
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
Protecting Families with Affordable Legal Guidance
For over 15 years, our Houston family law attorneys have represented clients throughout Southeast Texas. We regularly appear in Harris County family courts and have successfully handled cases in Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Waller, and Wharton counties. Former Houston Police Lieutenant Daryl Longworth brings unique insight to complex family matters, combining law enforcement experience with advanced legal knowledge to provide strategic representation wherever your case takes us.

Comprehensive Family Law Services
Divorce and Marital Dissolution
Our divorce attorneys guide clients through contested and uncontested divorces with strategic planning and practical solutions. We handle complex property division under Texas community property laws, address business valuations, and protect separate property interests. From navigating the mandatory 60-day waiting period to representing clients in high-conflict litigation, we provide tailored representation that respects your unique circumstances while pursuing favorable outcomes.
Child Custody and Conservatorship
Nothing matters more than your relationship with your children. We help parents establish custody arrangements that serve their children's best interests while protecting parental rights. Our attorneys have extensive experience with joint managing conservatorship, sole managing conservatorship, and possession schedules that work for your family. We address geographic restrictions, visitation enforcement, and develop parenting plans that provide stability during difficult transitions.
Child Support
Texas has specific guidelines for calculating child support, but many factors can affect these determinations. We ensure proper income calculations, appropriate application of the percentage guidelines, and consideration of special circumstances that may justify deviation from standard amounts. Whether establishing initial support, seeking modification, or addressing enforcement issues, we protect your children's financial security.
Property and Asset Division
Texas community property laws presume marital assets should be divided equitably, though not necessarily equally. Our attorneys thoroughly identify, value, and characterize property to ensure fair division. We handle the division of complex assets, including businesses, professional practices, retirement accounts, investments, real estate, and hidden assets. Our approach combines financial acumen with strategic negotiation to protect your financial future.
Modifications and Enforcement
As life circumstances change, court orders may need modification. We represent clients seeking to modify custody, visitation, or support due to relocation, income changes, or other substantial circumstances. When court orders are violated, we take swift action to enforce compliance through contempt proceedings, wage withholding, or other appropriate remedies. Our firm ensures that court orders remain relevant and enforceable as your family evolves.
Protective Orders and Family Violence
We assist clients seeking protection from family violence through temporary and permanent protective orders. Our background in law enforcement provides unique insight when building these cases. We also defend clients against false allegations, understanding that domestic violence claims require sensitive yet strategic handling. In crisis situations, we provide immediate assistance with emergency protective measures while developing long-term safety plans.
CPS and DFPS Defense
When Child Protective Services or the Department of Family and Protective Services becomes involved with your family, immediate legal representation is crucial. We defend parents against allegations of abuse or neglect, guide families through safety plans, and work toward reunification when children have been removed. Our approach balances cooperation with agencies while vigorously protecting parental rights throughout investigations and legal proceedings.
Adoption and Paternity
We help families grow through the adoption process, handling stepparent adoptions, relative adoptions, private adoptions, and adult adoptions. For paternity matters, we represent both fathers seeking to establish legal rights and mothers pursuing support and recognition. We navigate complex legal requirements while focusing on the emotional significance these proceedings hold for all involved.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Protect your financial future with carefully crafted marital agreements. We draft and review prenuptial agreements before marriage and postnuptial agreements during marriage to address property rights, inheritance concerns, business interests, and other financial matters. Our approach emphasizes transparent communication and thorough legal protection while respecting your relationship dynamics.
How We Guide You Through the Legal Process
Confidential Consultation
Your journey begins with a private, no-obligation case evaluation session where we’ll listen to your situation, clarify our process and fees, and provide guidance on your next steps. We explain what documentation might be helpful, but you can start even if not everything is in place. This meeting establishes the attorney-client relationship and helps you understand what to expect moving forward. Most consultations last approximately one hour, providing ample time to address initial questions.
Strategic Planning
Following your consultation, we develop a customized strategy based on your specific goals and circumstances. This includes analyzing relevant legal standards, gathering necessary evidence, identifying potential challenges, and determining whether litigation, negotiation, or alternative dispute resolution best serves your interests. We explain Texas-specific factors that may impact your case and establish realistic timelines and expectations.
Aggressive Advocacy or Skilled Negotiation
While always prepared for court when necessary, we recognize that many family matters benefit from skillful negotiation. We balance assertive representation with practical resolution approaches, recommending the path most likely to achieve your objectives efficiently. When litigation becomes necessary, our trial experience and courtroom familiarity with Harris County judges and court staff provide a significant advantage. When settlement opportunities arise, our negotiation skills protect your interests without unnecessary conflict.
Resolution and Moving Forward
We guide you through finalizing agreements, implementing court orders, and addressing any post-decree issues that arise. Our relationship continues beyond case resolution as we help you navigate new family dynamics, enforce existing orders, or pursue modifications when circumstances change. We provide the tools and support needed to successfully transition to your next chapter with confidence and clarity.
Words from Our Clients
Why Houston Families
Choose Longworth Law Firm
Proudly Serving the
Greater Houston Area
Our firm is based in the heart of Houston, primarily serving clients throughout Harris County. We also proudly extend our top-tier legal services to individuals and families in Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria, Waller, Wharton, and Austin counties.
- Harris County
- Austin County
- Brazoria County
- Brazos County
- Fort Bend County
- Galveston County
- Montgomery County
- Waller County
- Wharton County
Houston Office: 440 Louisiana St, Suite 977 Houston, TX 77002

Frequently Asked Questions
About Texas Family Law
Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date of filing the divorce petition before a divorce can be finalized, though most cases take longer. Uncontested divorces typically resolve within 2-4 months, while contested matters requiring court hearings may take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on court scheduling, complexity, and cooperation between parties. We work efficiently to minimize unnecessary delays while thoroughly addressing all relevant issues.
Texas courts determine custody based on the child's best interests, considering factors such as parental ability, stability, the child's needs, co-parenting cooperation, and existing relationships. Courts typically favor joint managing conservatorship (shared decision-making) when appropriate, while establishing primary residence with one parent and a possession schedule for the other. Texas uses Standard Possession Orders as a baseline, but arrangements can be customized based on your family's circumstances.
As a community property state, Texas presumes that assets acquired during marriage belong to both spouses equally. However, courts divide property in a "just and right" manner, which doesn't always result in a 50/50 split. Factors influencing division include fault in the marriage breakdown, disparate earning capacities, custody arrangements, separate property claims, and future financial needs. Property characterized as separate (owned before marriage or received through inheritance/gift) generally remains with the original owner.
Family law representation typically requires an initial retainer that varies based on case complexity, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for most matters. Attorneys bill against this retainer at hourly rates typically between $250 and $ 450 per hour in the Houston market. While cost concerns are valid, investing in experienced representation often prevents costly mistakes and protects your long-term interests. We offer free initial consultations to discuss specific fee structures for your situation.
While it is technically possible to represent yourself, having experienced counsel significantly impacts outcomes in most family law matters. Self-representation works best in truly uncontested cases with minimal assets and no children. Cases involving property division, business interests, custody disputes, or high-conflict dynamics benefit substantially from professional representation. Even in seemingly simple cases, an attorney identifies issues you might overlook and ensures your rights remain protected throughout the process.
If available, bring court documents from any existing case, financial records (recent tax returns, pay stubs, account statements), property information, and a timeline of important events. However, don't delay scheduling a free consultation with us if you don't have everything. We can begin with basic information and identify additional documentation needed as your case progresses. Most importantly, bring questions and concerns you'd like addressed during this initial meeting.
Begin Your Case Assessment Today
Take the first step toward resolving your family law matter by scheduling a confidential case evaluation with our intake professionals. They’ll listen to your situation, explain our process and pricing, and connect you with an experienced Houston family law attorney. There’s no obligation, and the insights you gain can help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Contact Longworth Law Firm today!
