Texas doesn't require an attorney for most family law matters, and some genuinely simple, fully agreed cases can be handled without one. The decision carries real trade-offs worth weighing honestly before you choose either path.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
"I don't know if my case is actually going to be contested." We give you an honest read on this during your free consultation rather than assuming the most difficult scenario by default.
"I don't want my kids caught in the middle." We build custody strategies around long-term stability for children, not just winning a specific point.
"I've never dealt with Travis County's court system before." We walk clients through exactly what to expect at each stage, so court dates and filings don't come as a surprise.
"I'm not even sure I need a lawyer yet." That's a completely reasonable place to start. A free consultation is designed for exactly this — an honest conversation before you've committed to anything.
Whether contested or uncontested, Texas's community property laws mean nearly every asset and debt acquired during the marriage is on the table for division. Under Texas Family Code § 3.002, property acquired by either spouse during marriage is generally presumed to be community property, regardless of whose name is on the title.
Texas law generally presumes both parents should remain involved unless there's a reason that wouldn't serve the child's best interest, a standard set out in Texas Family Code § 153.002. See our Child Custody Lawyer Austin page for the full breakdown of how Texas courts approach these cases.
Support calculations follow Texas guidelines based on income and the number of children, published and maintained by the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division. We help clients establish fair support orders and pursue enforcement when a former spouse falls behind.
Step-parent adoption, relative adoption, and other proceedings each carry their own procedural requirements under Texas law. The Travis County District Clerk's Family Division specifically handles adoption filings alongside divorces and custody matters.
Whether you're seeking protection or responding to allegations, these cases move quickly and the stakes are high. We provide direct, strategic representation at every stage.
Travis County hears Child Protective Services cases through a dedicated CPS court within its Family Division. We represent parents navigating a CPS investigation, working to protect parental rights and family stability.
A job relocation, a change in a child's needs, or a shift in circumstances can justify updating an existing order under Texas Family Code § 156.101, which requires a material and substantial change in circumstances.
These agreements clarify how assets, debts, and certain family matters would be handled in a divorce, reducing conflict significantly if one happens later.
Where Austin Family Law Cases Are Filed
Family law cases in Travis County — divorce, custody, adoption, and related matters — are filed with the Travis County District Clerk's Family Division, based at the Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701 (mailing address: P.O. Box 679003, Austin, TX 78767-9003). Travis County hears Child Protective Services cases specifically through its dedicated CPS court, part of the county's Family Division docket.
The Austin Family Law Process, Step by Step
Step one starts with a phone call. Schedule your free consultation whenever you're ready.
Most people searching "family lawyer Austin" actually have one specific situation in mind. Find your row below — each links to a dedicated page with the full detail. Not sure which fits? That's exactly what a free consultation is for.
Your Situation | Service You Likely Need | Where to Go Next |
Ending your marriage — agreed or disputed | Divorce | |
Divorce with major disputes over property or custody | Contested Divorce | Schedule a free consultation |
Deciding or changing who makes decisions for your child, or the visitation schedule | Child Custody / Conservatorship | |
Safety concerns or abuse involving a partner or family member | Protective Order / Family Violence | Schedule a free consultation |
A CPS investigation involving your children | CPS Defense | Schedule a free consultation |
Wanting to legally adopt a stepchild or relative | Adoption | Schedule a free consultation |
Protecting assets or setting expectations before/during marriage | Prenuptial / Postnuptial Agreement | Schedule a free consultation |
If more than one row applies to you — which is common — that's exactly the kind of situation a full-service Austin family lawyer is built to handle in a single case. Schedule your free consultation and we'll help you sort out exactly what you're facing.
You can schedule it by calling me
on my mobile: 832-321-7005
While this page focuses on Austin and Travis County, Daniel Ogbeide Law represents families throughout Texas, including:
Wherever you're located, our team brings the same attention, strategy, and free initial consultation to every family law matter across Texas.
7324 Southwest Fwy, Suite 1040, Houston, TX 77074
832-321-7005
3307 Northland Dr, Suite 295, Austin, TX 78731
512-366-3495
4100 E Piedras Dr Suite 265, San Antonio, TX 78228
210-338-6671
Monday - Friday (09:00 AM- 05:00 PM)
Available After Hours By Phone/Video Until 9PM
Contact our Texas family law, personal injury, and immigration attorneys in Houston, Austin, or San Antonio. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Family lawyers handle legal matters involving marriage, children, and domestic relationships — divorce, custody and support, adoption, protective orders, CPS cases, and modifications to existing orders.
A divorce lawyer is a family lawyer focused specifically on ending a marriage. If your situation involves more than divorce — custody, support, or a protective order alongside it — a full-service family lawyer handles the broader picture in one case. A free consultation is the fastest way to find out which applies to you.
Yes. Your first conversation with our team is free and comes with no obligation to move forward — it’s meant to give you clear answers before you decide anything.
Not legally, but the agreement becomes a binding court order, and errors in drafting terms can be difficult to fix later. A free consultation can tell you quickly whether your situation is simple enough to handle without full representation.
Family law cases in Travis County are filed with the District Clerk’s Family Division at the Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Yes. Travis County hears CPS cases through a dedicated court within its Family Division, and legal representation during an investigation helps ensure your rights are protected and that you understand what’s being alleged.
Yes, under Texas Family Code § 156.101, if there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances. Job relocations, changes in a child’s needs, or shifts in either parent’s situation can justify this, and we handle these cases directly.
Yes, whether you’re seeking a protective order or responding to allegations in a family violence matter. Schedule a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation.
A prenuptial agreement can clarify how assets, debts, and certain family matters would be handled in a divorce, reducing conflict significantly if a divorce happens later. Ask about this directly during a free consultation if you’re engaged or newly married.
This varies by case type. An uncontested matter can resolve within weeks; a contested case can take many months, particularly if it requires multiple hearings or trial. We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your free consultation.
Texas provides enforcement mechanisms including wage withholding and, in serious cases, contempt proceedings, administered in part through the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. We help clients pursue enforcement when an order isn’t being honored.
Texas law allows grandparents to petition under specific, fairly limited circumstances — it’s not automatic, and the standard is higher than for parents.
Yes, if both sides genuinely agree on everything. The risk is that any mistake in the agreement becomes part of a binding court order, so many clients still schedule a free consultation just to have the agreement reviewed before signing.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major terms. A contested divorce means at least one significant issue is disputed and may require negotiation, mediation, or a judge’s decision.
Call or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your situation and explain the realistic next steps for your specific case.
