Lawyer of Firm Description

About Gardner Smith & Vaughan Attorneys — Divorce Fort Worth Texas

Divorce Fort Worth clients facing the end of a marriage — whether involving complex business assets, contested custody, or high-conflict proceedings — have multiple skilled advocates at Gardner Smith & Vaughan Attorneys at 4615 Bryce Ave in west Fort Worth. The firm’s attorneys include Dwayne Smith, Whitney Vaughan, Paige Lyons, and Tom Hill, each bringing specific strengths to divorce, custody, and broader family law matters in Tarrant County courts. Moreover, Paige Lyons is specifically praised for closing a four-year child custody dispute with the Office of the Attorney General in under six months — a result that had previously seemed unachievable. Whitney Vaughan is recognized for her compassion, determination, and ability to secure victories in difficult cases where clients arrived feeling hopeless.

Fort Worth sits in Tarrant County, one of Texas’s most active family law markets, and divorce matters involving Texas community property law, business valuation, or multi-year litigation require attorneys with both technical depth and courtroom readiness. Additionally, Tom Hill’s decades of Tarrant County experience — including peer recognition as an attorney who “can go toe to toe with any attorney in town” — means the firm fields genuine trial strength alongside settlement skills. Their listing on ReachAttorneys Fort Worth reflects a firm that clients describe as smart, caring, and highly effective. Multiple reviewers describe their attorneys as the best they could have hired at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

What Clients Say

Reviews consistently highlight Whitney Vaughan and Paige Lyons as compassionate, energetic, and results-driven attorneys who fight tenaciously for their clients. Tom Hill earns strong praise for his measured approach, deep Tarrant County experience, and efficient use of client resources. Several clients describe arriving devastated and leaving with outcomes better than they thought possible. A small number of reviews describe dissatisfaction with specific attorneys or fee disputes, but the overwhelming weight of the review record reflects a firm with strong overall performance and client loyalty across multiple attorneys.

Divorce Fort Worth — Practice Areas & Services

Divorce representation in Tarrant County courts, including uncontested, contested, and high-asset divorces involving Texas community property
Child custody and visitation disputes, including modifications and enforcement of existing custody orders
Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement in Tarrant County and surrounding jurisdictions
Business valuation and asset division in divorces involving small businesses, real estate, or retirement accounts
Protective orders and emergency custody motions when client safety or children’s welfare requires immediate court action

Frequently Asked Questions

How is property divided in a Texas divorce?

Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses and subject to a “just and right” division by the court. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance — is not subject to division. Proving that certain assets are separate property requires clear and convincing evidence, and a divorce Fort Worth attorney can help you document and protect your separate property claims throughout the process.

How long does a contested divorce take in Tarrant County, Texas?

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after a divorce petition is filed before a decree can be granted. Uncontested divorces with no property or custody disputes can conclude shortly after that window. Contested divorces — particularly those involving custody battles, business valuations, or significant asset disputes — often take 12 to 24 months or longer in Tarrant County courts. An experienced attorney can identify early settlement opportunities that reduce both timeline and cost.

Quick Facts: Divorce in Fort Worth, Texas

Texas Divorce Waiting Period: Texas Family Code §6.702 requires a minimum 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized — Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
Tarrant County Court Filings: Tarrant County processes tens of thousands of family law cases annually, with divorce and custody matters among the highest-volume filings — Texas Office of Court Administration 2024
Texas Community Property: Texas is one of 9 US community property states, requiring equitable division of marital assets acquired during the marriage — Texas Family Code §3.002

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Gardner Smith & Vaughan Attorneys in Fort Worth, Texas, has garnered praise for their exceptional legal services, particularly highlighting the expertise of attorneys like Paige Lyons and Whitney Vaughan. Clients commend their compassionate approach, professionalism, and ability to navigate complex cases effectively, often achieving favorable outcomes in challenging situations. Many reviewers express their gratitude for the supportive environment and personalized attention they received, making them highly recommend this firm to others in need of legal assistance.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Well where to begin? I was referred by a friend to Dwayne Smith about two years ago for my first and lord willing, only divorce, no kids. I was crushed and unsure of what my possible actions and ramifications were at the time. We had a business together so it was definitely a nightmare trying to untangle everything.

I would absolutely give Dwayne and his team Zero stars if that was an option. Dwayne completely failed me and only cared about money. Burned thru $15k in 2 1/2 weeks. He forced me into mediation and expected me to take a crumb all without having stbx Discovery. I was expected to make a decision without all the puzzle pieces. He also did not get me temporary orders which was a huge concern.

Although the circumstances were not ideal, it was a pleasure to work with Paige Lyons and her associates at Gardner Smith & Vaughan. I would use their services again and recommend them to anyone I know.

Total waste of time, Called on Friday the 19th to set up an appointment, had to call 3 different times to set up an appointment because they were supposedly on lunch. Never had a call back, I had to call again 2 hrs later, Couldn’t set an appointment with Dwayne because he was booked till May, but did offer to set me with someone else.

I was going through a tough time when someone recommended me about attorney Whitney Vaughan. Attorney Whitney agreed to have my lawsuit without any hesitation. She is knowledgeable, intelligent, confident, and passionate about her client’s cases. She listens to my concerns. I highly recommend Ms Vaughan and her firm, if you are looking for honest and excellent service from an attorney.

Incredible lawyers!

Paige Lyons is an exceptional attorney! She did an amazing job representing me in a child custody hearing. I struggled with the Office of the Attorney General for four years. Paige had my case closed in less than six months. Keep fighting for single full time parents. Thank you!

When we first met Whitney, we were hopeless and defeated. We knew our situation was difficult but she took us on as clients without hesitation. The last 8 months have been extremely difficult for us but with her copious amount of compassion and perseverance, we were victorious! Whitney is attentive, intelligent, energetic, and honest. She is an absolute beautiful person and we can not recommend her enough! ❤️

Smart attorneys that will take good care of you!

Good people!

Tom Hill is an outstanding attorney. As one of his professioanl colleagues put it “He won’t pick a fight if the case can be settled, but he can go toe to toe with any atttorney in town if he has to, and will come out on top.” His legal assistant Lydia is a huge asset- great at communicating. They are also very mindful of not spending your money unnecessarily. Highest recommendation possible!

I highly recommend The Hill Law Firm! Tom and his amazing staff provided personal comfort and guidance to me during my parents divorce. Knowing Tom had my best interests in mind made a difficult time a little bit easier.

Tom and his incredible staff were invaluable to me. At a time when I was most in need, they helped me every step of the way. Tom’s many years of experience, combined with his outstanding knowledge of Texas Family Law, made the process go as smooth as possible. I would (and have) personally refer him to any friend or family going through a divorce. Quite simply, he is one of the best!

Mr. Tom Hill was the best choice I could have made for my divorce representation. His experience, approach and demeanor were so helpful and comforting during this very difficult time. He and Lydia were very attentive and helpful throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my situation and I was very happy with the outcome.

Tom Hill began representing me in 2010 in what would become a very nasty and contentious divorce. While I was the petitioner, I severely under estimated how frustrating the experience would be. Sadly, my issue have continued with a series of sporadic motions and orders over the last nine years, most recently culminating in another modification of our decree a month or so ago.