Aledo Family Law Attorney

Family Law Attorney in Aledo

Targeted Representation for Estate Planning, Custody, Paternity, & More

Family law is among the most diverse and complicated areas of Texas law. Whether you need to plan for your future, fight for your rights in a child custody case, file for divorce, or modify existing court orders, the team at the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC offers strategic and results-oriented legal counsel.

Need help with a family law matter in Aledo? Schedule a consultation by calling (817) 497-8148 or contacting us online.

Estate Planning

No one wants to leave their family with legal dilemmas to iron out. Our Aledo attorneys use various tools to help individuals of all income brackets best protect their loved ones and themselves.

A foundational estate tool is a will. A will outlines who receives what property among other provisions. Without a will, Texas law (not you) will determine how property is distributed through the state’s laws of intestate succession. Stepchildren and other loved ones are shut out.

A living trust passes down assets without having to go through probate and has the added bonus of generally safeguarding those assets from creditors.

Powers of attorney ensure people you know and trust will make decisions for you should you be unable. This designation can be comprehensive or specific such as making only medical or financial matters.

Probate and Trust Administration

Probate is a detailed legal process that a will’s executor must follow or risk legal jeopardy. The same is true for the trustee named for a trust. Both roles require specific responsibilities and timelines that must be followed.

Our probate and administration attorneys provide the legal heavy lifting to ensure wills and trusts are properly executed. We also have the know-how to represent the executor/trustee if there are disputes over the validity of the will or trust.

Guardianship

Guardianship generally falls into one of two categories: guardianship of adults or guardianship of minor children.

Some older or disabled adults need protection and support. Dementia and other conditions can necessitate the need for someone to step in. Like powers of attorney, there are multiple types of guardianship that fit the circumstances. There are comprehensive guardians as well as guardians who oversee personal decisions such as medical care or financial concerns such as paying bills and investing money.

Child Custody

Child custody is sometimes in tandem with a divorce action but can also be a standalone matter. Texas law refers to custody as conservatorship. Possession and access generally refer to visitation given to the noncustodial parent.

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, in Aledo, our team has extensive experience in negotiating conservatorship and parenting plans that support the needs of the entire family. You also can count on us to be a strong advocate for those seeking sole or joint conservatorship. Our attorneys are strong litigators that will bring compelling arguments to the courtroom.

Order Modifications

Life is full of surprises and changes, which can require modifications to current child custody, visitation, child support, or alimony orders. A change in income, the need to move with a new spouse, significant health changes, and other circumstances may justify changes. We represent clients who need increases or decreases in support obligations as well as situations that drive a change to parenting plans or custody.

Paternity

When a married couple has a child, the two spouses are assumed to be the child’s parents. Without a legal marriage, only the birth mother is assumed to be a parent. Paternity must be established before a mother can seek child support or a father can file for custody or visitation.

Many couples use a voluntary form called Acknowledgement of Paternity to confirm the rights of the father. When the father’s identity is disputed, the mother or alleged father can file a paternity suit. The court may order DNA tests to make final determinations. Our attorneys can handle paternity actions and resulting issues like child custody or support petitions.

Adoption

Adoption is a fulfilling and meaningful way to start or expand one’s family. Our attorneys guide and support prospective adoptive parents through what is usually a complex process. We have a deep familiarity with domestic foster care adoption, domestic private agency adoption, international adoption, and stepparent adoption.

We prepare hopeful adoptive parents for the background checks, parenting classes, home study, and other requirements typically involved in open and closed adoptions. Our goal is to help our clients realize their parenting dreams as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Compassionate Legal Counsel in Aledo for Family Law Concerns

Family law matters are typically laden with legal and emotional complications. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we provide insightful and empathetic legal representation. We prioritize your goals and customize strategies that recognize the specific details of your case.

If you need a family lawyer in Aledo, make us your first call. Contact us online or call (817) 497-8148 to schedule a consultation.

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The Opinions That Matter Most

What Former Clients Have to Say

MOre Reviews

"My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice."
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.
"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."
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.
"I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care."
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.
"This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years."
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.

Discover the Difference at Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC

Direct Access To Your Attorney

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.
Transparency
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.
Team Oriented

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.
Personalized Approach
Our team understands that no two cases are the same. Your strategy will be tailored specifically to you and your family's goals.