Family Lawyer in Plano, TX
Attorney Phan Nguyen represents Plano and Collin County families through divorce, custody disputes, child support, and protective orders — with clear guidance at every step.
Protecting Your Family's Future in Collin County
Plano is one of the fastest-growing cities in Collin County, and with that growth comes the full range of family law challenges — contested divorces, custody modifications, and child support disputes that can reshape a family's future for years.
Attorney Phan Nguyen handles family law cases throughout Plano and Collin County with a direct, practical approach: understand your goals, explain your options honestly, and pursue the outcome that protects you and your children.
Plano Family Law Services
Divorce
Texas is a community property state — assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses. That presumption shapes everything from how the house is divided to how retirement accounts are split. Attorney Nguyen guides clients through both agreed divorces (where both parties cooperate) and contested divorces (where a judge decides), filing in Collin County District Court.
Child Custody & Visitation (SAPCR)
In Texas, custody is called "conservatorship." Most parents are named Joint Managing Conservators — but that doesn't automatically mean equal time. The parenting schedule, decision-making rights, and the right to designate the child's primary residence are all negotiated or litigated separately. We help you understand what 50/50 really means in practice and fight for a schedule that reflects your child's best interest.
Child Support
Texas child support is calculated by a statutory formula based on the paying parent's net monthly income and the number of children. We handle initial child support orders, enforcement of unpaid support, and modifications when income or circumstances change.
Modifications
Life changes — jobs, relocations, remarriage, new children. A custody or support order that made sense two years ago may no longer fit your life. We file post-divorce modifications in Collin County when there's been a material and substantial change in circumstances.
Protective Orders
If you or your children are in danger, a protective order can remove an abusive party from the home and prohibit contact. We assist with emergency protective orders and final protective orders in Collin County.
Spousal Maintenance
Texas has strict requirements for spousal maintenance (alimony) — it's not automatic, and the duration is capped by statute. We advise clients on whether they qualify, how much to expect, and how to negotiate maintenance as part of a broader settlement.
The Collin County Family Courts: What Plano Residents Need to Know
All Plano family law cases are filed in Collin County District Court, located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071. Collin County has 15 district courts housed at a single courthouse complex. Family law matters are handled by the dedicated family courts, including the 493rd District Court.
Key procedural note: Texas requires a 60-day waiting period between filing for divorce and the final decree — even in uncontested cases. Filing fees run approximately $350–$400. Attorney Nguyen can advise you on the specific timeline and costs for your case before you file.
How Working With Attorney Phan Nguyen Works
Step 1: Schedule Your Consultation
We start by listening. You tell us what's happening — the situation, the history, what you're hoping for. We ask the right questions, review any documents you bring, and give you an honest assessment of your options. No pressure, no obligation.
Step 2: Strategy & Filing
Once you decide to move forward, we build your case plan. That means identifying the right legal strategy for your goals, preparing all required paperwork, and filing with the Collin County District Court. We handle the courthouse — you focus on your family.
Step 3: Representation Through Completion
Most family law cases settle before trial. We negotiate from a position of preparation — the other side knows we're ready to go to court if needed. When settlement isn't possible or isn't in your interest, we represent you in front of the judge. When your case closes, we make sure the final order is correct and enforceable. And if life changes down the road — a new job, a relocation, a custody dispute — we're here for modifications too.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is Texas a 50/50 state for custody?
Texas does not guarantee 50/50 custody. The default is Joint Managing Conservatorship, but the parenting schedule is set separately based on what is in the child's best interest. Many Collin County cases result in a standard possession order, which gives the non-primary parent alternating weekends plus Thursday evenings — not equal time. 50/50 schedules are possible but must be negotiated or ordered by the court.
Who gets the house in a Texas divorce?
If the house was purchased during the marriage, it's community property and subject to division. Commonly, one spouse buys out the other's equity, or the house is sold and proceeds are split. If children are involved, the court may allow the primary parent to stay in the home temporarily. Attorney Nguyen helps clients evaluate whether keeping or selling the home makes financial sense for their specific situation.
Does Texas have alimony?
Texas has "spousal maintenance," but it's harder to qualify for than alimony in many other states. You generally must be married at least 10 years and be unable to earn sufficient income to meet your minimum reasonable needs, or the marriage must have involved family violence. Maximum duration is 5 years for marriages of 10–20 years.
When can a child choose which parent to live with in Texas?
At age 12, a child can sign a statement of preference that the court will consider — but the judge is not required to follow it. The child's preference is one factor among many. Courts will not allow a child to "choose" in a way that puts them in an unsafe situation.
How long does divorce take in Collin County?
At minimum, 60 days from filing (the mandatory waiting period). Agreed divorces with no children or disputed property can sometimes resolve in 90–120 days. Contested cases with custody disputes or complex assets regularly take 12–18 months. The Collin County courts are busy — early filing and preparation matter.
What is a SAPCR?
A Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship. It's the legal proceeding used to establish or modify conservatorship, possession, and child support — whether as part of a divorce or as a standalone case between unmarried parents.