Austin Child Custody
Protecting Your Children’s Best Interests
For parents facing divorce or separation in Austin, nothing is more important than protecting your children’s well-being. At Goranson Bain Ausley, we understand the emotional and legal challenges custody decisions bring. Our focus is on helping families reduce conflict, preserve stability, and put the needs of children first.
Our Austin child custody team combines deep legal knowledge with a compassionate approach. We work with you to develop solutions that prioritize your child’s best interests while giving you the clarity and support you need during this transition.
Child Custody in Austin: What to Expect
Texas law requires that custody arrangements, known legally as “conservatorship” and “possession and access”, serve the best interests of the child. How custody is determined can vary depending on whether:
- The case is part of a divorce or a separate custody matter.
- Parents agree on a parenting plan or require court involvement.
- There are concerns about safety, relocation, or complex family circumstances.
In every situation, our Austin custody lawyers guide parents through the process, prepare the necessary documentation, and advocate for fair, practical solutions designed to support long-term co-parenting.
Areas of Focus in Austin Custody Cases
- Visitation & Parenting Time: Creating a consistent, child-centered schedule is often the most important decision parents make. We help Austin families craft workable parenting time arrangements that reflect school schedules, extracurriculars, and each parent’s availability.
- LGBTQ+ Parenting Rights: Establishing parental rights for same-sex couples can present unique challenges. Our team provides skilled representation in cases involving parentage, adoption, and assisted reproduction.
- Paternity: For unmarried parents, establishing paternity is key to defining legal rights and responsibilities. Our attorneys help clients navigate testing, recognition of paternity, and related custody and support issues.
- Custom Parenting Plans: While Texas law provides a Standard Possession Order, it may not fit every family. We help parents in Austin develop customized plans that minimize disruption and reflect the needs of their children.
- Grandparent Rights: Texas allows grandparents to petition for visitation or custody in certain circumstances. We guide grandparents through this process with care and legal precision.
Standard Possession in Texas
Under the Texas Family Code, non-custodial parents generally receive possession on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, Thursday evenings during the school year, alternating holidays, and an extended summer period.
When parents live more than 100 miles apart, adjustments apply, including longer summer possession and modified weekend schedules. In cases where safety is a concern, courts may order supervised visitation.
Our Austin child custody lawyers explain these options clearly and advocate for arrangements that serve your child’s best interests.
How Our Austin Team Helps Families
Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally challenging aspects of family law. At Goranson Bain Ausley, we combine compassionate guidance with strong advocacy. We:
- Provide clear advice tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.
- Work to resolve disputes efficiently, with minimal litigation when possible.
- Prepare thoroughly for negotiations or hearings to protect your parental rights.
- Support long-term co-parenting by promoting respectful, sustainable solutions.
Our goal is not only to help you through the legal process but also to give you confidence in your family’s future.
Austin Child Custody Lawyers
If you are facing a custody matter in Austin, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The child custody team at Goranson Bain Ausley is ready to help you build a parenting plan, protect your rights, and support your child’s future.
When you need an Austin family lawyer you can trust, our team is here to guide you with experience and care.
Our Austin Location
Austin Office:
3307 Northland Drive
Suite 420
Austin, TX 78731
Phone: 512-454-8791
Austin Client Reviews
Awards & Credentials
- Thomas P. Goranson 1997
- Thomas L. Ausley 1997
- Diana S. Friedman 1998
- Thomas A. Greenwald 2003
- Kathryn J. Murphy 2004
- Eric Robertson 2007
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2009
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2010
- Kristal Thomson 2014
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2015
- Kristen A. Algert 2017
- P. Lindley Bain 2020
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2022
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2023
- Charla Davies 2024
- John J. Kappel 2024
- Thomas L. Ausley 2024
- Angelica Rolong Cormier 2024
- Kristiana Butler 2024
- Kelly Caperton Fischer 2024
- Rob Frazer 2024
- Thomas L. Ausley 1980
- Thomas P. Goranson 1980
- Gary L. Nickelson 1984
- Kathryn J. Murphy 1995
- Diana S. Friedman 1996
- Kristen A. Algert 1997
- Thomas A. Greenwald 1997
- Eric Robertson 1997
- Kelly Ausley-Flores 2000
- Curtis W. Harrison 2002
- Cindy V. Tisdale 2003
- Jeff Shore 2006
- Clint Westhoff 2006
- Jeff Domen 2009
- Kristal Thomson 2009
- Angel J. Berbarie 2010
- P. Lindley Bain 2012
- Aimee Pingenot Key 2012
- Kevin Davidson 2017
- Charla Davies 2017
- Rob Frazer 2018
- Ryan R. Bauerle 2018
- Hayley Collins Blair 2019
- Lindsey Obenhaus 2019
- Katie Flowers Samler 2019
- Jonathan James 2020
- John J. Kappel 2020
- Chris Nickelson 2021
- Chandler Rice Winslow 2023
- Kristiana Butler 2024
- Cassidy Pearson 2024
- Angelica Rolong Cormier 2024