Divorce Lawyers for Men in Dallas, TX

Men going through a divorce in Dallas commonly face unique obstacles. Fathers want to preserve a strong role in their children’s lives. High-net-worth men want to keep spousal support and asset division fair, rather than excessive or burdensome. Sometimes, false allegations are on the table, which could rob a man of his personal reputation and career potential.

No matter the circumstances behind your split, you deserve an experienced and compassionate divorce lawyer for men to fight for your rights, financial future, and your relationship with your children. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we serve clients of both sexes, but understand men’s unique concerns in the legal process. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Spousal Support and Asset Division

Texas is a community property state when it comes to dividing assets in a divorce. Under the Texas Family Code, all property you acquired during your marriage is considered marital property. It is therefore subject to distribution in a “just and right” manner.

While a 50/50 split is theoretically possible, such an outcome is rare in practice. Courts use these factors to make asset division decisions:

• Each spouse’s earning capacity
• The spouses’ future financial needs
• Whether fault was involved leading up to the divorce
• Whether the spouses have a valid prenuptial agreement

If you’re a high-net-worth man, your legal team must pay particular attention to what property is separate and what is marital. Separate property includes inheritance, gifts you individually received, and assets you owned before the marriage. However, the burden of proof is on the person claiming the property. For the strongest possible case, you must have supporting documentation to prove what is separate.

Texas’s spousal support (alimony) laws are more restrictive than those in other states. Courts can grant spousal maintenance for a limited time if the spouses meet these eligibility requirements:

• The marriage lasted for at least 10 years.
• The spouse requesting support doesn’t have sufficient earning capacity to meet their minimum reasonable needs, has a disability that adversely affects their earning capacity, or has custody of a child who requires substantial care and supervision due to a disability.

Survivors of family violence may also be eligible for spousal maintenance in a divorce. 

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

Court proceedings in a contested divorce can be expensive and time-consuming. A court can refer divorce cases to mediation under Texas law, and some county courts now require spouses to try mediation before scheduling a divorce hearing.

In mediation, a neutral third party facilitates a conversation between the spouses and tries to guide them toward an acceptable resolution on asset division, custody issues, and financial support. This approach can be particularly beneficial for men since it’s more cost-effective and private. With the proper language, a mediation settlement can also be binding, so you can have more certainty about your life and finances after the divorce.

Collaborative divorce is another popular way to resolve divorce-related disputes. In this approach, both spouses and their attorneys work directly to resolve issues alongside financial and parenting experts.

Handling False Allegations and Protecting Reputation

Abuse, infidelity, and other forms of marital misconduct can affect the outcome of a divorce proceeding. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for men to face false accusations that, even if debunked, can still damage their personal and professional reputation. If your spouse levels false statements against you, your lawyer’s immediate priority is to defend against them within the context of the divorce proceeding.

To best protect your rights, we recommend following these tips:

• Preserve all communications with your spouse.
• Keep financial records, which can disprove allegations of hidden assets or misconduct.
• Consult with your lawyer before posting on social media.
• Work with your attorney to gather statements from friends, family, or colleagues who can testify to your character.

Texas law prescribes penalties for a knowingly false child abuse report. If the accusations are public and you can prove reputational harm, your lawyer may explore the viability of a defamation claim after divorce proceedings end.

Child Custody and Paternity Rights

Texas courts use “conservatorship,” “possession,” and “access” rather than the standard “custody” or “visitation” terminology. The law generally presumes joint managing conservatorship, meaning both parents share decision-making authority over their children’s healthcare, education, and welfare.

As a father, you have equal rights under the law, and courts cannot discriminate against you on the basis of sex. Instead, courts must make custody decisions in the best interest of the children and consider each of the following factors:

• The parents’ involvement in their children’s lives
• The stability of the children’s living arrangements
• Each parent’s ability to physically and emotionally support their children

You aren’t guaranteed to have 50/50 visitation rights with your children. However, if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse live no more than 50 miles apart, your legal team can pursue an Expanded Standard Possession Order granting you more flexibility and balance. You can also pursue a modification of your possession or visitation order if your circumstances change.

Why Choose Balekian Hayes, PLLC?

Clients turn to Balekian Hayes, PLLC, for our team’s deep knowledge and family law focus. Our founder is double-Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She also holds a Master’s of Business Administration, giving her a deep understanding of the more complex financial assets at stake in a divorce.

For over 20 years, our team has taken a small-town approach in a big city. Since we limit the number of cases we take, we can dedicate more time and attention to each client. Honesty has always been our policy, and we strive to treat you with the same respect as a member of our family.

Contact Balekian Hayes, PLLC Today

Representing yourself is always risky, even during uncontested divorce proceedings. The sooner you hire an experienced family law attorney that you trust, the better position you’ll be in to protect your relationships, finances, and reputation. If you’re a man facing divorce in Dallas, the Balekian Hayes, PLLC, team is ready to discuss your circumstances and goals in a confidential consultation. Contact our office today to speak with one of our men’s rights divorce lawyers.