Divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment matters — counsel for life's most personal legal questions.
Schedule a Consultation →Family law deals with the legal dimensions of marriage, parenting, and family change — divorce, child custody and support, division of property, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and modifications when life circumstances change after a court order. PEEPL Law represents Texas families through these matters with attention to dignity, family relationships, and the long-term wellbeing of children.
We work with families in Travis County and the surrounding Hill Country area, including Lakeway, Bee Cave, Steiner Ranch, Spicewood, The Hills, Falconhead, Sweetwater, Rough Hollow, and Travis Club.
PEEPL Law handles the full range of Texas family law matters:
Texas family law has features that differ from other states:
Texas is one of nine community-property states. Most assets acquired during marriage are presumed community property and subject to “just and right” division at divorce. See Texas Family Code Chapter 7 on division of property.
Texas uses “conservatorship” rather than “custody” and distinguishes managing conservatorship from possessory conservatorship. Most cases default to a Joint Managing Conservatorship under Texas Family Code Chapter 153.
Texas has a statutory Standard Possession Order that defines the default possession schedule, with elections for parents living within 50 miles or 100+ miles apart. See Texas Family Code § 153.252.
Child support in Texas is calculated under statutory guidelines based on net resources of the obligor parent and the number of children. See Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period from filing the original divorce petition before a final decree can be granted, with limited exceptions. See Texas Family Code § 6.702.
Family law matters in Travis County are heard by the Travis County District Courts, which include dedicated family-law dockets and required pre-trial mediation in most contested matters.
We discuss the family situation, the legal issues at stake, what's been tried, and what you're trying to accomplish. We assess the realistic range of outcomes and the likely timeline.
Family law matters require thorough conflict screening before representation can begin, including identifying opposing parties to ensure no prior contact creates a conflict. Once cleared, we proceed with an engagement letter.
For divorce and contested custody matters, we file the petition or response and address temporary orders that govern the situation while the case is pending — temporary custody, support, and use of the marital residence.
We exchange financial information, gather evidence, and prepare for the court-ordered mediation that resolves most family law cases. Effective mediation preparation is often more important than trial preparation in family law.
Most matters resolve through agreed orders or decrees following mediation. When a matter cannot be resolved by agreement, we prepare and try the case. Either way, we follow through on the orders entered — including QDROs for retirement accounts, deed transfers for real property, and the steps needed to make the orders fully effective.
The minimum is 60 days from filing under the Texas Family Code's mandatory waiting period, but most contested divorces take six months to two years. Uncontested divorces with full agreement can finalize close to the 60-day minimum; contested matters with property disputes, custody disputes, or business valuations take longer.
Texas allows divorce on the no-fault ground of insupportability, which is the most common basis. Texas also recognizes fault grounds (cruelty, adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment, living apart, and confinement in a mental hospital) which can affect property division and spousal maintenance in some cases.
Texas uses “conservatorship” rather than “custody.” The default is Joint Managing Conservatorship — both parents share rights and duties — with one parent designated as the primary residence determiner. Sole Managing Conservatorship is the exception, generally requiring evidence that joint conservatorship would not be in the children's best interest.
Community property is property acquired during marriage other than by gift or inheritance. Texas courts divide community property in a “just and right” manner, which is not always 50/50 — factors include earning capacity, fault, and other equitable considerations. Separate property (acquired before marriage or by gift/inheritance) is not subject to division.
Most family law matters are billed hourly, with a retainer paid up front. Some matters can be handled on a flat-fee basis (uncontested divorce, simple modifications), and we discuss the right structure at the initial consultation.
PEEPL Law represents Texas families across Travis County and surrounding Hill Country areas. Initial consultations are confidential and focused on your specific situation.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Visiting this site or contacting our firm through this site does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to obtain advice tailored to your specific circumstances. PEEPL LAW disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information contained herein.