Family Law Lawyer Austin, TX
If you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or another family legal matter in Austin, TX, you are already dealing with one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. The choices made now can affect your finances, your parenting time, and your daily life for years to come.
Our experienced Austin, TX family lawyer has represented individuals and families throughout Austin and Central Texas for more than 43 years. Our attorneys handle everything from collaborative negotiations to contested courtroom disputes, and we bring the same level of preparation and care to both. If you are facing a family law matter, contact us today to discuss your situation.
Why Choose Gray Becker, P.C. for Family Law in Austin, Texas?
A Founding Member With Deep Austin Family Law Experience
Richard E. Gray III has practiced family law in Texas since 1976. As a founding member of Gray Becker, P.C., he has spent decades representing individuals and families in divorce, property division, child custody, and spousal maintenance matters, arguing both sides of those issues. His familiarity with Austin’s courts, judges, and legal community gives clients a meaningful advantage. Best Lawyers in America has recognized Richard in Family Law every year from 2013 through 2025, and he has earned a Best Lawyers in America 2013-2025 and a repeated Super Lawyer recognition throughout his career.
An Award-Winning Team of Austin Family Attorneys
At Gray Becker, P.C., our attorneys have earned a Best Lawyers in America and Texas Monthly Super Lawyers recognition for several consecutive years. Nathan Kennedy holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating and is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Patricia J. Dixon was named Lawyer of the Year for Family Law Mediation in Austin in 2023 and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law from 2018 through 2025. Margaret Tucker has held a Super Lawyer designation in Family Law since 2015. When you retain Gray Becker, P.C., you gain access to a team whose accomplishments are matched by their collective experience handling real cases with real consequences.
Proven Results for Texas Families
Gray Becker, P.C. has a record of favorable outcomes for clients across Austin and Central Texas. High-asset divorces involving business interests and investment portfolios, hard-contested custody disputes, enforcement of court orders, our attorneys have handled these matters and others at every level of complexity. Our track record is the product of thorough preparation, sound strategy, and experienced advocacy.
What Our Austin Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I can’t recommend Caroline Alonzo with Gray Becker highly enough. From our first meeting, it was clear that she is not only an expert in family law but also genuinely cares about my well-being. She is very detailed, making sure everything was addressed from simple matters to more complex situations. Her communication was concise, and she always kept me in the loop. What truly sets Caroline apart is her commitment to her client’s best interests and her patience in working through the process. Caroline is compassionate, patient, and knowledgeable, and I would recommend her 100 times over.” — Heather Kocks
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Austin
Gray Becker, P.C. handles the full range of family law matters for clients across Austin, TX and the broader Central Texas region. Here are the cases that our attorneys are accustomed to handling.
- Divorce. Uncontested divorces with agreed terms are more simple. However, highly contested proceedings, particularly those involving business holdings, executive compensation, investment accounts, and real estate, are another matter entirely. Our Austin divorce attorneys are prepared for both, including same-sex divorce proceedings.
- Child Custody. Custody disputes are emotionally charged and consequential. Our Austin child custody lawyers advocate for arrangements that genuinely reflect the best interests of your child, whether through negotiated agreements, mediation, or litigation. We handle conservatorship designations, parenting plans, visitation schedules, relocation disputes, and high-conflict situations.
- Child Support. Texas child support guidelines provide a starting point, but income changes, job loss, and shifts in a child’s needs can all warrant revisiting an existing order. Gray Becker, P.C. assists clients with establishing initial support orders, pursuing enforcement when the other parent is not paying, and seeking modifications when circumstances have materially changed.
- Property Division. Texas is a community property state, and how marital assets and debts are classified can have a dramatic financial impact on your future. Our team handles complex property division matters, including disputes over business valuations, retirement accounts, real estate holdings, and the character of inherited or gifted assets.
- Marital Agreements. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can protect assets and clarify financial expectations before trouble arises. Our attorneys draft enforceable marital agreements and also represent clients challenging agreements that were improperly executed or signed under pressure.
- Modifications and Enforcement of Orders. Court orders are not always the final conclusion. When circumstances shift significantly, existing custody, support, or possession orders may no longer fit your family’s reality. We help clients pursue modifications and represent those who need to enforce orders that the other party is neglecting.
Texas Legal Requirements for Family Law
The Texas Family Code governs divorce, child custody, support, and related matters. Here are a few provisions that our team can help you understand from the outset.
Residency Requirements for Divorce. Before filing in Texas, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in the filing county for 90 days. If you recently relocated to Austin, you may need to wait before filing in Travis County.
60-Day Waiting Period. Texas imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period after a petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. Limited exceptions exist for cases involving family violence.
Community Property. Texas is one of nine community property states. Property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally presumed to be community property, subject to a “just and right” division. Separate property, assets owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, is typically retained by the individual spouse.
Best Interest of the Child Standard. Under Texas Family Code Section 153, all custody and conservatorship decisions are governed by the best interest of the child standard. Courts weigh each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs, the child’s existing relationship with each parent, and any history of family violence.
Child Support Guidelines. Texas calculates child support primarily based on the paying parent’s net monthly income and the number of children covered. The Texas Attorney General’s Office publishes information on how those calculations are made.
Important Aspects of an Austin Family Law Case
Temporary Orders
Early in a divorce or custody case, either party may ask the court to enter temporary orders addressing living arrangements, possession of the marital home, temporary child support, and access to financial accounts while the matter is pending. The Travis County Standing Order also automatically places restrictions on both parties upon filing, prohibiting the dissipation of marital assets, among other things. Temporary orders often set the tone for how the entire case unfolds, which makes getting them right essential.
Financial Disclosure and Discovery
Full financial disclosure is required of both parties in a Texas divorce. Discovery tools, such as interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions, can be used to document income, trace the character of property, and uncover assets that may not have been disclosed. Forensic accountants and business valuators are frequently engaged in high-net-worth divorces. Our attorneys know how to pursue discovery aggressively and how to find financial information that parties sometimes try to conceal.
Mediation
Texas courts strongly encourage mediation, and often require it, before a case proceeds to trial. A negotiated resolution reached through mediation tends to be faster, less expensive, and more tailored to a family’s specific needs than a ruling imposed by a judge. Gray Becker, P.C. attorneys are experienced on both sides of this and can help you evaluate when settlement makes sense and when it does not.
Trial Preparation and Courtroom Advocacy
Sometimes a settlement is not possible or appropriate. When that is true, our attorneys are prepared to try them. Founding member Richard E. Gray III has tried hundreds of cases in Texas courts over the course of his career, and that litigation experience informs how our entire family law team approaches every matter, including case preparation, witness preparation, and courtroom presentation.
Post-Decree Enforcement and Modification
A final decree or custody order does not always end the conflict. Co-parents who ignore custody provisions, fail to pay support, or seek to relitigate agreed terms are unfortunately common. Gray Becker, P.C. represents clients in post-decree matters throughout Central Texas and is not hesitant to return to court when the other side is not in compliance.
What Steps Should I Take When Facing a Family Law Matter in Austin, TX?
Family law situations vary widely, but taking the right steps can make a difference in your case.
- Consult an Austin family attorney early. The sooner you have legal guidance, the better your foundation will be. An attorney can help you understand your rights before you make statements, sign documents, or take actions that could have negative impacts.
- Gather your financial documents. Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, retirement account statements, mortgage documents. We suggest starting to pull this type of paperwork together early. Having organized records reduces time and cost during discovery.
- Understand the Texas Family Code. Familiarizing yourself with general concepts like community property, the standard possession order, and the best interest of the child standard will help you understand what is happening every step of the way.
- Comply with the Travis County Standing Order. This order takes effect automatically when a family law case is filed and restricts certain financial and custodial conduct. Violations can seriously damage your case.
- Document communications and incidents. Keep records of relevant communications with your co-parent, incidents involving your children’s welfare, and any meaningful changes to your financial picture. Any relevant documentation or conversation can be valuable evidence.
- Consider mediation seriously. In many cases, a negotiated resolution serves families better than a judge-imposed one. Your attorney can help you evaluate whether mediation is appropriate and how to approach it strategically.
- Put your children first. Courts pay attention to parenting behavior during litigation. Consistent routines, measured communication with your co-parent, and emotional support for your children all reflect well in custody proceedings.
- Stay off social media. Anything posted publicly can be used against you in court. Exercise discretion throughout the duration of your case.
- Plan for life after the decree. Work with your attorney to understand what the final order means for your finances, housing, and parenting schedule before it is entered.
- Stay engaged and realistic. Family law cases often take longer than people expect. Regular communication with your attorney and honest expectations about timelines can give you more sense of ease.
Austin Family Law Infographic
Family Law Statistics in Austin, TX
Austin and Travis County represent one of the most active family law jurisdictions in Texas. Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest volume of divorce filings nationally. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state processes hundreds of thousands of marriage and divorce events each year, and the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. This is one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, which accounts for a substantial portion of that activity in Travis County.
Several district courts in Travis County handle family law matters exclusively, a reflection of both volume and complexity. Austin’s rapid population growth over the past decade has significantly increased demand for family law services, as more families, high-earning professionals, and business owners find themselves navigating divorce and custody matters in a sophisticated legal environment.
High-asset divorce cases are a particular feature of Austin’s tech-driven economy. Stock options, startup equity, and deferred compensation packages create complex valuation questions that require specialized expertise. A 2023 study by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers identified technology sector divorce and high-net-worth property division as among the fastest-growing areas of family law complexity in the country, which is a trend that Austin attorneys see regularly.
Nationally, U.S. Census Bureau data suggests that roughly 40 to 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce, with remarriage increasing the likelihood of subsequent dissolution. Child custody and support disputes account for a large share of ongoing family court activity even after divorce is final, as parents return for modifications and enforcement actions over time.
Texas is also one of a small number of states that recognizes common-law marriage, which adds another layer of complexity to Austin family law practice. Disputes over whether an informal marriage existed, and what property rights follow from that determination, are not uncommon.
Austin Family Lawyer FAQs
How much does a family lawyer in Austin cost?
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested, and how much court involvement is required. Most Austin family lawyers charge hourly with a retainer paid upfront. Uncontested divorces with agreed terms typically cost considerably less than contested proceedings that proceed to trial. During your consultation, we will give you a realistic picture of how long divorce takes and what to expect based on your specific circumstances.
How long does a divorce take in Austin, TX?
Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces with agreed terms may be completed shortly after that window. Contested divorces, particularly those involving significant assets or custody disputes, frequently take a year or more.
What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Texas?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses have agreed on all major issues, including property division, child custody, and support. A contested divorce means one or more issues remain in dispute and require court intervention. Contested proceedings are more time-consuming and expensive, but they are sometimes the only realistic path when parties cannot reach a fair resolution.
How is child custody determined in Texas?
Texas courts decide custody, which is referred to as conservatorship, based on the best interest of the child standard. Judges consider each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs, the stability of each home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family violence or substance abuse.
What is conservatorship in Texas?
Conservatorship is the Texas legal term for child custody. It refers to the rights and duties each parent holds with respect to the child. Courts may appoint joint managing conservators, where both parents share rights and duties, or designate a sole managing conservator and possessory conservator depending on the circumstances.
What is the difference between sole and joint managing conservatorship?
In a joint managing conservatorship, both parents share decision-making authority over major matters, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. A sole managing conservatorship gives one parent exclusive authority over most significant decisions. Courts typically award sole managing conservatorship in cases involving family violence, abuse, or severe conflict between parents.
How is property divided in a Texas divorce?
Texas presumes that property acquired during the marriage is community property, subject to a “just and right” division by the court. That does not necessarily mean 50/50. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance — is generally not subject to division. During a consultation, we can review with you how to divide marital property effectively and equitably.
What is the standard possession order in Texas?
The Standard Possession Order is a default visitation schedule established by the Texas Family Code. For parents living within 100 miles of each other, it typically provides the non-primary parent with possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, certain weeknights, and alternating holidays. Parents are free to agree to a different schedule that better fits their children’s needs.
Does Texas recognize common-law marriage?
Yes. Texas recognizes common law marriage when a couple has agreed to be married, lives together in Texas as spouses, and represents to others that they are married. The legal rights and obligations of a common-law marriage are the same as those of a ceremonial marriage, including community property rights upon divorce.
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Child support is calculated using statutory guidelines tied to the obligor parent’s net monthly income and the number of children. The guideline amount is 20 percent for one child, 25 percent for two, 30 percent for three, and continues to increase. Courts may deviate from the guidelines when circumstances warrant, such as significant medical expenses, extraordinary educational needs, or the obligor’s other family obligations.
What is a premarital agreement and is it enforceable in Texas?
A premarital agreement is a contract entered into before marriage that addresses how property and financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce. Texas enforces these agreements under the Family Code, provided the agreement was entered voluntarily and with full financial disclosure. Agreements that are unconscionable or were signed under duress can be challenged in court.
Can I modify a child custody or support order in Texas?
Yes. Texas courts will consider modifying an existing custody or support order when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered and when modification would serve the child’s best interest. Relocation, significant income changes, shifts in the child’s needs, and evidence of parenting problems are among the most common grounds.
What effect does domestic violence have on a Texas family law case?
Texas courts take domestic violence seriously. A history of family violence can significantly affect conservatorship and visitation determinations, including the limitation or supervision of a violent parent’s access to the child. Our attorneys represent both survivors seeking protection and individuals defending against allegations, and we handle emergency protective orders and temporary restraining orders.
Do I need a family lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Texas?
Texas law does not require an attorney to file for divorce, but legal representation is strongly advisable even when both parties have agreed on the terms. Divorce agreements affect your finances, your parenting rights, and your retirement assets for years. An attorney ensures the terms are fair, the paperwork is correctly executed, and that you are not inadvertently giving up rights you intended to keep.
What should I look for in an Austin family law attorney?
Substantial experience in Texas family law. Familiarity with Travis County courts and the judges who sit there. Strong communication and clear responsiveness. A track record of outcomes in cases comparable to yours. When selecting your divorce attorney, you should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your attorney is fully invested in your case.
What to Expect From Your Austin Family Law Case
No two family law cases are identical, and outcomes depend on facts that are specific to each situation. That said, there are things clients can generally expect when they work with Gray Becker, P.C.
In divorce and custody matters, potential outcomes include negotiated settlement agreements, mediated resolutions, consent orders, and final judgments entered after trial. What drives those outcomes varies, the completeness of financial disclosures, the credibility and consistency of each party’s conduct during the proceeding, the nature of parenting concerns raised, and the overall strength of the legal arguments presented all matter.
Every representation at Gray Becker, P.C. begins with a thorough consultation. We listen, review the relevant facts, and identify your goals before developing a strategy calibrated to your legal needs and personal priorities. You are kept informed throughout, and our attorneys are accessible when questions come up. By reading our client testimonials, you will be able to tell that our goal is always to leave you better protected than when you came to us. For transactional matters such as premarital agreements, we walk you through each provision in plain language before anything is signed.
What Are Important Local Resources for Austin Family Law Matters?
The following resources may be helpful to individuals navigating family law matters in Austin. Inclusion here is for informational purposes only. Gray Becker, P.C. does not endorse any third-party organization listed below.
- Travis County District Clerk’s Office — (512) 854-9457. Handles filings and records for family law cases in Travis County courts.
- SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) Austin — 24-Hour Hotline: (512) 267-7233. Provides shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence in Austin.
- Austin Child Guidance Center — (512) 451-2242. Mental health services for children and families, including counseling for children experiencing family transitions.
- Lone Star Legal Aid — (512) 477-6000. Free civil legal services, including family law assistance, for income-eligible Travis County residents.
- Texas Attorney General Child Support Division — (800) 252-8014. Child support establishment, enforcement, and modification services through the OAG’s Child Support Division.
- Travis County Courts — (512) 854-9000. Information on Travis County district and county courts handling family law matters.
Disclaimer: Gray Becker, P.C. does not endorse, recommend, or have any affiliation with the third-party organizations listed above. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.
Contact Gray Becker, P.C.
More than four decades of serving Austin families in divorce, custody, property division, and the full range of family law matters, that is what Gray Becker, P.C. brings to every case. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys combine recognized courtroom ability with deep local knowledge and a genuine commitment to client outcomes. We hope to hear from you!