Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC has garnered a reputation for being one of the best law firms in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. BHW was voted by the Fort Worth Star Telegram readers in 2017 and their attorneys have been consistently recognized as Texas Super Lawyers (2015 2020 Thomson Reuters), and Top Attorneys Fort Worth (2013 2019 Ft Worth Magazine).  The Family Law branch of the law firm is managed Laura Alexander, an attorney who is known as a meticulous, compassionate, and conscientious advocate in Family Law cases.

Christian Divorce Lawyers

Divorce, child custody, and other family law matters are often difficult and emotionally charged. BHW strives to carry some of the emotional burden and set your mind at ease throughout the legal process. Our Christian divorce lawyers truly care for your well-being and seek to be a light in midst of the storm.

DIVORCE ATTORNEYS

At Barnett, Howard & Williams, PLLC, we recognize that marital separation and divorce can be one of the most difficult and emotionally painful situations that a family can experience. It is probably something you could never have envisioned when you said I do. In addition, divorce is often accompanied by added stress and complications. Deciding how to divide marital property (house, money, etc.) and what to do about child custody and child support are just a few of the common factors in the equation, and each side in the separation typically has competing priorities. Many times one spouse has been the primary breadwinner for the family, and alimony or spousal support may be an issue. It is not uncommon for many people facing these difficult decisions to become confused and depressed as they ponder their options. It is important to remember that the decisions a person makes during this stressful time can last a lifetime. Our divorce attorneys will protect your rights and your future while balancing the needs of your family. We will provide personal attention to each and every client and we hope to be a help during this difficult time.

CHILD CUSTODY LAWYERS

Child custody decisions are among the most difficult a parent will ever have to make. Many parents want what is best for their child, but find it hard to agree on what that means. We understand that every family is unique, having different needs and different circumstances.

We are often asked, How does the court decide who should get custody of the child?

The Texas Family Code states that the best interest of the child shall always be the primary consideration of the court in determining the issues of conservatorship and possession of and access to the child. While best interests of the child is not well-defined, the court will usually consider the following factors (called the Holley factors) as guidelines:

• The desires of the child;
• The emotional and physical needs of the child now and in the future;
• The emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the future;
• The parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody;
• The programs available to assist these individuals to promote the best interest of the child;
• The plans for the child by these individuals or by the agency seeking custody;
• The stability of the home or proposed placement;
• The acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one; and
• Any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent.

CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEYS

All parents have a duty under Texas law to support their children. Usually, the parent that does not have primary custody of the child is expected to pay support. Child support (and spousal support) laws can be confusing and frustrating. We welcome your calls and emails to help sort through this area of family law.

Most folks simply want to know, How much child support will I have to pay?

The judge that signs the child support order has broad discretion to determine the amount of child support a parent (obligor) should pay. The amount of child support ordered should be in the childs best interest. The Texas legislature has established guidelines to help a judge determine child support. The guidelines, which are presumed to be in a childs best interest, give the court a percentage to apply to a parents net resources. For a parent who has no other children outside the current court proceedings, the percentage to be applied is as follows:

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