​Collin County Family Lawyer

Serving Richardson and McKinney Families for Over 30 Years

Lisa B. Canterberry, Attorney at Law, provides personalized and aggressive family law services for clients throughout Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties. The firm was founded in 1992, so you can rest assured that Attorney Canterberry has years of experience helping parents and spouses in various situations. She can help you navigate the family legal process from divorce to custody to modifications.

Call Lisa Baker Canterberry, Attorney At Law today at (214) 367-5026 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our family law attorney in Collin County!

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Collin County

At Lisa B. Canterberry, Attorney at Law, we offer compassionate, knowledgeable legal support for various family law matters. Whether you’re facing the breakdown of a marriage, a custody dispute, or seeking to establish parental rights, we provide personalized representation designed to protect your interests and those of your loved ones. Below are the key areas we handle:

• Divorce – We guide clients through contested and uncontested divorces, addressing property division, support, and custody issues.
• Child Custody – We help parents secure fair custody and visitation arrangements that support the child’s best interests.
• Child Support – Our firm assists with establishing, enforcing, or modifying child support orders to ensure children receive appropriate financial support.
• Spousal Support (Alimony) – We represent clients in determining whether spousal support is appropriate and negotiating fair terms.
• Property Division – We work to achieve equitable distribution of assets and debts under Texas community property laws.
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements – We draft and review marital agreements that clarify financial expectations and protect assets.
• Enforcement – If a party fails to comply with court orders regarding support, visitation, or property, we help clients enforce their legal rights.
• Annulment – For clients whose marriages may be legally void or voidable, we guide them through the annulment process.
• Fathers' Rights – We advocate for fathers seeking fair custody, visitation, and parental rights in Texas courts.
• Mediation – We support clients in resolving disputes through mediation, often saving time, cost, and emotional strain.
• Modification – Life circumstances change; we help clients seek or oppose modifications to existing custody, support, or visitation orders.
• Paternity – We assist mothers and alleged fathers in legally establishing paternity, which can affect custody and support rights.

Our goal is to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy to help you confidently move forward. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Lisa Baker Canterberry for Your Family Law Needs?

Navigating family law matters can be emotionally charged and complex. At Lisa Baker Canterberry, Attorney At Law, we understand the unique challenges that come with family legal issues in Richardson and the surrounding area. Here’s why you should choose us to guide you through these difficult times:

• Personalized Attention: Every case is different, and we take the time to understand your unique circumstances, ensuring that our legal strategies are tailored to meet your specific needs.
• Extensive Experience: With years of experience in family law, we are well-versed in the intricacies of Texas family law and are adept at handling a variety of cases, including divorce, custody, adoption, and property division.
• Compassionate Representation: We pride ourselves on providing legal services and emotional support. We treat our clients with compassion and respect, helping them feel heard and understood.
• Proven Track Record: Our successful history of favorable outcomes showcases our commitment to achieving the best results for our clients. We work diligently to advocate for your interests in and out of the courtroom.
• Clear Communication: We believe that informed clients make the best decisions. We strive to maintain transparent communication, keeping you updated on your case and ensuring you understand every step of the legal process.

When you choose Lisa Baker Canterberry, you are not just hiring an attorney; you are gaining a dedicated partner ready to fight for your family's best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.

Navigating Family Law Challenges with Local Insight in Collin County

At Lisa B. Canterberry, Attorney at Law, we understand that navigating family law issues can be particularly challenging for Collin County residents. Local resources such as the Collin County government can help families find support and information tailored to their needs. However, the emotional and financial strains of divorce, custody disputes, and modifications can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing work and family responsibilities. In Collin County, many families face unique challenges, such as the rising cost of living and the need for effective co-parenting solutions. Local schools and community programs often play a significant role in children's lives, making custody arrangements a critical concern for parents. Understanding how local resources can impact your case is essential, and we are here to help you navigate these complexities. We understand that every family is different and are committed to providing personalized guidance that addresses your specific situation. Whether you are considering a divorce or need assistance with child custody arrangements, we are dedicated to helping families in Collin County find suitable outcomes. Our deep understanding of local laws and community resources allows us to provide you with the support you need during this challenging time.

Understanding the Divorce Filing Process in Texas

To file for a divorce in Texas, one of the spouses must have been a state resident for 6 months. One of the spouses must also have been a county resident where the divorce is filed for at least 90 days. Note that Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, so a spouse can merely allege “insupportability,” which cites a conflict of personalities with no potential for reconciliation. If one spouse is at fault for the breakup of the marriage, though, the court may consider that in determining property division.

Typically, a Texas divorce may entail the following steps:

1. One spouse (the petitioner) files an Original Petition for Divorce with the court and serves these papers to the spouse (the respondent).
2. If the spouses think they haven't gotten all the information they need from each other, they may pursue discovery, the process by which they exchange information and documents.
3. The spouses will discuss the settlement of the case, either directly or with the help of attorneys or mediators, after which they will prepare an Agreed Decree of Divorce for the judge’s approval.
4. If the spouses cannot agree on all the issues in the case in mediation, they will go to trial.
5. After the trial, one of the attorneys will prepare a Final Decree of Divorce to present to the judge for signature.

Legal Representation for Child Custody in Texas

One important topic of discussion in a divorce is child custody. Texas refers to custody as “conservatorship.”

• Managing conservatorship refers to the decision-making power for the child’s medical, educational, and cultural needs.
• Possessory conservatorship” addresses where the child will reside.

When it comes to conservatorship, Texas law aims to:

• assure that children will have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child;
• provide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment for the child; and
• encourage parents to share in the rights and duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage.

Under Texas law, there’s a presumption that the parents should have joint managing conservatorship, unless a parent has untreated alcohol or drug abuse or a history of domestic violence or child abuse.

Note that “the best interest of the child” guides the court’s determination on conservatorship and addresses:

• the child’s desires;
• the child’s immediate and future physical and emotional needs;
• any immediate and future physical and emotional danger to the child;
• the parental abilities of each parent;
• the programs available to assist parents who want to promote the best interests of their child;
• the plans each parent has for the child;
• the stability of the home or proposed home;
• any actions or failures to act that may indicate that the parents don’t have a proper parent-child relationship; and
• any excuse the parents may have for those actions and failures to act.

Contact Lisa Baker Canterberry, Attorney At Law today to meet with our family lawyer in Collin County!

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Collin County?

To file for divorce in Collin County, Texas, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Texas for a continuous period of six months and for at least 90 days prior to filing. This ensures that the court has jurisdiction over the case.

What is the role of mediation in the divorce process?

Mediation plays a vital role in divorce by providing a structured environment for spouses to negotiate and resolve their differences amicably. During mediation, a neutral third party facilitates discussions between the spouses, helping them communicate effectively and explore potential solutions.

How long does a divorce take in TX?

A divorce typically takes around 6 months to 1 year or more to finalize, depending on the complexity of the issues and the degree of conflict.