OLD PRESTON HOLLOW LEGAL EXPERTS

Trusted Legal Representation for Family, Criminal & Estate Law in Old Preston Hollow

Name: Law Office of Bryan Fagan PLLC
Price range: $$$

Bryan Fagan Law Firm has served Old Preston Hollow families and professionals for 20+ years. We fight for your rights with experience, integrity, and results.

12700 Hillcrest Rd, Suite 201, Dallas, TX 75230

469-484-7439

Divorce 101

Plan Your Visit

Family Law Courts

Dallas Office

Trusted Legal Guidance

Serving Old Preston Hollow and Dallas County with Dedicated Legal Expertise

Call the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC at (469)-484-7439. We have served Old Preston Hollow families and professionals for over 20 years, providing trusted legal counsel across family law, criminal defense, estate planning, and more. Our commitment to Old Preston Hollow residents is reflected in our deep roots in this community and our presence across the Dallas metroplex. Old Preston Hollow is one of Dallas’s most distinctive residential neighborhoods, characterized by tree-lined streets, Victorian and early 20th-century homes, and a strong sense of community. Located in North Dallas between Mockingbird Lane and the Park Cities, Old Preston Hollow attracts established professionals, long-time Dallas families, and business owners who value stability and quality representation. The Dallas region spans six counties—Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Kaufman—with distinct demographics, economic centers, and court systems. Family courts handle cases involving custody arrangements across multiple school districts. Criminal prosecutors handle significant case volumes. Probate courts manage estates of all sizes. Local legal knowledge and courthouse relationships are essential for effective representation. Key Practice Areas for Old Preston Hollow Clients: – Representation across all Dallas County family law and criminal courts – Complex family law and custody matters across multiple school districts – DWI defense and felony representation in Dallas courts – Free initial consultations available — call or submit the form below

00:00

Tailored Old Preston Hollow Representation

Tailored Legal Solutions for Each Client's Unique Case in Old Preston Hollow

While our Dallas law firm has extensive experience in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning, we understand that no two cases are the same. What worked for one Old Preston Hollow family may not work for yours. Whether you need mediation, collaborative divorce, or aggressive litigation in Dallas County Family Court, we’ll assess your unique situation and build a strategy that works. Regardless of whether your case calls for mediation, negotiation, or litigation, you can be confident that our team has the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to assist you from the beginning of your case until the resolution. We focus on understanding your goals, protecting your interests, and achieving the best possible outcome.

We offer comprehensive family law and estate planning services, including:

Alimony & Spousal Support

Annulment

Child Custody

Child Support

Divorce Modifications

Asset Protection & Business Planning

Elder Law and Medicaid

Incapacity Planning

Legacy Planning

Retirement Planning

Family Law

Family Law in Dallas County: Divorce, Custody & Support in Old Preston Hollow

Old Preston Hollow families rely on Dallas County Family Court for divorce, custody, and support matters. Our firm has represented hundreds of families through contested and uncontested divorces in Dallas County. Dallas County handles approximately 8,000+ family law filings annually. Whether custody is contested or you need to modify existing orders, we guide families through Dallas’s court system with proven negotiation and litigation skills.

Learn more about family law in specific cities:

Family Law in Dallas

Dallas courts handle a high volume of family law matters affecting families across Old Preston Hollow and Dallas. Complex custody issues, asset division, and parental relocation cases are our specialty.

Custody & Support in Dallas County

Child custody disputes often involve multiple school districts and complex support calculations. We guide Old Preston Hollow parents through Dallas County custody negotiations, modifications, and enforcement.

High Net Worth Divorce in Dallas

Old Preston Hollow residents with significant real estate, business interests, and investment portfolios require specialized asset division strategy. We protect high-net-worth families in contested divorces.

Criminal Cases in Dallas

Dallas courts handle a high volume of criminal matters with experienced prosecutors and judges. Effective criminal defense requires immediate action, aggressive investigation, and strategic negotiation.

DWI & Felony Defense

DWI arrests and felony charges carry serious consequences including license suspension, jail time, and criminal records. Our aggressive DWI and felony defense strategy protects your rights in Dallas County courts.

Bail & Bond

Initial bail hearings determine your release conditions. We negotiate favorable bail terms and challenge excessive bail amounts in Dallas County District Court.

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense in Dallas County: DWI, Assault, Felony & Misdemeanor Defense

Dallas is one of Texas’s largest criminal justice markets, with significant prosecutorial resources and experienced judges. If you face criminal charges in Old Preston Hollow or Dallas—DWI, assault, drug possession, theft, or felony offenses—understanding Dallas County’s court system is critical. DWI arrests in Dallas County average over 12,000 annually. If you’re arrested for DWI after a traffic stop or sobriety checkpoint, you have constitutional rights: the right to remain silent, the right to refuse roadside sobriety tests, and the right to request an attorney before police questioning. After a DWI arrest in Dallas: – You’ll be taken into custody and booked at Dallas County Jail – Breath/blood testing will be conducted (you can request a blood test) – Within 15 days, the District Attorney must file charges or you’re released – An initial bail hearing sets conditions of release – Pre-trial motions challenge evidence and police procedures – A plea agreement may reduce charges or result in dismissal – If no plea is reached, trial before a Dallas County jury First-offense DWI penalties in Texas include: – Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine – Mandatory driver license suspension (180 days minimum) – DWI education program and community service – Ignition interlock device (6-24 months) Bryan Fagan challenges breath test accuracy, traffic stop constitutionality, and police procedure violations. We’ve successfully negotiated DWI reductions and dismissals in Dallas County. Assault charges in Dallas County stem from family disputes, altercations, or alleged violence. Defensive wounds, witness credibility, and self-defense claims are common defenses. If a victim recants or relationship continues, charges may be reduced or dismissed. Dallas County Criminal Court handles felonies (crimes punishable by prison), while district courts handle misdemeanors (crimes punishable by jail up to 1 year). For felony charges—drug possession, burglary, aggravated assault, fraud—the District Attorney’s office brings significant resources. Early intervention, investigation, and plea negotiation are critical.

Nearby Cities We Serve for Criminal Defense:

No data was found

Estate Planning

Estate Planning for Old Preston Hollow: Wills, Trusts, Probate & Wealth Preservation

Old Preston Hollow homeowners possess substantial wealth—real estate valued at $600K to $3M+, investment portfolios, business interests, and family heirlooms. Without comprehensive estate planning, this wealth faces probate delays, family disputes, and unnecessary tax liability. Estate planning addresses three core concerns: 1. Who inherits your assets? (Wills, trusts, beneficiary designations) 2. How do they inherit? (Probate, trust distributions, or direct transfer) 3. How much goes to taxes? (Tax-efficient planning, gifting, trust structures) For Old Preston Hollow residents, estate planning typically includes: – Revocable Living Trust (avoids probate, provides privacy, allows incapacity management) – Pour-Over Will (catches assets not in trust, designates guardians for minor children) – Durable Power of Attorney (allows attorney-in-fact to manage finances if you’re incapacitated) – Healthcare Directive & Living Will (medical wishes and end-of-life decisions) – Beneficiary Designations (life insurance, retirement accounts, POD accounts) Old Preston Hollow real estate is often the largest family asset. Proper titling in a revocable trust avoids probate and allows seamless transfer to heirs. For investment properties, we address tenancy arrangements, deed transfers, and liability protection. Old Preston Hollow residents often own businesses or professional practices. Succession planning ensures clear ownership transfer upon death, buy-sell agreements with partners, valuation for estate tax purposes, and income continuation for surviving family. For high-net-worth families, tax planning is essential: – Annual exclusion gifts ($18,000 per recipient in 2024) – Charitable remainder trusts (donation strategy + income stream) – Family limited partnerships (asset protection + estate tax reduction) – Irrevocable life insurance trusts (remove insurance from taxable estate) – Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trusts (blended family situations) With proper planning, heirs avoid Dallas County Probate Court entirely. Without planning, estates enter probate—a process that typically takes 8-12 months and costs 3-5% of estate value in legal fees and court costs.

Nearby Cities We Serve for Estate planning:

No data was found

Property & Assets in Dallas

Dallas properties and business assets require comprehensive estate planning. Old Preston Hollow homeowners benefit from trust-based planning that avoids probate and preserves wealth for heirs.

Probate & Legacy Planning

Proper estate planning in Dallas avoids probate delays, reduces costs, and provides privacy. Trust administration transfers assets smoothly without court involvement.

Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer

High-net-worth Old Preston Hollow families benefit from tax-efficient strategies including charitable trusts, family limited partnerships, and irrevocable life insurance trusts.

Probate in Dallas

Probate courts in Dallas handle estate administration, asset distribution, and estate disputes. Proper planning through trusts avoids probate delays and reduces costs.

Guardianship Proceedings

Minor and adult guardianship cases require court approval and ongoing management. We handle guardianship petitions and protective court proceedings in Dallas County.

Medicaid Planning & Asset Protection

Long-term care planning in Dallas protects assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits. We structure trusts and asset transfers to preserve wealth for heirs.

Probate & Guardianship

Probate and Guardianship in Dallas County: Estate Administration & Protection

Probate courts in Dallas handle estates of all sizes. Guardianship proceedings protect minors and incapacitated adults. These are technical, court-supervised processes requiring precise compliance with Texas law and specific court requirements. Bryan Fagan guides families through probate administration, guardianship proceedings, and estate settlement across Dallas courts. We handle the technical requirements and court filings so families can focus on the transition. Probate courts in Dallas and surrounding counties handle estate administration (if a will exists), intestate succession (if no will), guardianship and conservatorship (for incapacitated adults), and property claims and estate disputes. Without proper planning, estates enter Dallas County Probate Court—a lengthy, expensive process. With a trust-based estate plan, Old Preston Hollow families can bypass probate entirely, saving time, money, and family conflict. Dallas County Probate Court handles approximately 8,000 probate cases annually. Probate typically takes 8-12 months in Dallas County, depending on estate size and complexity. Contested probates can take 2+ years. Independent administration (allowed under Texas law) can streamline the process and reduce court involvement. For aging Old Preston Hollow residents, long-term care planning addresses Medicaid eligibility, asset protection (preserve home & income for surviving spouse), look-back period planning (5 years pre-application), and Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA). Bryan Fagan provides Medicaid planning to protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits.

Nearby Cities We Serve for Probate & Guardianship:

Coming Soon..

Our Practice Areas

Comprehensive Legal Solutions for Every Life Challenge

Whether you’re facing a family dispute, criminal charges, or planning your estate, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step.

Family Law

Trusted guidance helps families navigate divorce, custody, and support matters.

Criminal Law

Strategic defense protects your future, rights, and freedom from prosecution.

Estate Planning

Thoughtful estate planning protects assets, loved ones, wishes, and legacies.

Probate

Skilled probate counsel settles estates, resolves disputes, and preserves meaningful family legacies.

Guardianship

Experienced advocates bring clarity, care, and protection to guardianship decisions.

Adoption

Thoughtful legal guidance supports families throughout every unique path toward a successful adoption.

Personal Injury

Skilled advocates fight for medical care, compensation, and post-collision justice.

Animal Law

Protecting pet owners in puppy, custody, contract, and registration disputes.

Family Law

Trusted guidance helps families navigate divorce, custody, and support matters.

Criminal Law

Strategic defense protects your future, rights, and freedom from prosecution.

Estate Planning

Thoughtful estate planning protects assets, loved ones, wishes, and legacies.

Probate

Skilled probate counsel settles estates, resolves disputes, and preserves meaningful family legacies.

Guardianship

Experienced advocates bring clarity, care, and protection to guardianship decisions.

Adoption

Thoughtful legal guidance supports families throughout every unique path toward a successful adoption.

Personal Injury

Skilled advocates fight for medical care, compensation, and post-collision justice.

Animal Law

Protecting pet owners in puppy, custody, contract, and registration disputes.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Experienced Attorneys

Whether you’re facing a family dispute, criminal charges, or planning your estate, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step.

Deborah Coleman

Family Law

29+ years of litigation experience across family law and criminal defense to Dallas County families who need a seasoned courtroom advocate. Licensed since 1995, Deborah has spent three decades in Dallas courtrooms — building the kind of experience that only comes from trying cases year after year.

Her dual expertise in family law and criminal defense gives Deborah a strategic perspective that pure family law attorneys lack. When your divorce involves criminal allegations, protective orders with criminal dimensions, or opposing counsel using aggressive tactics, Deborah’s background is a significant advantage.

Jessica Lesser

Business Valuation• Complex Property Division• High-Asset Divorce

Jessica Lesser is the attorney Bryan Fagan routes his most complex high-asset Dallas divorce cases to
to. With 25+ years of litigation experience, a Texas Tech University School of Law degree, and earned Cum
Laude, and Board Certification in Family Law, Jessica brings a level of credentials and case depth that is
exceptional in North Texas family law.
Her practice centers on high-asset divorce, complex property division, and business valuation in
divorce proceedings — the cases where financial complexity, significant assets, and trial-ready
advocacy intersect. Clients who choose Jessica Lesser are choosing the highest level of certified family
law expertise the firm offers.

Melvin Thathiah

Property Division• Child Support• Child Custody

Melvin Thathiah is a Dallas divorce and family law trial attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, bringing 20 years of litigation experience to contested divorce and custody cases in Dallas County. Licensed since 2005, Melvin focuses on the cases that go the distance — clients who need full courtroom representation, not just a settlement negotiator.

When a Dallas divorce becomes contested, when custody requires a judge’s decision, or when opposing counsel is prepared to fight, Melvin’s 20-year litigation background and trial-focused approach make the difference.

Diana Weitzel

Property Division• Child Support• Divorce

Diana Weitzel is a Dallas divorce and family law attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, combining 17+ years of legal experience, a Texas Wesleyan law degree, and an Executive MBA from TCU for an approach to family law that is analytically rigorous and business-minded. For clients whose divorces involve business interests, complex financials, or significant assets, Diana’s MBA background translates directly into a strategic advantage.

Licensed since 2007, Diana represents Dallas and North Texas families through divorce, custody, property division, and family law matters with both legal depth and business analytical skill that most family law attorneys simply lack.

Eric Engel

Contested Divorce• Contested Custody• Appellate Practice

Eric Engel is a Dallas family law trial attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan with a litigation resume that sets him apart: 20+ years of practice, 30+ contested trials, over 1,000 contested motions, appellate court experience, and a 20-year history of operating his own law firm before joining Bryan Fagan’s team. When a case requires a battle-tested litigator, Eric Engel is that attorney.

His trial volume is exceptional — 30+ contested trials means Eric has been in front of Dallas County judges through the full range of family law matters. Clients who choose Eric are choosing someone who has already done this at the highest levels, repeatedly.

Robert A. Thornton

Family Law• Property Division• Child Support

Robert Thornton is a Dallas family law attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, representing Dallas County clients in divorce, custody, and family legal matters with 20+ years of litigation experience and dedicated personal advocacy.
Working within Bryan Fagan’s structured legal system, Robert brings senior litigation experience to Dallas families navigating some of the most consequential legal decisions of their lives.

Megan Nordyke

Family Law• Adoption• Child Custody

Megan Nordyke is a Dallas family law attorney at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. With more than a decade of experience in legal aid and family law, Megan helps individuals and families navigate challenging circumstances with compassion, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

Megan focuses on complex family law matters involving domestic and intimate partner violence, coercive control, child abuse and neglect, DFPS/CPS cases, adoption, non-parent custody, and the division of marital assets and liabilities. Her ten years of public service as a legal aid attorney give her extensive experience advocating for vulnerable individuals and families.

Why Clients Choose Us

Why Old Preston Hollow Residents Choose Bryan Fagan Law Firm

We’re not just lawyers — we’re advocates. With a record of successful cases, personalized attention, and a commitment to excellence, we’ve earned the trust of thousands of Old Preston Hollow families and businesses.

20+ Years of Experience

Bryan Fagan has served Old Preston Hollow families and Dallas professionals for over two decades with proven results in family law, criminal defense, and estate planning.

Expert Courtroom Advocacy

Our attorneys have extensive experience in Dallas County Family Court, Criminal Court, and Probate Court. We know local judges, procedures, and effective strategies.

Personalized Attention

Every client receives direct access to attorneys, not paralegals or staff. We understand your unique situation and build customized strategies.

Proven Track Record

We’ve successfully negotiated divorces, defended criminal charges, and guided estates through probate in Dallas County. Results matter.

Need More Family Law Guidance Near Old Preston Hollow

Families in Old Preston Hollow can explore our broader local resources for helpful information about case costs, webinars, legal strategy, and what to expect before moving forward.

EXPLORE THE GREATER REGION

Legal Services for Old Preston Hollow and Nearby Communities

This page provides legal-service information and local resources for this community. For broader regional guidance, verified courthouse and map information, nearby office options, and links to family law, criminal law, estate planning, probate, and other legal topics, visit our main regional overview page.

Dallas Courthouses

Serving Dallas & Surrounding Areas

Find courthouse locations, hours, addresses, and contact information for courts serving Dallas and nearby communities.

George Allen Courts Building

Hours

Phone

(214) 653-7307

Address

600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

Your Legal Questions Answered

FAQs About Our Old Preston Hollow Legal Services

Find answers to common questions across our three practice areas.

In Dallas County, the timeline depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces—where both spouses agree on child custody, asset division, and support—can be finalized in 30-60 days. Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on major issues, typically take 6-12 months depending on complexity and court availability. Bryan Fagan provides both mediation (faster, less expensive) and litigation (if necessary for contested matters). We’ll assess your situation and provide an honest timeline during your free consultation.

Child custody in Dallas County considers the child’s connection to schools, community, and each parent’s ability to support education. If your children attend Dallas ISD schools, McKinney ISD, or private schools in the Park Cities area, the court will factor school stability into custody arrangements. Typically, the primary conservator (custodial parent) has the ability to determine where the child lives and goes to school, while the secondary conservator (non-custodial parent) receives regular possession (typically 40% of time). Major decisions about school enrollment often require both parents’ consent. If relocation or school change is necessary, modification of custody may be needed. Bryan Fagan helps Old Preston Hollow parents negotiate school-friendly custody arrangements that prioritize child stability while protecting parental rights.

Spousal support (alimony) is awarded in Texas when specific conditions are met. If one spouse earns significantly less, or if the marriage lasted 10+ years, the court may order temporary or permanent support. Duration and amount depend on income disparity, length of marriage, and each spouse’s ability to earn. Dallas County judges consider various factors including health, age, and earning capacity. For Old Preston Hollow professionals with income disparities, spousal support strategy is critical. Bryan Fagan negotiates favorable support terms or contests unfair support obligations, ensuring fair outcomes based on Texas law.

First, exercise your constitutional rights: remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions about drinking, drug use, or your activities—anything you say can be used against you. Do not consent to searches of your vehicle or home without a warrant. Call us at (469)-484-7439 right away. We’ll advise you on bail hearings, police procedures, and your defense strategy. In Dallas County, police must file charges within 15 days or you’re released. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney significantly improves outcomes—we’ve successfully negotiated DWI reductions, plea agreements, and dismissals for Old Preston Hollow and Dallas clients.

The Dallas County DA typically offers deferred adjudication, probation, or reduced charges for first-time DWI offenders without serious injuries. However, this depends on BAC level, prior arrests, and DA discretion. Aggressive prosecution is common for higher BACs (0.15+) or repeat offenders. Early negotiation by experienced counsel can result in favorable plea agreements. Our Dallas office has established relationships with Dallas County prosecutors and judges, allowing us to negotiate favorable outcomes for Old Preston Hollow clients facing DWI charges.

Simple assault (Class B misdemeanor) can result in up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. Aggravated assault (felony) carries 2-20 years in prison. If the victim was a family member, charges may include domestic violence enhancements. If a victim recants, charges may be dismissed. Witness credibility and self-defense claims are common defenses. Bryan Fagan has successfully defended assault charges in Dallas County by challenging witness testimony and establishing reasonable doubt or self-defense.

Old Preston Hollow homes are often the largest family asset, with values ranging from $600K to $3M+ depending on lot size and renovations. Without proper planning, homes enter Dallas County Probate Court upon death—a lengthy, expensive process. The solution is a Revocable Living Trust. By placing your home in a trust during your lifetime, it passes directly to heirs outside probate, avoiding court involvement and keeping the transfer private. For multiple properties (primary residence + investment/rental homes), trust planning is even more critical. You retain complete control and can sell or refinance at any time. Bryan Fagan helps Old Preston Hollow homeowners title properties in trusts, preserve estate value, and minimize tax liability—ensuring smooth transfer to the next generation.

A will directs distribution of assets after death but requires probate—a court process that takes 8-12 months and costs 3-5% of estate value. A revocable living trust avoids probate by allowing assets to pass directly to heirs outside court. With a trust, you retain control during your lifetime and can modify it anytime. At death, a successor trustee transfers assets to heirs immediately without court involvement. For Old Preston Hollow residents with real estate and substantial assets, trusts are typically the better choice. We help you decide based on your specific situation.

A revocable living trust is the foundation—it avoids probate by passing assets directly to heirs. For high-net-worth Old Preston Hollow families, additional strategies include annual exclusion gifts ($18,000 per recipient), charitable remainder trusts, family limited partnerships, and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Medicaid planning protects assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits. Strategic titling of property and proper beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance are also critical. Bryan Fagan creates comprehensive estate plans that combine these strategies to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and preserve wealth for future generations.

Ready to Protect Your Rights?

Our Old Preston Hollow attorneys are ready to help. Schedule your confidential consultation today.