Family Law Attorney in Wise County -
Marilyn J. Belew, P.C.
Legal issues involving family can be emotionally overwhelming and deeply personal. Clients across North Texas trust the Law Offices of Marilyn J. Belew because she brings not only deep legal knowledge, but a rare combination of wisdom, clarity, and unwavering professionalism earned through 29 years of exclusive family law experience. Her representation is rooted in honesty, strategy, and a commitment to delivering solutions that genuinely protect her clients’ futures.
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Clients describe her as reassuring, exceptionally thorough, strategic, and steady—a strong advocate who is both compassionate and highly effective. Her integrity and professionalism have earned the respect of judges, colleagues, and families throughout the region.
Compassionate, Experienced Family Law Representation
Divorce Representation
Strategic Leadership Through One of Life’s Hardest Transitions
​A divorce impacts every area of life—finances, stability, parenting, and emotional wellbeing. Marilyn J. Belew helps clients navigate this transition with clarity, structure, and confidence, always focusing on long-term protection and empowering clients to make informed decisions. Her approach reduces chaos, minimizes unnecessary conflict, and provides a clear, steady plan during an otherwise uncertain time.
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Mediation and Litigation Excellence
​Whether a case resolves amicably through mediation or requires assertive litigation, Marilyn J. Belew excels in both arenas. During mediation she is persuasive, calm, and solution-driven; in litigation she is assertive, prepared, and unwavering. Clients trust her to anticipate challenges, prepare thoroughly, and deliver strong advocacy tailored to the needs of each case.​
Child Custody
Protecting Children. Supporting Parents. Building Stability
Custody matters affect the heart of every family situation. Marilyn J. Belew guides parents through conservatorship, custom parenting plans, possession schedules, and high-conflict disputes with a measured, child-centered approach. She focuses on creating stability and ensuring the child’s emotional and developmental needs remain central in every legal decision.​
Child Support
Thorough, Fair, and Accurate Guidance
Child support cases require careful financial evaluation and strong advocacy. Marilyn J. Belew ensures that support amounts reflect accurate income, true expenses, and the child’s ongoing needs. Whether establishing, modifying, or enforcing support, she provides the precision and clarity families depend on.
Property Division
High-Level Strategy for Protecting Financial Futures
Texas community property laws can be complex, especially involving businesses, real estate, investments, or retirement accounts. Marilyn J. Belew offers exceptional analysis in distinguishing separate from community property, uncovering hidden assets, evaluating claims of waste or fraud, and negotiating equitable outcomes that protect clients long after the divorce is complete.
Enforcement & Contempt
Ensuring Court Orders Are Respected
When a party violates a court order, swift action is critical. Marilyn J. Belew represents clients in enforcing support, custody, and property orders—building compelling evidence and presenting strong arguments to the court to restore compliance and protect client rights.
Modification of Existing Orders
Adjusting Legal Agreements to Reflect Life’s Changes
As life evolves, existing orders may no longer align with a family’s needs. Marilyn J. Belew evaluates changes in income, relocation, parental involvement, or child needs to pursue modifications that restore fairness, structure, and stability.
Adoption
A Compassionate Guide Through a Meaningful Process
Adoption brings joy and stability to families, but requires careful compliance with legal standards. Marilyn J. Belew supports families through every step—from background requirements and termination proceedings to final court approval—ensuring a smooth, clear, and meaningful transition.
Family Law FAQ -
Understanding Texas Law
Texas Divorce
During a Texas divorce, the court may issue temporary orders to help manage finances, parenting responsibilities, and household arrangements while the case is pending. Many counties also require mediation before a case can proceed to trial, offering families a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. In certain circumstances, a spouse may qualify for spousal maintenance, which is awarded based on statutory guidelines, financial need, and individual eligibility.
Child Custody FAQ
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Joint vs. Sole Conservatorship: Parents may share rights or one parent may hold primary authority.
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Standard Possession Order: Provides structured, flexible parenting time.
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Child Preference: Children age 12+ may express preference to the judge.
Property Division FAQ
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Community vs. Separate Property: Marriage-acquired assets are community; personal gifts, inheritances, and pre-marital assets are separate.
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Unequal Division: Courts divide property based on what is “just and right” rather than strictly 50/50.
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Hidden Assets or Waste: Courts may reconstitute the estate to correct misuse of marital assets.
Modification FAQ
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Material & Substantial Change: Income shifts, relocation, child needs, or parental involvement changes.
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3-Year / 20% Rule: Support may be modified if new guidelines differ significantly from the current order.
Adoption FAQ
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Termination: Step-parent adoptions require voluntary or court-ordered termination of parental rights.
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Name Change: A child’s legal name may be updated during the adoption process.
Have a family law question? Call (940) 627-6400 or request a consultation.
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