Business Details
18 Years
experience
Houston Family Law Attorneys for Complex Cases
At Fullenweider Wilhite, we are a dedicated family law firm with over two centuries of combined legal experience. Founded in 2008 by Donn C. Fullenweider and Randall B. Wilhite, our practice focuses exclusively on family law, including divorce, complex asset division, child custody, and international family disputes. Our team includes eight attorneys board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, ensuring unparalleled expertise in handling high-stakes cases.We combine strategic litigation skills with empathetic client support, prioritizing the protection of clients' assets, relationships, and futures. Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and U.S. News Best Law Firms, we maintain a legacy of excellence in Texas family law. Our approach integrates deep knowledge of marital property laws, financial acumen, and a commitment to ethical representation, making us a trusted choice for complex family legal matters.
Services
Divorce Litigation
Mediation and Arbitration
Complex Asset Division
Child Custody and Support
International Family Law
International Divorce
Same-Sex Family Law
Contested Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
Additional Complex Issues
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 200+ years of combined experience in family law
- Eight attorneys board-certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Exclusive focus on family law and complex cases
- Recognized in Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and U.S. News Best Law Firms
- Proven success in high-net-worth and international family law cases
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers
- U.S. News Best Law Firms
Services
Divorce Litigation
Our firm specializes in contested divorce cases involving substantial assets and complex business holdings. We provide aggressive courtroom representation while prioritizing clients' financial and emotional well-being. Our attorneys have over two centuries of combined experience handling high-stakes divorce litigation across Texas and nationally.
Mediation and Arbitration
We offer mediation and arbitration services to resolve family law disputes efficiently. Our attorneys serve as mediators and advocates, focusing on minimizing costs and emotional stress while protecting clients' interests in complex cases involving custody or property division.
Complex Asset Division
Our team handles division of high-value assets including businesses, real estate, stock options, and trusts. We work with financial experts to ensure accurate valuation and equitable distribution of marital property while protecting separate assets like inheritances.
Child Custody and Support
We advocate for clients in child custody and support matters, focusing on the child's best interests. Our services include negotiating parenting plans, modifying existing agreements, and representing clients in disputes involving relocation or international custody issues.
International Family Law
Our firm handles international divorce and custody cases under The Hague Convention. We collaborate with global legal partners to resolve cross-border disputes involving asset division, child abduction, and jurisdictional challenges for clients in Texas and abroad.
People
Donn C. Fullenweider
Founding Partner
Renowned trial lawyer with a distinguished career spanning decades. Inducted into the State Bar of Texas Hall of Legends. Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1958, he established a legacy of excellence in family law before passing in 2023.
Randall B. Wilhite
Senior Partner
Board-certified family law specialist with 38+ years of experience. Recognized mediator who has settled over 2,600 cases. Expert in complex property disputes, business valuations, and tax issues related to divorce.
Susan F. McLerran
Managing Partner
Board-certified family law attorney with extensive litigation experience. Focuses on complex divorce cases involving high-net-worth individuals and international custody matters. Recognized for legal excellence and client advocacy.
Michael C. Childs
Partner
Experienced litigator specializing in complex family law disputes. Board-certified with a track record of successful outcomes in contested divorces involving substantial assets and business holdings across multiple jurisdictions.
Katie A. Custer
Partner
Board-certified attorney focusing on child custody, spousal support, and complex property division. Known for strategic negotiation skills and courtroom advocacy in high-stakes family law cases involving financial and business assets.
Questions
How is spousal maintenance determined in Texas?
Spousal maintenance depends on factors like the spouse's ability to meet needs, marriage duration, homemaker contributions, and misconduct. Texas limits awards to the shortest reasonable time.
What happens to retirement benefits during divorce?
Retirement benefits may be divided as community property. Characterization depends on when they accrued and whether they're separate or marital assets.
How are child support amounts calculated?
Texas uses 20% of net resources for one child, increasing 5% per child up to 40%. Courts may adjust for exceptional needs like education costs.
Can I modify custody or support agreements?
Yes, modifications are possible with substantial changes in income, marital status, or the child's needs through negotiation or litigation.
Does Texas recognize legal separation?
No, Texas does not recognize legal separation. Separated couples remain legally married, affecting property division and debts.
