Gardner Smith & Vaughan Attorneys - Fort Worth, TX
Gardner Smith and Vaughan, PLLC is a premier family law and divorce boutique firm in Fort Worth, Texas. Led by board-certified managing partner Dwayne Smith and partner Whitney Vaughan, the firm combines modern litigation strategies with courtroom mastery to protect parental relationships, children, and complex marital wealth.
Elite Family Law and Divorce Advocacy in Fort Worth
Navigating the end of a marriage or a contested custody dispute demands legal acumen, discreet counsel, and courtroom readiness. Headquartered at 4615 Bryce Avenue in Fort Worth, Gardner Smith and Vaughan, PLLC represents individuals facing intricate domestic relations matters. Managing partner Dwayne Smith, an inducted Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and recipient of the Tarrant County Bar Association Professionalism Award, leads a team dedicated exclusively to family law. Alongside partners Terry Gardner, Whitney Vaughan, and Ken McAlister, the firm blends civil trial experience with modern litigation techniques. Whether you need to hire a divorce lawyer for complex property division or consult an attorney for child custody disputes, the firm delivers thoughtful negotiation backed by courtroom strength.
Comprehensive Family Law Practice Areas
Domestic relations cases have lasting financial and emotional consequences. As skilled divorce and family law lawyers, the legal team delivers aggressive, compassionate advocacy across key practice areas:
- Divorce lawyers: Handling high-conflict contested divorces, executive compensation division, closely held business valuations, separate property tracing, and alimony agreements.
- Child custody lawyers: Establishing customized parenting plans, sole managing conservatorships, geographic residency restrictions, and interstate custody litigation.
- Child support lawyers: Calculating statutory support obligations under the Texas Family Code, litigating above-guidelines support, and enforcing past-due payments.
- Adoption lawyers: Guiding stepparent adoptions, relative caregiver adoptions, and terminating parental rights to secure permanent family stability.
- Domestic violence lawyers: Securing protective orders for endangered spouses and children while defending individuals against unfair domestic abuse accusations.
- Prenuptial agreement lawyers: Drafting premarital and postmarital agreements that protect family trusts, separate business entities, and generational inheritances.
Board Certification and Recognized Trial Leadership
The attorneys at Gardner Smith and Vaughan have earned prestigious peer recognitions across Texas. Managing partner Dwayne Smith is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and was honored with the 2025 Tarrant County Bar Association Professionalism Award. Senior attorney Terry Gardner has tried civil cases in Texas since 1967. Partner Whitney Vaughan serves as a Director for the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association. The firm has been recognized in Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers, selected to Texas Super Lawyers, and featured among the Longhorn 100 businesses.
Why Clients Choose Gardner Smith and Vaughan
Choosing the right family law firm can safeguard your children and your financial future. Clients choose the practice for proven advantages:
- Trial-ready preparation: Every dispute is prepared with the depth required for court, giving clients superior leverage during settlement negotiations and mediation.
- Complex property focus: Extensive acumen in handling intricate marital estates involving corporate equity, private practice valuations, and real estate holdings.
- Bilingual services: Fluent Spanish-language consultations and case communication ensure seamless representation.
If you need to find a divorce attorney in Fort Worth who will fiercely protect your rights, contact Gardner Smith and Vaughan Attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the charming Arlington Heights neighborhood near the vibrant Cultural District of Fort Worth.
Building Location
Located in a single-story commercial brick office building situated directly across the street from the historic Connell Baptist Church.
Parking Details
A complimentary on-site surface parking lot is situated at the rear of the building, with additional free street parking available along Bryce Avenue.
Public Transit
Served by Trinity Metro Route 2 (Camp Bowie/Downtown); nearest stop is at Camp Bowie & Hulen.
Accessibility / Suite Access
The law firm is located on the ground floor of a single-story building. Enter through the main front entrance on Bryce Avenue to access the reception area directly.