Mims Ballew Hollingsworth (MBH) successfully preserved client Alex Little’s ownership of Creative Child Care, Inc. in a high-stakes property-division dispute, highlighting the firm’s expertise at the intersection of family law and business litigation.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — In a complex Texas divorce case involving intricate property-characterization issues, Mims Ballew Hollingsworth secured a ruling confirming that client Alex Little’s childcare enterprise—Creative Child Care, Inc., and its holding company, Legacy50HoldCo, LLC—remains his separate property, rejecting opposing efforts to classify the business as community property.
Led by Kelly Hollingsworth, board-certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, with 25+ years of business litigation and trial experience across Texas state and federal courts, including the Fifth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court, the MBH team delivered a robust defense. Kelly’s extensive business litigation acumen, honed at firms like Haynes & Boone and Bickel & Brewer, combined with his family law expertise, was pivotal in crafting a strategy that protected both the client’s personal and business interests. Supported by Brian Alpiger, Allison Luttrell, and Madison Easterlin, the team blended traditional family-law advocacy with a sophisticated, business-minded approach.
Early in the litigation, MBH retained forensic document expert Randy Carodine to analyze documents related to an alleged stock transfer. His analysis decisively refuted claims suggesting a 50% corporate interest for the opposing party. At trial, MBH successfully challenged the methodology and conclusions of the opposing expert, leading the Court to affirm the business as separate property.
“Your firm protected both my interests and my business’s future—I could not be more satisfied.” — Alex Little, President/Owner, Creative Child Care, Inc.
Mr. Little commended the team’s professionalism, diligence, and steady guidance throughout the case.
What Was at Stake
The opposing party sought extensive relief, asserting waste (six claims), alter ego, reimbursement (five claims), disproportionate division, civil conspiracy, and breach of fiduciary duty, with alleged monetary exposure exceeding $2.5 million depending on alter-ego findings. The Court denied these claims, awarding only a paid-off Lexus vehicle and personal property already in the opposing party’s possession.
By the Numbers
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- 1,512.70 attorney hours recorded
- Over 10 court appearances
- Five full hearings litigated before trial
- Five depositions conducted
- Three enforcements successfully defended
- Trial witnesses: One for the husband, four for the opposing party (one additional witness excluded under Rule 196.3
For many clients, divorce is not only a personal matter but also a critical moment to safeguard their business. MBH’s customized litigation strategy, integrating forensic document analysis and focused trial work, protected a multigenerational company and secured the client’s future.
Client: Alex Little (owner, childcare facilities)
Companies: Creative Child Care, Inc. and Legacy50HoldCo, LLC
Lead Trial Counsel: Kelly Hollingsworth (J.D., Rutgers Law; B.S., TCU). Kelly clerked for U.S. Magistrate Judge William F. Sanderson, Jr. With 25+ years of trial experience, he is licensed in all Texas state and federal courts and admitted before the Fifth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court.
Trial Team: Brian Alpiger, Allison Luttrell, Madison Easterlin
About Us
Mims Ballew Hollingsworth is a Fort Worth family-law firm known for compassionate, strategic representation and tailored legal solutions. With over 100 years of combined experience and multiple board-certified family-law attorneys, our team excels in cases where family law intersects with business ownership, emphasizing honesty, clear communication, and meticulous preparation.
Considering divorce or facing complex property issues? Contact our team to discuss a customized plan for your goals. Secure your consultation today.
Past results are not indicative of future outcomes. Each case is unique and must be evaluated based on its specific facts.
