Divorce Law Firm for Professional Athletes in Dallas, TX

Professional athletes face unique challenges when it comes to family law matters. With careers defined by intense public scrutiny, demanding schedules, and often substantial but unpredictable income streams, going through a divorce requires the assistance of a legal professional who understands these challenges. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we know how to help professional athletes in Dallas manage complicated divorce proceedings.

With over two decades of experience handling high-net-worth and high-profile divorces, the team at Balekian Hayes offers discreet, strategic representation to meet the needs of professional athletes. Our founder, Kris Balekian Hayes, has a rare combination of dual board certification in family law and child welfare, along with business acumen from her MBA, all of which make her a powerful advocate for athletes facing complex divorce situations. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you through this challenging time.

Key Legal Considerations for Athletes

Statistics show that professional athletes experience divorce rates between 60 percent and 80 percent—significantly higher than the general population’s rate of around 50 percent. As such, professional sportspeople should work with legal counsel who understands the specific pressures of professional sports careers and their impact on family dynamics. Understanding these considerations early in the process is crucial for protecting your interests and achieving favorable outcomes.

The irregular income patterns, public visibility, and limited career spans of professional athletes can make divorces particularly tricky. Texas’s community property laws add another layer of complexity, making it essential to work with attorneys who understand both the sports industry and Texas family law.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Strong prenuptial or postnuptial agreements are a cornerstone of financial protection for professional athletes. As many as 78 percent of professional athletes experience serious financial difficulties within five years of retirement, these agreements serve as essential safeguards against future financial instability.

For Texas athletes, properly drafted prenuptial agreements can clearly designate which assets will remain separate property, address potential future earnings from contracts and endorsements, and establish the parameters for potential spousal support. Even if you’re already married, a postnuptial agreement can still protect assets acquired during your athletic career.

At Balekian Hayes, we craft comprehensive, enforceable agreements that align with Texas law while considering the unique aspects of professional sports careers, including: 

• Future contract values
• Endorsement deals
• Licensing rights
• Post-career opportunities

Our approach is designed to provide peace of mind while protecting the financial security you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Navigating Property and Asset Division

Asset division in athlete divorces requires a thorough analysis of contracts, future earnings, endorsement deals, and performance bonuses. Texas courts may consider an athlete’s guaranteed future income from contracts as marital property subject to division. As such, proper legal representation is essential to protect your financial interests.

As a community property state, Texas generally treats all assets acquired during marriage as jointly owned. However, the intricacies of professional athlete compensation packages (including signing bonuses, performance incentives, deferred compensation, and endorsement deals) require sophisticated legal analysis to determine what constitutes separate versus community property.

Our attorneys at Balekian Hayes, PLLC can use their experience with high-net-worth divorces to determine the accurate valuation of complex assets, from retirement accounts and investments to intellectual property rights associated with your personal brand. We work closely with financial experts when necessary to develop strategies that protect your hard-earned assets to the fullest extent possible under Texas law.

Custody and Parenting Plans for Athletes with Demanding Schedules

For professional athletes, standard custody arrangements often don’t accommodate the realities of game schedules, training requirements, travel obligations, and seasonal variations in availability. Texas courts prioritize the child’s best interests but also recognize the value of maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents.

At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we can develop custody solutions that work within the constraints of professional athletic careers while helping children maintain strong relationships with both parents. Our customized parenting plans account for off-season availability, home versus away game schedules, and the ability to make up time during periods of greater flexibility.

Navigating Child and Spousal Support in High-Income Cases

Standard child support calculations in Texas typically follow specific guidelines based on income percentages. However, these formulas may not apply straightforwardly to professional athletes with substantial incomes that fluctuate year to year or include deferred compensation structures.

Texas courts may deviate from standard formulas if the calculated amount exceeds the child’s reasonable needs or fails to account for the unique financial circumstances of professional athletes.

Our attorneys advocate for fair support arrangements that consider both the child’s needs and the realities of athletic careers, including potential early retirement and post-career income fluctuations.

Spousal support (maintenance) in Texas is generally more limited than in many other states, with specific duration limits based on marriage length. Our team will work to keep any support agreements reasonable and sustainable throughout your career transition phases.

Protecting Privacy and Public Image During Legal Proceedings

For professional athletes, divorce proceedings can threaten not only financial assets but also their reputation and public image. These intangible assets directly influence endorsement opportunities and career advancement. As such, our firm prioritizes discretion and uses strategic approaches to protect your privacy during divorce proceedings.

Texas offers several options for maintaining confidentiality in family law matters, from private mediation to protective orders for sensitive information. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we use these tools in tandem with media management strategies to minimize public exposure during this challenging time.

Crafting Tailored Legal Strategies for Optimal Outcomes

At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we limit our caseload intentionally to ensure each client receives the dedicated attention and personalized strategy their unique situation demands. We combine our deep understanding of Texas family law with knowledge of the specific challenges facing professional athletes to develop comprehensive legal strategies that protect your interests both during and after your sports career. Our forward-thinking approach to divorce resolution accounts for career transitions, retirement planning, and long-term financial security.

Scheduling a Consultation with an Experienced Attorney at Balekian Hayes, PLLC

Going through a divorce as a professional athlete in Dallas requires dedicated legal guidance from a high-net-worth divorce attorney who understands both Texas family law and the specific challenges of professional sports careers. The team at Balekian Hayes, PLLC offers everything you need to protect your assets, maintain important relationships with your children, and preserve your professional reputation. 

Contact our Dallas office today for a confidential consultation with our team of experienced family law attorneys.