Family Law

• Divorce
  There are different ways to go about ending a marriage. One of them is by fighting in court. But since divorce litigation can be emotionally and financially draining — and potentially very damaging to the children of the marriage — it is important to explore other options when it’s realistic. For some divorcing couples, collaborative law provides a better way than litigation. An approach often categorized under alternative dispute resolution (ADR), collaborative divorce focuses on common ground, favors dignified proceedings and works for the preservation of family ties and financial assets.
• Child Support
  Child Support is essential for the care and well-being of a minor child. When parents divorce or separate, or have never married, and there are minor children involved, the state of Texas requires establishment of sufficient monetary support for those children. A Harris Cook, LLP, Child Support Attorney can help you make decisions about support and other Family Law issues that arise when there are problems within your family that affect minor children.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  David was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1997, following his graduation from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, which is now known as Texas A&M University School of Law. He completed his undergraduate work at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a degree in Public Administration. He’s since become one of the most sought-after Family Law attorneys in Tarrant County, a specialty in which he’s Board Certified. Within that discipline, he specializes in cases that involve Complex Division of Assets or Contested Child Custody matters, and often finds himself representing business owners.
• Adoption
• Guardianship
  Attorney Lin Morrisett’s primary practice includes Wills, Trusts, Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianships, and related Real Estate issues. Lin’s professional background is well versed, with over two decades of combined courtroom and legal experience. Lin understands the trying and often fragile matters that coincide with end of life planning and events.
• Spousal Support
  Although the divorce rate in Texas is not the highest in the nation, it is significant at about 4.7 per 1,000 people. There were 111,409 divorces filed in the state during 2014. After filing for divorce, it takes a minimum of 60 days to complete the process and obtain a finalization for an agreed divorce. If there are any contested issues, it can take up to a year or even longer to finalize.For some people, one of the most important aspects of the process — both during and after a divorce — involves the division of assets and the ordering and payment of ongoing spousal support, which is commonly known by many people as alimony. In Texas, the courts cannot award traditional alimony. Chapter 8 of the Texas Family Code allows the court to order spousal maintenance in certain circumstances. The experienced family law attorneys of Harris Cook, LLP, can help you understand the divorce process and explain whether spousal maintenance may be available in your case, and if so, for how long and how much. In some cases, the parties can reach an agreement for contractual alimony to complete a property division agreement. Our lawyers can help you evaluate whether this is advisable in your case.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Civil litigation includes a variety of non-criminal matters adjudicated in our civil court system. Our team of attorneys at Harris Cook is experienced and well versed in handling the diverse legal challenges within civil litigation, from initial consultation and pre-trial proceedings to arbitrations, litigation hearings, trials, and appeals. We ensure to gain a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and individual circumstances in order to attain the best outcome possible. The civil litigation matters we see most often include matters of the following...
• DUI/DWI
• Wrongful Death
  According to statistics compiled by the CDC, unintentional injuries are the fourth highest cause of death nationwide. Over 130,000 persons die from accidental injuries each year; most occur from vehicle accidents. Texas addresses civil liability for this problem in Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. If a loved one suffers wrongful death from an accident caused by negligence, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can pursue compensation for their loss claims from the person(s) or companies liable for the accidental death. Harris Cook, LLP, Wrongful Death Attorney An accident that results in a death has far-reaching effects upon the victim’s survivors. At Harris Cook, LLP, our Wrongful Death Attorney can help you get justice and fair compensation for accident claims under Texas law. Claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the death date; it is important to meet this requirement.We have helped many survivors and their families get past the impact that a wrongful death places upon them. We dig deep into the accident evidence, interview witnesses, and we determine all potentially responsible parties to help survivors get the monetary rewards they deserve.
• Traffic Violations
  Studies have shown that most bicycle-automobile accidents are not the fault of the bicycle rider. Drivers of larger vehicles can run into a bicycle at any time when they are in close proximity. When drivers neglect to follow the law, there can easily be a collision. If the driver of an automobile or truck fails to yield right-of-way, ignores stop signs or runs a red light at the same time the bike rider pedals into their path, the result can be life-threatening. Congestion, speeding, reckless driving and distractions also contribute to bicycle accidents.
• Fraud
  When you have suffered financial loss due to false statements someone has made or information they possessed but failed to convey to you, you may have a claim for fraud or negligent misrepresentation. People bringing claims for fraud may not only be entitled to their economic damages but could recover punitive damages depending upon the circumstances. Real estate fraud may also allow you to recover your attorney fees.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Running a business in Texas means you must stay up-to-date with ever-changing laws and regulations. There may be a host of items you need to take care of, from employee relations that include creation of an employee handbook to shareholder agreements. Some businesses must meet environmental compliance regulations and transportation restrictions. Liability is another issue that must be a priority and this may include also consultation about financial and insurance matters.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  Our Harris Cook, LLP, Business Law Attorney understands the importance that details make when you are conducting business transactions. We can help you manage all types of transactions, including financial, real estate and insurance deals. For some companies, growth comes through beneficial mergers and acquisitions. These are more examples of times when you benefit from having our competent, honest and knowledgeable legal advice and representation to realize the best outcome.
• Business Formation
  Contracts are an essential part of Texas business life; creating new ones, honoring existing ones and making modifications. Some contracts include penalties for breach of contract. When someone does not fulfill the promises they made in a contract, it is a breach of contract. A plaintiff has legal options regarding actions to enforce, alter, or end that contract. A defendant may offer various defense claims that relate to an alleged breach of contract. Our Harris Cook, LLP, Business Litigation Attorneys, can help you create satisfactory resolutions for the various legal issues you have that involve Texas contract laws.With any type of business, it is good to consult with the Harris Cook, LLP, Business Formation and Business Litigation Attorneys at all stages of operation. Start-ups need to create valid contracts to avoid future legal problems. Existing businesses usually will have an increasing amount of contract issues that are critically important to success. These include contracts with employees, vendors, other businesses and suppliers.When contacts are not properly fulfilled, there can be financial damages and other legal issues to resolve. By keeping your business contracts under control, you reduce potential litigation and other legal problems that could harm your entire operation. Our Business Formation Attorneys can review your existing contracts and help you create new ones that are legal, valid and that work for your benefit.
• Business Disputes
  A seasoned Litigator and dedicated Public Servant, David L. Cook’s professional and community service roots date back to his teenage years. He developed a strong interest in law while still in high school, and was also interested in public service. He learned that a large number of State Legislators were also attorneys. As he began college, he firmly believed having knowledge of one (law) would help him with the other (Public Service). Today, David is actively engaged in the pursuit of both of his passions. He’s the leader of Harris Cook’s daily operations, a prominent Family and Business Law attorney and he was elected into the Texas House of Representatives in 2020. He was also the Mayor of Mansfield from 2008-2020.
• Business Transactions
  Attorney Marc Stach is an attorney with over twenty years of legal experience representing businesses and individuals throughout North Texas. He concentrates his practice in the areas of Business Litigation, Business Transactions, Probate, and Estate Planning.
• Limited Liability Companies
  When we work with clients on business formation, a major goal is protecting personal assets. This is a primary reason why many business owners choose to form business entities such as Corporations or Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). These business structures also give you tax benefits that you might not qualify for if your business remains a sole proprietorship or a general partnership. Our Harris Cook, LLP, Business Formation Attorneys work closely with clients and their tax advisors and help them make important business formation decisions. We provide legal advice and representation for all business formation issues, including structure, liability and litigation
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Wrongful Termination
• Employment Discrimination
• Employment Contract
  Here at Harris Cook LLP, we’re an employment lawyer in Arlington TX that works closely with business owners to address any of a variety of employment issues. From drafting employment agreements to ensuring your compliance with the Department of Labor and Industry, we’re an Arlington employment lawyer that will help you avoid any potentially disruptive employment issues at your company.
• Employment Litigation
  Is a Labor and Employment Law attorney with over thirty years of legal experience. Leading the firm’s employment practice, she represents private sector clients in the areas of employment litigation, human resource issues, labor laws, and risk prevention. Cynthia regularly offers her clients counsel in matters involving employment policies and contracts, discipline, discharge, layoffs, disability and reasonable accommodation, family and medical leave, government contracting, non-competes, and confidential information issues. Cynthia is an experienced litigator and has successfully represented employers in contested matters before state and federal courts, state and

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Paul J. Johnson is a real estate and business attorney with over thirty years of experience in complex transactions and business representation. Board Certified in both commercial and residential real estate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Paul has not only been the lead attorney on many high profile real estate developments and business acquisitions, but he also counsels clients on general business matters across a wide array of industries and geographic areas, representing companies from startup through maturity. Paul has a wide breadth of experience in helping clients achieve their goals.
• Premises Liability
• Construction Litigation
  Wes is active in the legal community throughout Arlington and North Texas. He is a member of the Texas Association of General Counsel, Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, Board of Directors for the Arlington Bar Association, and he is on the Board of Directors for the Arlington Museum of Art, among many other community involvements.
• Real Estate Transactions
  Our office represents buyers, sellers and lenders in real estate transactions involving a variety of property transactions, including residential, commercial and agricultural real estate. Some of these may include...
• Land Use and Zoning
  Throughout the years, Larry has been an active member in the Arlington community. He currently serves as the President of the River Legacy Foundation Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arlington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Larry is a past Chairman of the City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission, a past President of the Board of Directors of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the City of Arlington’s Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and a past Director of the Arlington Bar Association (1994-97, 2004-2009).
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  Marc typically represents small to mid-sized companies from diverse industries in matters involving Entity Formation, Asset and Stock Purchases, Internal Operations, and Landlord-Tenant issues, among other business-related matters. A seasoned litigator, Marc has experience suing and defending businesses and representing clients as outside counsel. Additionally, Marc counsels clients in Probate and Estate Planning, His cases also often address matters involving Wills and Trusts.
• Property Damage
  Texas is noted for its wide open spaces and excellent highway system throughout the state, but just like the rest of the country, auto accidents also happen here frequently. Auto accident causes vary from distracted driving and fatigue to defective equipment; the results are similar, with pain, suffering, income loss, medical expenses and property damage. Some victims pay the ultimate price of losing their life.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  There are few things that can be more stressful to a company or individual that being faced with defending a personal injury claim. Having defended hundreds of personal injury claims on behalf of clients over the years, the attorneys of Harris Cook have the knowledge and experience required to effectively resolve your personal injury matter while minimizing the legal and financial repercussions.
• Medical Malpractice
• Auto Accidents
• Dog Bites
  Our Texas Dog Bites Attorney will investigate the accident to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible. In some cases, the victim is partially at fault, but the dog owners are liable for controlling their animal to prevent damage their dog does, including biting. This is especially true if the owner knows that a dog has bitten previously or is vicious. They must keep that animal under control at all times to prevent biting or the owner will be strictly negligent, i.e., legally responsible for the damages without the necessity of finding the owner at fault

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Getting Your Affairs In Order. Most people do not want to think about their ultimate demise, but even young adults are smart to do some estate planning. At Harris Cook, LLP, we know that getting your affairs in order means different things at different points during your lifetime and as your estate grows or diminishes…
• Wills
• Trusts
• Probate
  Leadership in real estate and wills and probate law that is evidenced in David’s ongoing involvement in the legal community and professional associations

Finance Law

• Foreclosure
• Debt Collection
  The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) was enacted in 1973 and serves to protect consumers against false or misleading business practices. The DTPA serves as a remedy to consumers who have victimized by a business’ unlawful business practices, allowing consumers to recover monetary damages and in some cases attorney fees and additional damages called “treble damages.” The DTPA also incorporates other causes of action such as breach of warranty claims and “tie in statutes” such as the Texas Lemon Law and Texas Debt Collection Act, among others.