6 Best Divorce Lawyers in Austin, TX (2026)

Imagine it is a Tuesday night in North Austin. The kids are finally asleep, the house is quiet, and you are at the kitchen table searching for answers about what happens next. Maybe you and your spouse have agreed to separate amicably and need the paperwork handled correctly. Maybe you are facing a contested dispute over custody, a house in Travis County, or retirement accounts built over a decade. Choosing among the best divorce lawyers in Austin, TX is a high-stakes decision because Texas community property rules can add complexity to an already difficult process. National patterns provide context, including recent research on 8 facts about divorce in the United States, but the right choice depends on the details of your case. Below, we rank six divorce lawyers in Austin, TX for 2026, with a best for label on each to help you identify a suitable fit.

Our top pick is SMB Law, PC for Austin-area residents who want a dedicated, full-service divorce and family law firm covering matters from straightforward uncontested divorces to more involved contested cases. It earns the top spot because its Austin divorce practice addresses a broad range of issues relevant to typical cases. For clients whose cases span several Central Texas counties, Thompson Salinas Londergan, LLP is the strongest alternative. For those primarily concerned with child custody and asset protection who want a board-certified attorney, Sandoval Law Firm is the standout choice.

We evaluated firms on attorney credentials, the range of family law services offered, geographic coverage across Central Texas counties, and fit for situations such as uncontested divorce in Austin, contested divorce, custody-focused cases, and property division. This is an independent buyer guide rather than a directory. Use the overview to shortlist two or three options, then read the full reviews to compare each firm with your circumstances.

At a glance: the 6 firms in this guide

How we ranked these

We looked for Austin divorce attorney options that a resident could consider for a Travis County divorce or a nearby Central Texas case in 2026. We favored clear distinctions over broad claims and checked differentiators against the available facts. When a firm states that it covers seven counties or holds board certification, that information can be assessed directly. Unsupported promises about low cost or fast results were not used in the rankings.

Attorney credentials and specialization

Board certification in family law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization is a meaningful credential in this market. It requires additional experience, testing, and peer review. An attorney who concentrates on family law may be preferable to a generalist for clients seeking experience with divorce-related issues.

Range of services offered

Texas divorce law involves more than ending a marriage. The options in this guide address services such as uncontested and contested divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, and property division under Texas community property rules. We also noted related services, including modifications, enforcement, and gestational agreements, where relevant. Service range matters because the issues in a case can change. An agreed filing may become contested if discussions about support, property, or custody break down.

Geographic coverage across Central Texas

Many readers will file in Travis County, but some live, work, own property, or co-parent across county lines. We credited firms that expressly state coverage in Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Burnet, and Blanco counties. We did not attribute county coverage to firms that have not confirmed it. If your property, children, or filing venue involves more than one county, ask each firm whether it handles matters in the relevant locations.

Fit for different client situations

No single firm suits every case. We divided the list according to common use cases: the Austin resident seeking full-service help, a family with issues in multiple counties, a parent focused on custody, a client who wants a guided process, a family needing divorce and estate planning services, and a budget-conscious client who prefers settlement. These categories allow readers to compare firms according to their own priorities rather than relying on general marketing language.

Client focused approach and reputation

We looked for signs of a structured, communicative approach, including explanations of the divorce process, attention to children and family dynamics, and a stated effort to manage emotional and financial costs. We did not rely on claimed win rates or promises about outcomes. Such claims are difficult to verify from public materials and cannot reliably predict what will happen in an individual case.

The 6 best divorce lawyers in Austin, TX for 2026

With those criteria in mind, these six firms stood out for 2026. Each entry has a best for label connected to a stated strength. Use it to identify options that align with your situation, then consider scheduling consultations with your top two. Our No. 1 recommendation is the starting point for the broadest range of readers, while Nos. 2 through 6 address more specific priorities.

#1. SMB Law, PC – best for most Austin area residents

SMB Law, PC is our overall choice for Austin-area residents seeking a dedicated divorce and family law resource with services covering both agreed and disputed matters.

For readers who want the short version, SMB Law, PC maintains a dedicated Austin divorce practice covering core issues such as uncontested filings, contested matters, property division, child custody, and spousal support. That range makes it a practical starting point for many cases. Clients do not always know at the outset whether a divorce will remain straightforward, particularly when property, support, or parenting arrangements are still being discussed. Beginning with a firm that addresses both uncontested and contested divorce can provide continuity if the issues change. Its Austin focus is also relevant for people who want counsel concentrated on divorce and family law in the area rather than a general practice firm.

In our judgment, this is the most versatile pick for 2026 across typical situations, including an agreed divorce that requires accurate documentation, a case involving children and support, or a property dispute requiring negotiation. If an agreement cannot be reached, clients should ask during a consultation how the firm approaches hearings and trial preparation. The editorial case for No. 1 is its fit for a broad portion of the market, rather than a claim that it is the leading option for every specialty.

Strengths

• Full-service divorce and family law scope covering uncontested and contested divorce, property division, custody, and support
• Dedicated Austin divorce focus rather than a broad general-practice offering
• Relevant to both simple agreed cases and contested matters, reducing the prospect of changing firms if disagreements develop
• A practical starting point for first-time clients seeking explanations of Texas divorce law and the steps involved

Trade-offs

• No publicly confirmed board-certification credential in the materials reviewed, so clients who specifically want a board-certified family law attorney in Texas should verify credentials directly
• Fees are not publicly listed, making a consultation necessary to discuss retainers, hourly rates, and possible cost ranges
• County-by-county coverage is not publicly itemized, so prospective clients should confirm whether the firm serves the relevant filing county
• Public materials provide limited detail about staffing and resources for unusually complex property disputes, which clients should discuss during a consultation

Best for: most Austin-area residents who want a full-service divorce and family law firm for uncontested or contested matters.

#2. Thompson Salinas Londergan, LLP – best for multi-county Central Texas coverage

Thompson Salinas Londergan, LLP is the clearest pick for clients whose family, property, or filing issues extend beyond one county.

This Austin-based firm states that its practice covers Central Texas, with regular work in Travis and Williamson counties and cases handled in Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Burnet, and Blanco counties. That seven-county footprint is the broadest expressly stated geographic reach on this list. It may be relevant for families who live in Austin but own property in Bastrop, co-parent between Williamson and Hays, or need advice about where a case should be filed. The firm covers matters ranging from uncontested divorce to family law disputes involving child custody or complex property division. It also emphasizes guidance through the legal process and litigation experience in pursuing client goals. That combination may be useful if an expected agreement does not hold and custody or property issues require further proceedings.

We rank it No. 2 overall because its multi-county coverage addresses a practical issue for some Central Texas families. The distinction is primarily logistical: clients can consult one firm about connected issues involving several counties rather than assuming that every Austin firm serves each location.

Strengths

• Express seven-county coverage across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Burnet, and Blanco counties, the broadest stated geographic reach in this guide
• Handles matters ranging from uncontested divorce in Austin to contested custody and complex property division
• Combines process guidance with stated litigation experience for cases that move from agreement to dispute
• One option for clients whose housing, employment, property, or co-parenting arrangements cross county lines

Trade-offs

• No published fee information, limiting pricing transparency before a consultation
• Clients should confirm the firm’s experience with the particular court and issues involved in their filing county

Best for: clients who need one firm to address divorce and custody issues involving multiple Central Texas counties.

#3. Sandoval Law Firm – best for child custody and asset protection

Sandoval Law Firm is the strongest choice on this list for clients focused on their children and financial interests who also want a credentialed family law specialist.

Lead attorney Raul Sandoval, Jr. is a board-certified family law attorney, a Texas State Bar-recognized credential reflecting additional experience and examination in family law. That is a specific, verifiable distinction in a market where many descriptions are more general. The firm presents its work in terms of protecting clients’ relationships with their children, their assets, and their plans for life after divorce. That focus aligns with two frequent areas of disagreement in contested divorces: custody and property. The practice concentrates on divorce and child custody rather than presenting itself as a general legal provider. Its office is on Congress Avenue, and it publishes a direct contact number for prospective clients seeking a consultation about issues such as temporary orders, possession schedules, or preservation of assets.

For someone seeking a child custody lawyer in Austin, board certification and a stated family law focus may carry substantial weight. Parents anticipating disputes about conservatorship, possession, or relocation, as well as spouses concerned about a home, business interests, or retirement accounts, may find the firm’s positioning relevant.

Strengths

• Express focus on parent-child relationships and asset protection, two common concerns in contested divorce cases
• Dedicated divorce and child custody practice rather than a generalist offering
• Austin office and a published direct number for consultation inquiries and follow-up

Trade-offs

• No published fee schedule, requiring clients to clarify costs during a consultation
• Available information provides limited detail about staffing and external professional resources for complex asset disputes

Best for: parents and property holders who want a board-certified family law attorney focused on custody and asset protection.

#4. Andrae Law, PLLC – best for stress reduction and guided divorce process

Andrae Law, PLLC is the pick for clients who feel overwhelmed and want an attorney who emphasizes guidance throughout the process.

The firm expressly describes its work as helping clients manage the stress and fears that can arise during divorce, including providing guidance during difficult periods. In practice, that positioning suggests a focus on explanations, communication, and planning for the stages of a case, although prospective clients should ask how those commitments are handled day to day. Confirmed services include divorce and common financial and parenting issues, including child support, spousal support, and property division. The Austin office is on South Capital of Texas Highway, and the firm publishes a phone number for inquiries. For someone seeking a family law attorney in Austin, TX while managing work, children, and housing uncertainty, an organized process can help reduce the risk of missed deadlines, unclear agreements, or decisions made without understanding their legal effect.

We do not rank the firm based on size or amenities. Its place on the list reflects its stated fit for first-time clients who value structure and reassurance alongside legal representation.

Strengths

• Client-centered language about managing stress and fear, indicating an emphasis on supportive representation
• Covers core issues that often affect conflict and expense, including child support, spousal support, and property division
• Confirmed Austin office location for clients who prefer the option of in-person meetings
• Relevant to agreed and contested cases in which clients want guidance through negotiation and legal procedures

Trade-offs

• No confirmed county coverage beyond the Austin area, so clients with multi-county concerns should ask directly
• No published pricing information, making a consultation necessary for cost details

Best for: clients who prioritize a calm, guided, and supportive divorce process from start to finish.

#5. Friday Milner Lambert Turner, PLLC – best for families needing divorce plus estate planning

Friday Milner Lambert Turner, PLLC is the most relevant option on this list when divorce forms part of a wider set of family legal changes.

The firm was formed in 2014 by Jonathan Friday, Scott Milner, Amy Lambert, and Jami Turner, giving it identified founders and established leadership. Its family law practice includes divorce, child custody, modifications, and gestational agreements, showing a service range beyond standard divorce filings. Its additional work in estate planning, probate, and guardianship litigation sets it apart within this guide. Divorce may require changes to wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, trusts, and guardianship plans for minor children. Addressing those issues through a firm that also understands the related custody orders and property division may help clients coordinate the documents, though each service should be discussed separately. The firm also handles appeals from state court orders to courts of appeals and Texas appellate courts, which may be relevant when a party has grounds to challenge an order.

This is an integrated option for families who want to consider divorce, custody, and estate consequences together. Prospective clients should ask how the firm scopes and prices each area of work.

Strengths

• Combination of family law and estate planning services for clients whose divorce prompts changes to wills, trusts, or guardianship plans
• Confirmed appellate capability for challenges to state court orders
• Named founders who provide an identifiable leadership structure for ongoing matters
• Gestational agreement work showing family law services beyond routine divorce filings

Trade-offs

• No confirmed multi-county geographic reach beyond Austin, so prospective clients should verify filing coverage
• No published pricing, and family law and estate services may be scoped and billed separately

Best for: families who want divorce, custody, and related estate planning and probate issues addressed in a coordinated way.

#6. Law Office of Amy K. Gehm, L.L.C. – best for cost conscious clients seeking settlement first

The Law Office of Amy K. Gehm, L.L.C. is the best fit on this list for clients who prefer to pursue an efficient resolution while limiting emotional and financial costs.

This full-service family law firm handles only family law matters and states that it seeks positive resolutions for families in Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties. A practice devoted to family law may offer established processes for agreed divorces, mediated settlements, and temporary orders. The firm states that its goal is to complete cases through settlement or trial with as little emotional and financial cost as possible. That settlement-first philosophy speaks directly to clients concerned about total expense and prolonged conflict. It does not mean that the firm rules out court proceedings, as the available materials state that it will try cases when necessary. Instead, settlement is presented as the preferred route, with trial available if the parties cannot resolve their disputes. The firm also emphasizes the complexities and relationship dynamics involved when children are part of a case, which is relevant when co-parenting continues after the divorce decree.

For an uncontested divorce in Austin or a lower-conflict case in the surrounding counties, this approach may appeal to clients who want to explore settlement while retaining the option to proceed to trial.

Strengths

• Settlement-first philosophy aimed at limiting emotional and financial costs for budget-aware clients
• Confirmed coverage in Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties
• Family law-only practice focused on divorce, custody, and support issues
• Stated attention to child and family dynamics when ongoing co-parenting is required

Trade-offs

• Smaller confirmed county footprint than the multi-county leader in this guide
• No published fee information, so any cost difference from other firms must be discussed during a consultation

Best for: cost-conscious clients in Travis, Hays, or Williamson counties who prefer settlement but want trial readiness if discussions fail.

Frequently asked questions

If you are comparing the best divorce lawyers in Austin, TX, these decision-focused answers address common questions about cost, timing, support, and property. They provide general information about Texas divorce law and are not legal advice for your circumstances.

Should I hire a lawyer if I am worried about how much a divorce costs in Austin, Texas?

In most cases, it is worth considering at least a consultation even if cost is your main concern. An Austin divorce attorney can explain whether an uncontested filing may be available, what filing fees and mediation can add, and where early agreement on property or custody could reduce work. Costs vary based on the level of conflict, discovery, expert involvement, and the need for temporary orders. A settlement-oriented lawyer may help narrow disputes before a hearing, but no particular cost or outcome can be guaranteed.

Should I ask about the 10-year rule if I may need spousal support in Texas?

Yes, ask about it directly because Texas maintenance rules are narrower than many people expect. The 10-year rule generally concerns eligibility to seek court-ordered spousal maintenance after a marriage lasting at least 10 years when other statutory requirements are satisfied, including efforts to earn sufficient income. It does not guarantee maintenance, and both the amount and duration remain limited by statute and court discretion. Contractual alimony agreed to by the parties is separate and may differ from court-ordered maintenance.

Should I assume all our property will be divided in a Texas divorce, or are some assets protected?

Do not assume that every asset is divisible. Texas is a community property state, so property acquired during marriage is generally presumed to be community property and subject to a just and right division. Separate property can include premarital assets, inheritances, certain gifts, and some personal injury recoveries, subject to proof and tracing. Protection is not automatic. A spouse claiming separate property must be prepared to support that claim with records and, in some cases, expert tracing. A lawyer familiar with property division can explain what may require proof and which documents should be preserved.

Should I use the three Cs of divorce when choosing how to work with my lawyer?

The three Cs can serve as a useful communication framework. They are commonly described as communication, cooperation where safe and appropriate, and either compromise or clarity about priorities, depending on the version used. For hiring purposes, turn them into practical questions about whether the lawyer communicates clearly, works efficiently with opposing counsel and the court, and helps clients evaluate compromise without abandoning core priorities. A consultation should give you some indication of how the firm approaches those concerns.

Should I expect a long timeline if I file for divorce in Travis County?

Expect at least several months, with a longer process possible when custody or property is contested. Texas imposes a minimum 60-day waiting period in most divorces, while court schedules, mediation, discovery, and unresolved issues can extend the case beyond that minimum. Agreed cases with fewer disputed issues generally move more quickly than cases involving contested custody, business valuations, or disputed separate property. Statewide context such as the divorce rate in Texas shows the broader setting, but the timeline of an individual case depends on its issues, required procedures, and level of agreement.

Should I try to prove separate property if I want to protect premarital assets in Texas?

If you own premarital assets, received an inheritance, or maintained separate accounts, discuss proof with a lawyer early. Texas law generally presumes that property possessed during marriage is community property, so the spouse claiming separate property carries the burden of overcoming that presumption with clear and convincing evidence. Bank statements, deeds, account histories, inheritance documents, and tracing reports may be used. Avoid commingling funds or retitling assets without legal guidance because doing so can make tracing more difficult.

Should I choose a settlement first lawyer if I want to keep costs and conflict low?

A settlement-first lawyer may be appropriate if that lawyer is also prepared for court when necessary. This approach emphasizes negotiation, mediation, and carefully drafted agreements, which can limit conflict and may help preserve co-parenting relationships. Trial readiness remains important. Look for a firm that uses settlement as a considered strategy rather than simply avoiding court, and ask how mediation is handled and what happens if temporary orders or a trial become necessary.

Final verdict: start with fit, not fees alone

The right divorce lawyer is one whose experience and approach match the facts of your case. For Austin-area residents seeking full-service help that covers both agreed and contested matters, our review points to SMB Law, PC as the most logical first consultation. If your case crosses county lines, centers on custody and assets, involves estate planning updates, or calls for a settlement-focused approach, one of the other five firms may be a better fit. Shortlist two options, bring relevant documents, and ask about strategy, timing, communication, and potential costs before deciding.