8133 Mesa Dr. Ste 100, Austin TX, 78759
Mat Rueda Law Firm in Austin, TX, exhibits a focused specialization in family law. Their practice covers divorce, child custody, and support, along with grandparent’s rights. These Austin divorce lawyers have successfully managed over 1200 divorce and 1000 custody disputes. With 19+ years of experience, their approach combines legal expertise with a commitment to clients’ emotional well-being.
The firm’s expertise is further shown by a high level of client satisfaction in the Clients’ Choice Award 2019. Their expertise makes them a reliable choice for those seeking legal assistance in Austin, Texas.
5920 W. William Cannon Dr., Bldg 3, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78749
The lawyers at Kimbrough Legal, PLLC, located in Austin, Texas, specialize in divorce and family law. Their services include child custody, child support, and mediation. They both represent clients in court and help them draft legal documents. Among many awards, these Austin, TX divorce attorneys were nominated as one of the 10 Best Law Firms for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
Founding attorney Tychanika Kimbrough is a recognized Austin child custody attorney. She has received awards such as Austin Woman to Watch, Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer, and Top Attorney by the Austin Monthly.
8310-1 N Capital of Texas Hwy #350, Austin, TX 7873
Kirker Davis LLP, a specialized family law firm in Austin, Texas, offers expertise in high-end family law cases. Their focus encompasses divorces involving professionals, family-owned businesses, and complex custody matters. The firm’s philosophy revolves around amicable resolutions, yet they stand ready for zealous courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Chris M. Kirker, a co-founding partner and Austin family lawyer at Kirker Davis LLP specializes in high-net-worth Texas divorce and family violence. Kirker’s expertise is recognized through many awards, including the Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Texas and the Top Ten Texas Family Law Attorneys under 40.
1114 Lost Creek Blvd #310, Austin, Texas 78746
Amy K. Gehm’s Law Office in Austin focuses on resolving divorce issues with less emotional and financial impact. They handle complex property division, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, modification of these suits, pre-marital and post-marital agreements, and grandparent access.
The firm advocates for negotiation over court battles, offering supportive and practical advice. Since 2002, Amy Gehm, a board-certified Austin, TX divorce lawyer with a finance background, has handled complex divorce financial issues. Recognized as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer and Rising Star Attorney, the firm excels in collaborative law and personalized client support.
901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78746
Divorce attorneys at Evans Family Law Group, located in Austin, Texas, specialize in family law and offer expertise in divorce and custody cases. The firm, led by James W. Evans, a Board Certified Family Law attorney, combines a diverse team including a family law-certified paralegal and experts with finance and education backgrounds.
Their practice spans 17 years, featuring over 100 jury trials. This Austin divorce lawyer, consistently a Texas Monthly “Super Lawyer” from 2015 to 2022 and rated 10/10 on Avvo, is known for his empathetic and client-focused approach. He commits to providing personalized solutions in family law, and his extensive courtroom experience makes him a trusted and respected choice in Austin.
1705 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78746
Bustos Family Law PLLC is a divorce law firm in Austin that combines professional rigor with a compassionate approach to every case. Their specialization covers custody battles, child support issues, property disputes, divorce, and annulments.
Lisa Bustos is one of the best divorce lawyers in Austin, TX. She has a degree in psychology, which helps her navigate both the emotional and legal intricacies of family law. She believes in giving all parties a voice in family court proceedings, emphasizing pragmatic, fair solutions. This law firm offers personalized legal strategies to meet specific needs and goals.
5929 Balcones Drive Suite 201, Austin, TX 78731
Vaught Law Firm, located in Austin, TX, excels in family law, specializing in divorce and related areas. Their services encompass high net-worth divorce cases and complex property divisions. The firm’s best divorce lawyer in Austin, Jimmy Vaught, is board-certified in family law and civil appellate law.
Vaught is well-respected by other lawyers, shown by his place in ‘The Best Lawyers in America’ and being a regular Texas Super Lawyer. He’s led important groups, like the Texas Family Law Foundation, influencing family law rules. His firm, Vaught Law Firm, is praised by the Better Business Bureau (A+ rating) and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
108 Wild Basin Road South, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78746
The Law Office of Ben Carrasco in Austin, Texas, primarily focuses on family law. They handle high-conflict divorce and custody disputes. Their expertise extends to complex property division, and child support matters. Ben Carrasco, a seasoned Austin divorce attorney with a Stanford Law School background, brings a comprehensive approach to complex family law cases.
This private divorce lawyer in Austin has been practicing in Texas for over 15 years. He handles litigation in all aspects of family law, including alimony, modifications, and prenuptial agreements.
5806 Mesa Dr. #360, Austin, TX 78731
Hembree Bell Law Firm in Austin, Texas, excels in divorce and family law. Their approach is unique, focusing on personal client goals and long-term aspirations. They ensure comprehensive case management, leveraging the expertise of skilled attorneys and efficient paralegals.
Hannah Hembree Bell, leading the Hembree Bell Law Firm, specializes in family law, divorce, and estate planning. Bell’s expertise comes from a JD from St. Mary’s University School of Law and an MBA from Liberty University. She also has been recognized as one of the top divorce lawyers in Austin, TX by Austin Monthly.
8911 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Building 4, Suite 4260, Austin, TX 78759
Thompson Salinas Londergan LLP Austin divorce attorneys serve family law clients in Central Texas for over 15 years. They handle divorce cases, child custody, and prenuptial agreements. These attorneys also deal with both negotiations and contentious litigation.
Law Partner Marshall A. Thompson has more than a decade of experience in the state of Texas. He handles complex cases such as spousal support divorce due to domestic violence. This Austin divorce attorney is a member of the Austin Bar Association, the Williamson County Bar Association, the Austin Young Lawyers Association, and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, divorce occurs in 1.4 cases out of 1,000 people in Texas. Although this is less than the U.S. average, divorce in Austin is still emotionally and financially taxing. In this article, we’ll take a look at the highlights of the Austin divorce attorney costs and this process itself. So let’s get started!
In Texas, hiring a lawyer for divorce isn’t mandatory. But, it’s often a smart decision, particularly when dealing with assets or children.
Handling your own divorce in Texas is possible, but it demands a solid grasp of legal procedures. Without this expertise, you might face negative outcomes in dividing assets, child custody, etc.
Here are the main benefits of hiring a Texas divorce lawyer:
Here are the legal situations in a divorce that need the involvement of a lawyer:
If you recognize your situation among the above, you need to look for a divorce lawyer in Austin, Texas.
Let’s take a closer look.
When hiring a lawyer for a contested divorce, they will charge a retainer fee to start your case. This fee varies from $3000 to $5000. Then the Austin, TX divorce attorney charges an hourly rate, ranging from $250 to $500. But these figures are approximate and depend on the lawyer’s experience and the factors involved in your divorce.
A lawyer is likely to charge a flat fee for an uncontested divorce, so you will know the price for the entire case at the outset.
| Contested | Uncontested | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $5,000 - Unlimited | Under $2,500 |
| Factors | Disputes, longer process, more legal intervention | Agreement on key issues, minimal legal drafting |
| Additional Costs | Discovery, expert fees, court appearances | Filing fees, basic legal consultation |
The fee for filing a divorce in Williamson or Travis County is $350 (with/without children). Additional fees may apply depending on whether you are requesting a citation or service. Payment is accepted by cash, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card. For example, the ORO Operation Fund (with children only) is an additional $15.
The total fee of $350 includes the following services:
| Family Suits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Clerk's basic filing | $50 |
| Law library fee | $35 |
| Records preservation/management | $30 |
| General court reporter fee | $25 |
| Courthouse security fund | $20 |
| Court facility fund | $20 |
| Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | $15 |
| County jury fund | $10 |
| Appellate judicial system fee | $5 |
| Language access fund | $3 |
| Local consolidated fee | $213 |
| State consolidated fee | $137 |
| Total base fee | $350 |
In Texas, couples looking for a simpler and more affordable path often turn to uncontested divorce. Known for its efficiency both time and cost, this approach is a viable option in certain circumstances.
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on basic issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support.
This eliminates the need for lengthy court proceedings, which reduces costs. It is usually faster than a contested divorce. Besides, less involvement of a lawyer means lower legal fees.
To determine if an uncontested divorce in Austin is right for you, consider the following steps:
Even in the case of an uncontested divorce, it is advisable to consult with divorce lawyers in Austin, Texas to review the agreements and ensure compliance with the law.
Now let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of divorce proceedings in Austin, Texas.
Keep in mind that to file for divorce, you need one of the spouses to have resided in Texas for at least 6 months and in a particular county for 90 days before filing.
In Texas, there is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days after filing a divorce petition. If during this time the spouses agree on all issues related to custody and property division, the final trial can take place even on the 61st day. But, these issues usually take much longer. On average, a contested divorce in Austin takes 5 to 18 months.
The judge may also waive the mandatory waiting period if one spouse commits domestic violence or has a restraining order against the other.
Although Texas is a no-fault state, domestic violence is one of the significant factors that still affect the divorce process. The court defines all decisions as in the best interests of the child, which is why if the actions of one of the couples endanger them, the solution will not be in their favor.
To apply, bring the original divorce petition and two copies to the district registry office for registration. Ensure all documents are unilateral. Next, pay the court fee. The office will stamp the application, assign it a case number, and state the court. Keep this information for future use.
For child support, provide the necessary information to the county clerk’s office to set up your child support account. Federal law mandates that child support payments go through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU).
Upon receiving the judge’s signature on the final order, submit the original order to the county clerk’s office for filing. Here, you can also get a copy of the final judgment.
So, to get a successful divorce in Austin, determine whether you need property division, custody, and child support. If so, start your search for the best Austin divorce attorney who has this specialization. Many of them offer a case evaluation, so you can schedule a consultation and analyze whether their experience is right for you.
To find a reliable legal representative, use the list of the top 10 divorce attorneys in Austin above or contact us and we will help you find a lawyer who will fit your needs.
Yes, you can fill out a petition to the court with evidence that you are a “dependent spouse”. This means that you are a stay-at-home parent, earn a lower income than your partner, or are dependent on their financial help. This also applies if you prove that your partner is intentionally slowing the divorce or making it more expensive.
For a quick divorce in Texas, agree on all issues with your spouse and meet residency requirements. After filing, there’s a 60-day wait before finalizing the divorce.
The total costs for an uncontested divorce in Austin are approximately $5,000, while for a contested one the price goes up to $12,500+. This includes all court charges, lawyer’s fees, expert witnesses, etc.
Austin, Texas law doesn’t set a mandatory period of separation before filing for divorce. If one of the spouses has lived in Texas for at least 6 months and in Williamson or Travis County for 90 days, you can file for divorce here.
