pre-payment toward future legal services. As the attorney performs work on the client's case, such as conducting research, drafting documents, making court appearances, or communicating with the client and others related to the case, the firm bills these hours or services against the retainer. The retainer quoted is tailored to the specific needs of your case and the hourly rate and services are detailed in the firms client fee agreement when you become a client.
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Do I need a divorce lawyer?Divorce proceedings can be an overwhelming and complicated process. If you have children, significant assets, or complex financial agreements, then it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer to ensure that all your rights and interests are respected and that any potential settlements are fair. A lawyer can also provide helpful advice and guidance throughout the legal process. Even if your divorce is uncontested, then it is still helpful to work with a lawyer from the start.
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What should I look for when hiring a divorce lawyer?When looking for a divorce lawyer, it’s important to consider their experience, reputation, and your comfort level. You should look for a lawyer who has experience in family law and the laws that apply to your particular situation. It is also important to find someone you feel comfortable with so you can openly discuss the details of your situation and trust that they will be open, honest, and supportive throughout the process. Reading reviews from previous clients can also give you an idea of what to expect before making a decision.
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What is divorce mediation?Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process in which a trained mediator helps divorcing couples reach mutually satisfactory agreements on key issues such as child custody, visitation rights, division of assets, and alimony. The mediator remains neutral throughout the process and does not advocate for either spouse. Throughout the negotiations, both parties are encouraged to express their needs and concerns in a safe, respectful environment where cooperation is key. Mediation can help divorcing couples maintain control over the outcome of their case by allowing them to come up with creative solutions that work best for both parties.
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What experience does your firm have with divorce cases?Our team at the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC focuses on family law and divorce cases. We have been highly decorated and recognized by various professional organizations that rate and review law firms, especially those that also focus on family law. For example, some of our distinctions include “Best Divorce Lawyers in Fort Worth 2022” by Expertise.com and “Top 10 Family Law Firm” by Attorney and Practice Magazine.
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How does your firm communicate with clients and keep them informed?We are proud to be a law firm that stays in close and frequent communication with our clients. We know that few things are more frustrating than feeling uninformed while something as important as a family law or divorce case progresses. To ensure that you are confident and informed about the progress of your case, we provide substantive updates as developments occur. Additionally, you can email your attorney, who will strive to respond within twenty-four business hours, depending on their trial schedule. Alternatively, for a more streamlined communication, we recommend scheduling a Calendly call with your attorney, which is our preferred method of communication.
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How does the divorce process work?Once the Original Petition for Divorce is filed, there is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days. From there, how the process works is largely up to the participants and their willingness to work together. An uncontested divorce can be wrapped up relatively quickly, while a highly contentious divorce could last months or even years. We focus on achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and their children as quickly as possible so that they can move on with their lives. We are skilled at resolving divorces in several ways, including mediation and litigation.
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I get along with my spouse, and we are ready to amicably go our separate ways. Why do I need an attorney?It is wonderful that you have a spirit of cooperation with your spouse as you approach your divorce. But even an uncontested divorce has potential pitfalls. We will make sure you understand all of your options and their ramifications so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. We encourage you to be as cooperative as possible. However, it's important to remember that you are held to the same standards as an attorney when appearing before a judge. If you submit incorrect documents or make mistakes, it may lead to additional costs for us to correct these issues later, if they can be corrected at all. It's crucial to get things right the first time to avoid these potential complications and expenses.
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Why should I worry about property division if everything will just be split in half?The idea that all property will be split 50-50 in a divorce is a misconception about community property laws. A judge can decide to deviate from 50-50 for many reasons. Even if your marital estate is split 50-50 by a judge, it is in your best interest to have an attorney on your side to ensure that the estate's assets and debts are properly valued to avoid an unequal distribution.

Meet Our Team
Dedicated Legal Professionals
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Mark M. ChildressFounding Attorney
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Desiree A. HartwigsenManaging Attorney
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Sarah E. RobbinsSenior Lead Litigator, Attorney
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Konnor N. LeeSupervising Attorney
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Rick J. MitchellPartner
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Megan M. WeiershausenLead Litigator, Attorney
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Sarah M. BlakeLitigation Attorney
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Haylie M. DavisFamily Law Attorney
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Mike J. McEntireOf Counsel, Senior Litigator



Exceptional Legal Representation
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Our Attorneys personally handle each case themselves. You will have direct access to your attorney to be able to get the answers that you need.
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Honesty and transparency are critical in building trust with your attorney. You will always know what is going on with your case every step of the way.
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At our firm you're not just a case number, our staff will always know the status of your case and help to make your situation more manageable.
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Our team understands that no two cases are the same. Your strategy will be tailored specifically to you and your family's goals.
