Divorce Lawyer in Addison

Legal Guidance For A Major Life Change

Divorce affects nearly every part of your life. Your relationship with your children, your home, your income, and your plans for the future can all feel uncertain at the same time. When you are facing that level of change, you need clear information and steady guidance, not more confusion.

If you are considering ending your marriage in Addison or you have just been served with divorce papers, our team at The Branch Law Firm, PLLC is here to help you understand your options. We focus on family law, including divorce and child custody, and we work with clients throughout the Dallas area. Our goal is to give you a path forward that fits your goals and your circumstances.

To speak with our attorneys about your divorce in Addison, call (469) 299-5944.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

When you look for a divorce attorney, Addison residents often focus on one question. Can this firm truly handle the complexity of my family and my finances? Board certification in Family Law is one important part of that answer. This credential reflects extensive experience in Texas family courts and successful completion of rigorous testing in family law.

Betsy Branch holds this certification and is the only female lawyer in Dallas with that distinction. For many clients, that combination of advanced legal training and perspective matters. It can be especially important in cases that involve sensitive issues such as parenting, domestic conflict, or long term financial security. Clients know they are working with someone who has devoted her career to this area of the law.

Protecting Children & Property

For most parents, the most difficult part of any divorce is figuring out what will happen with their children. Texas law uses terms such as conservatorship, possession, and access instead of custody and visitation, but the core question is the same. How can the parenting plan serve the child’s best interests and still be workable for both parents.

In Dallas County, many divorce cases result in joint managing conservatorship, which generally means both parents share important decision making authority. The parenting schedule, however, can vary widely. Some families follow standard possession orders. Others build customized schedules that better reflect school routines, work shifts, or special needs. We work with parents to develop parenting plans that reflect their children’s ages, personalities, and daily lives, and we advocate for those plans in court or mediation.

Some families face additional concerns, such as substance abuse, untreated mental health conditions, or patterns of high conflict. These issues can affect how a court views what is safe and appropriate for children. Our firm regularly works with cases that involve substance abuse related matters. We approach these situations with care and respect, focusing on safety and stability for the children and on realistic, workable arrangements for parenting time.

Property and financial security are the other central concerns in most divorces. Under Texas community property principles, the court aims to divide the marital estate in a manner that is just and right. This does not always mean a perfectly equal division. Judges may consider factors such as relative earning capacity, separate property holdings, and each spouse’s contributions to the marriage.

Marital estates can include homes, retirement accounts, stock plans, closely held businesses, and debts built up during the relationship. We help clients identify and document what is in the marital estate and what may qualify as separate property. We then work to structure settlements that protect long term stability. That may involve thoughtful division of retirement accounts, addressing business interests, or planning for the future sale or refinance of a family home.

Divorce is also a natural time to review your broader legal and financial plan. Our firm provides wills and estate planning services, so we can help you update your will, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations after your divorce is complete. This helps ensure that your legal documents match your new circumstances and that your wishes are clearly expressed.

Our Divorce Representation Process

Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time can feel intimidating. We work hard to make that first conversation as comfortable and useful as possible. In your initial consultation, we listen to your story and ask questions about your children, your finances, and your goals for life after divorce. We want to understand what concerns are keeping you up at night and what outcomes would make you feel more secure.

Once we have a clear picture of your situation, we talk through possible paths forward. Some cases are well suited to a largely negotiated solution that uses mediation to finalize details. Others involve serious disputes about parenting or property that may require more active litigation in Dallas County family courts. We explain the options, the likely demands of each path, and how they align with your priorities.

If you decide to work with us, we create a tailored plan for your case. That plan may include gathering specific financial documents, identifying potential witnesses, preparing for temporary orders hearings, or setting goals for mediation. Our team keeps you updated as your case moves through each stage, and we encourage you to ask questions whenever something is unclear.

Communication is central to how we practice. We know that unanswered questions can increase stress, especially in a process as significant as divorce. We strive to return calls and messages promptly, to explain court documents in understandable terms, and to prepare you for each hearing or conference. When important decisions arise, such as settlement offers, we discuss the legal implications and the practical impact on your life.

We also recognize that every family is different. Our experience with complex family law matters, including substance abuse issues and contested custody disputes, informs how we approach strategy and risk. At the same time, we do not push every case into the same mold. We work with you to balance firmness where it counts with opportunities to resolve conflict in a way that reduces long-term strain on you and your children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce usually take in Dallas County?

Texas requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days from filing to finalization. Many divorces take longer than that. The overall timeline often depends on how complex your property and custody issues are and how quickly agreements can be reached or hearings scheduled.

Will I lose time with my children if I file?

Filing for divorce does not automatically reduce your time with your children. Parenting time depends on what you and your spouse agree to or what the court finds is in the child’s best interest. We work with you to pursue a parenting plan that reflects your role and your children’s needs.

How do you handle divorce cases with substance abuse issues?

When substance abuse is involved, we focus on safety and stability for children while also recognizing the complexity of addiction. We gather appropriate information, consider options such as supervised time when needed, and present your concerns clearly to the court or mediator so they understand the full picture.

What should I bring to my first meeting with you?

It is helpful to bring any existing court papers, recent pay stubs, basic information about assets and debts, and a simple list of your main questions. If you cannot gather everything beforehand, that is fine. We use the first meeting to understand your situation and identify what information will be most useful.

Can you also help me update my will after divorce?

Yes. Our firm provides wills and estate planning services in addition to family law. After your divorce is complete, we can help you update your will, powers of attorney, and related documents so they reflect your new circumstances and protect your wishes going forward.

Talk With Our Family Law Team

Divorce is one of the most significant legal and personal decisions you will make. You do not have to navigate it alone or rely on fragmented information from the internet. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer Addison residents can turn to for clear advice can help you make choices that protect your children and your financial stability.

At The Branch Law Firm, PLLC, we bring decades of focused family law experience, board certification in Family Law, and a strong ethical reputation in Dallas to every case. We listen first, then guide you through the legal process with a plan that reflects your priorities and the realities of Texas law. If you live in Addison or the surrounding Dallas area, we invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your options and next steps.

To speak with our team about your divorce in Addison, call (469) 299-5944.