Divorce

Divorce Attorneys in Austin

Because every divorce is different, we take the time to understand your unique situation and goals. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that property, business interests, financial accounts, retirement plans, and other assets—including homes, vehicles, and debts—are divided fairly and in accordance with Texas law.

Our attorneys are also highly experienced in issues of spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody, parenting time, child support, and shared expenses. Whether you’re working to protect your role as a parent or ensure your financial future, we’ll tailor a legal approach that fits your needs.

Although many divorces are resolved without going to court, we build each case with the same thorough preparation. That way, we’re ready for trial if needed—and well-positioned to reach strong, fair agreements outside the courtroom. However, when trial is necessary to achieve the right result, our firm’s litigation record speaks for itself. We are ready and willing to go the distance when it’s in your best interest.

Divorce changes everything: your finances, your living situation, and if you have children, your daily life as a parent. You deserve a lawyer who understands Texas family law and protects what matters most to you. The attorneys at Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP have guided clients across Austin and Central Texas through every kind of divorce, from straightforward uncontested cases to complex, high-asset disputes.

Our firm includes attorneys who are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas lawyers. When you work with us, you get experience, strategy, and a team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.

How Divorce Works in Texas

Texas is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not have to prove your spouse did anything wrong to end the marriage. You also do not have to agree on everything to get started. Here is the basic path every Texas divorce follows:

  • Filing: One spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce in the county where either spouse lives.
  • Waiting period: Texas requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized.
  • Temporary orders: Early in the case, the court can set temporary rules for who lives in the home, how bills get paid, and a parenting schedule.
  • Discovery and negotiation: Each side exchanges financial information, and most cases settle through negotiation or mediation.
  • Finalization: A judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce, which legally ends the marriage and sets the terms.

Most divorces never reach a courtroom trial. A skilled attorney often resolves the case through negotiation, which saves you time, money, and stress. When a fair settlement is not possible, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court.

Issues We Handle in a Divorce

Every divorce involves some combination of these issues, and each one affects your future:

  • Property and debt division: Texas is a community property state, so most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided in a just and right manner.
  • Child custody and visitation: Texas courts decide conservatorship and possession based on the best interest of the child.
  • Child support: Calculated under Texas guidelines based on income and the number of children.
  • Spousal maintenance: Available in certain situations, such as a long marriage or where one spouse cannot meet basic needs.
  • High-asset and business interests: Dividing a business, professional practice, real estate, or retirement accounts requires careful valuation.

Considering Legal Separation

Legal separation can be the right choice for couples who aren’t ready to divorce but need time apart. Some turn to separation to work out temporary financial or parenting arrangements, while others do so out of respect for religious or personal values. It can also be a way to ease the transition for children or create space to decide what’s best for the future.

In other cases, separation provides space to reflect—whether that leads to reconciliation or confirms the decision to move forward with divorce.

At Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP, we guide clients through the legal separation process with clarity and care. We’ll help you understand the key differences between separation and divorce and determine which path best supports your goals. Our attorneys have extensive experience drafting legally sound separation agreements and securing the necessary court approvals.

Annulment

In some cases, especially where religious beliefs are involved, a legal divorce may not feel like the right resolution. Instead, a client may wish to pursue an annulment—a legal declaration that the marriage was never valid to begin with.

Annulments are deeply personal and often legally complex. At Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP, we assist clients in seeking annulments when specific conditions are met, such as fraud, mental incapacity, or lack of legal consent at the time of the marriage. When applicable, we also support clients in coordinating with their religious institutions to address spiritual or doctrinal concerns, while making clear that we do not provide religious counsel. Our role is to advocate for your goals and help you navigate the legal steps required to move forward.

Why Choose Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP

  • Board-certified family law experience on our team
  • A track record across Austin, Travis County, Williamson County, and surrounding areas
  • A team approach, so your case never depends on a single person
  • Clear communication and realistic expectations from day one
  • Strength at the negotiating table and in the courtroom

Divorce Law Legal Team

  • Leslie J. Bollier

    Leslie J. Bollier

    Partner

  • Susannah A. Stinson

    Susannah A. Stinson

    Partner

  • Alyse Munrose

    Alyse Munrose

    Attorney

  • Ethan Scroggins

    Ethan Scroggins

    Attorney

How Our Family Law and Divorce Attorneys Can Help

DIVORCE

Comprehensive divorce representation tailored to your needs—from strategic negotiation to high-stakes litigation.

Complex Property Division & Valuation

Expert legal support for complex property division, asset protection, and high-value divorce matters.

Child Custody

Compassionate, strategic guidance through all child custody matters—including support, relocation, paternity, and visitation rights.

High-Asset Divorce

Strategic representation for complex, high-net-worth divorce in Austin, including business ownership, executive compensation, property, investments, and significant asset division.

Family Violence & Protective Orders

Experienced advocates who act swiftly to protect you and your family from domestic violence through legal action and compassionate support.

Modifications & Enforcements

Responsive legal support to help families adapt to change and ensure court orders reflect current realities.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Creative, client-focused solutions through mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration—resolving family disputes efficiently and privately.

Premarital & Postnuptial Agreements

We draft enforceable premarital and postnuptial agreements that protect your assets and minimize future legal costs.

CONTACT OUR Divorce Attorneys

Whether you’re considering divorce, legal separation, or annulment, the attorneys at Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP are here to guide you with clarity, experience, and compassion. Let’s find the right path forward—together.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum 61 days because of the state’s mandatory 60-day waiting period. An uncontested divorce often finalizes shortly after that window. A contested divorce can take several months to a year or more, depending on the issues and the court’s schedule.

No. Texas allows no-fault divorce, so you can cite insupportability (conflict that has destroyed the marriage). Fault grounds such as cruelty or adultery exist and can affect property division or support in some cases.

Not exactly. Texas is a community property state, and the court divides the marital estate in a way that is just and right, which is often but not always an equal split. Factors like earning capacity and fault can shift the division.

It depends heavily on whether the case is contested and how complex the issues are. An uncontested divorce costs far less than a case that goes to trial. We discuss fees openly during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Yes. Texas does not require both spouses to agree. As long as one spouse wants the divorce and follows the legal process, the court can grant it.

This content is general information about Texas law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.