Divorce Lawyer Fort Worth | C.W. Martin Law Office, PLLC

Divorce can upend every part of your life, from your finances to your relationship with your children. In Texas, even a so-called "simple divorce" brings with it legal rules, timelines, and consequences you may not anticipate. You need someone on your side who has spent years applying and interpreting the law in real DFW courtrooms. CW Martin has practiced family law in Tarrant County since 2011 and is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has tried hundreds of cases before local judges and knows how to position your case for the strongest possible outcome. We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you take the first step, and we also provide financing options for those who qualify. Whether you need full legal representation or just help with one part of your divorce, we're ready to help. Call (817) 813-7777 to speak with our office.

Start With a Complimentary Case Evaluation

During your complimentary 15-minute call, we listen to the background of your situation and offer insight into how our firm approaches divorce cases. If you decide to move forward, we take time to review your specific concerns, whether they involve child custody, real estate holdings, business ownership, retirement accounts, or questions of spousal maintenance. CW Martin will give you a straightforward opinion on your legal standing and explain what legal strategy he would pursue if hired.

You'll also learn what to expect under the Texas Family Code, from property division rules to the factors courts weigh when setting up conservatorship or support. Our case evaluations are thorough, honest, and specifically tailored to the facts of your case. You will not be placed in a large system that churns through hundreds of divorces each week.

We Understand How Complex Divorce Can Be

Help During a Divorce With Children

Divorces that involve children are often the most difficult. In Texas, custody is referred to as "conservatorship," and courts must determine the best arrangement under Chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code. In many cases, joint managing conservatorship is granted, but that doesn't mean equal time or decision-making power. CW Martin helps clients navigate decisions around primary custody, parenting schedules, and supervised visitation when appropriate. We will also advise on child support, which is calculated based on net resources, but may need adjustment depending on real-world expenses like healthcare or school tuition. Spousal maintenance is less common in Texas than in other states, but it may still apply in marriages lasting longer than ten years, or when one spouse cannot meet basic needs. We help clients understand these factors and present evidence that supports their claims.

Property Division

Texas follows a community property model, which means property acquired during the marriage is typically divided between spouses. However, that doesn't always mean an even 50/50 split. Courts are tasked with a "just and right" division under Section 7.001 of the Texas Family Code, which allows for consideration of each spouse's earning power, debt, and contributions to the household. CW Martin works to locate and evaluate all marital assets, including investment accounts, pensions, family businesses, and real estate. He also handles separate property claims, such as gifts, inheritances, and premarital assets. When valuations, appraisals, or forensic accounting are needed, we coordinate with the right professionals to make sure your financial interests are protected.

Business Ownership and Divorce

When one or both spouses own a business, divorce becomes even more complex. Valuing a privately held company is rarely straightforward. It requires an understanding of market value, retained earnings, goodwill, and whether the business is considered community or separate property. CW Martin works with qualified business valuation experts and has experience handling cases where ownership, control, and income distribution are in dispute. Whether you want to retain full ownership, split the business, or reach a buyout, we build a strategy based on facts and economic fairness.

Retirement and Pension Division

Retirement accounts often make up a large part of a couple's marital estate, but dividing them requires precise legal tools. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are needed to divide certain pensions and 401(k) accounts, and mistakes in drafting can lead to delays or tax consequences. CW Martin is experienced in handling retirement divisions and works with financial institutions and QDRO specialists to protect your future. Whether your case involves a private pension, military retirement, or a government employee plan, we know the legal and procedural steps involved.

Temporary Orders and Emergency Relief

Sometimes, immediate decisions must be made before the divorce is finalized. Temporary orders hearings can establish who stays in the home, how bills are paid, and when each parent sees the children during the pendency of the case. In urgent situations, such as domestic violence or child safety concerns, emergency relief can be requested. CW Martin often represents clients in these hearings and knows how to make a compelling case for temporary custody, exclusive use of property, or financial restraint.

From Contested to Amicable, High Net Worth to Low Income

We Help With Both Amicable and Contested Divorce

Some clients come to us after carefully working out an agreement with their spouse. Others are in the middle of a high-conflict case where compromise seems impossible. We handle both. In an amicable divorce, we help finalize agreements and draft clean legal documents that hold up in court. In a contested matter, we build a litigation plan, prepare evidence, and advocate in front of a judge. CW Martin has extensive trial experience and understands how to present complex facts in a way judges respect.

We Are the Affordable Divorce Law Firm in DFW

Going through a divorce doesn't mean you should have to cripple your financial situation. Our firm provides affordable legal options for people from all walks of life. We know that divorce often coincides with housing costs, parenting expenses, and financial uncertainty. To that end, we offer payment plans and financing options, as well as focused legal services that are billed at reasonable hourly rates. We believe that effective representation should be available to more than just the wealthy.

Hundreds of Cases Tried: We've Seen it All

Every divorce is different, but experience matters when unusual or contentious issues arise. CW Martin has taken hundreds of cases to court across Tarrant County. Whether your case involves relocation disputes, hidden accounts, inherited assets, or false allegations, there's a good chance we've handled something similar. We draw from real-world experience to help you avoid unnecessary missteps and get the results that will set you up for success moving forward.

Financing and Partial Services Available

We Are Sensitive To Your Situation

Legal costs can be difficult to manage, especially if you're facing housing changes, childcare costs, or a reduced household income. Family law cases often arise at the worst financial moment, and in fact, are most often related to finances in some regard. We offer financing options for eligible clients and provide flexible billing structures to make quality legal representation more accessible. Our goal is to help you move forward without adding to your financial stress.

Willingness to Handle Parts of Your Case

Not every client needs full representation from start to finish. You may already have a plan worked out with your spouse but need help drafting legal paperwork or reviewing a proposed decree. Some clients only need assistance with a custody agreement, financial disclosures, or a contested hearing. We offer limited-scope services so that you can get professional legal help where you need it most. This kind of flexibility helps our clients preserve resources while still protecting their rights.

Serving the Entire DFW Area

CW Martin Law is based in Fort Worth and represents divorce clients across North Texas. We frequently appear in courts throughout Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Parker, Johnson, and Wise counties. We also work with families from surrounding cities such as Arlington, Keller, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, Southlake, and the surrounding areas. Our familiarity with local court systems gives us insight into how different judges approach family law matters, and we use that knowledge to guide our strategy.

If you're considering divorce or need legal support for an ongoing case, we invite you to take the first step. Call (817) 813-7777 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation with CW Martin Law Office, PLLC. Whether you need help with one part of your case or full legal representation, we're ready to help you move forward.

Texas Divorce FAQs

How long do I have to live in Texas before I can file for divorce?

Under Texas law, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months and in the county where you plan to file for at least 90 days. These residency requirements are outlined in Section 6.301 of the Texas Family Code.

Is Texas a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Texas allows for no-fault divorce based on "insupportability," which means the marriage can no longer continue due to conflict or discord. Fault-based grounds, such as adultery or cruelty, are also available and may impact property division or spousal maintenance.

Do I need to prove fault to get custody or a larger share of property?

Not necessarily, but evidence of misconduct can influence the court's decisions. For example, a spouse who committed family violence or hid assets may be awarded a smaller share of the marital estate. Similarly, the court may limit parental rights if there are safety concerns.

Can we use mediation instead of going to court?

Yes, mediation is often used to help spouses reach agreements outside of the courtroom. In fact, some courts require mediation before setting a final hearing. This is the case in Tarrant County. We help prepare for and attend mediation with our clients to make sure their rights are protected during the process.

What happens to the house in a divorce?

The outcome depends on whether the home is considered community or separate property. If it's community property, it may be sold and the proceeds divided, or awarded to one spouse with an offset. The court can also award temporary possession while the case is pending.

Can I get divorced if my spouse refuses to cooperate?

You can, yes. If your spouse won't participate, the court can proceed with a default judgment after proper notice has been given. You still need to meet the procedural requirements and present evidence, but their refusal to respond doesn't block your case from moving forward.