Austin Child Custody

skyline of austin tx

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

Ms. Bain fought for me as only a caring, sympathic, knowledgeable professional could. Ms. Bain sought my best interest in every way, putting her ego aside. Ms. Bain, is 100% client centered and trustworthy in every way. – Thomas
I’ve never used a lawyer’s services before so it was intimidating at first but Kelly, Andrea, and everyone we met in the office made us feel very comfortable. They were friendly, upfront, and very understanding. We got everything we needed and all on time. Any questions, concerns, or things I didn’t understand were clearly explained including context and examples. I recommend this office. – A.D.
From the moment I first came to the office and we met, she provided great advice and showed great confidence in making sure all would go well and the divorce would be as good as any divorce could be. She was prepared and stayed on top of things to ensure my goals were met. Kelly has truly done an outstanding job in guiding me through this difficult process. – Brent
Kelly Ausley-Flores helped me get through the most difficult challenge in my life – a divorce. Kelly explained the unthinkable process & managed everything to minimize my pain. Kelly & her team are incredibly resourceful, organized, compassionate & plan ahead to keep the process on track. I highly recommend Kelly Ausley-Flores & her team! – L.S.
When I was at the worst and most difficult place in my life they were like family and helped me through in the best way ever. […] Knowing they were in my corner 24/7/365 gave me peace of mind to help me through the situation and I was able to sleep because just to put it simple and blunt…THEY ARE TRULY the best in Austin by far and I know they truly cared. – Eric C.
I had the privilege of working with Kristiana as my attorney and Renee as her paralegal at Goranson Bain Ausley law firm, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their outstanding service. Throughout my legal proceedings, they demonstrated unwavering dedication, care, and expertise. Kristiana and Renee patiently walked me through various options, providing clarity on complex legal matters and ensuring I understood every step of the process. Their commitment to saving me money wherever possible was truly commendable. – Arron H.
Kristiana and the paralegal staff did an excellent job navigating the complex time bound family situation that I had to face. Highly recommend! – V.S.
When it became clear that I needed a divorce, I turned to my friend Tom Ausley. He assigned my case to lawyer, Kristiana Butler, and paralegal, Renee Wettengal. They took a case that could have been very troublesome, and settled it on terms that I consider to be eminently fair. Calls were returned promptly. Explanations to me, the client, were clear. Assessments of the facts and applicable law were accurate. If you or your client needs a divorce, get Goranson Bain Ausley! – John J.
Kristiana’s unwavering dedication and steadfast support throughout my divorce journey were truly exceptional. In the midst of facing what seemed like insurmountable challenges, she stood by me as a beacon of strength and resilience. Her fierce advocacy and relentless determination transformed what felt like an endless ordeal into a path towards freedom and resolution. Amidst four grueling days of trial and two intense days of mediation, Kristiana’s expertise shone brightly, guiding me through each step with unwavering assurance. Her words of encouragement were not just comforting but empowering, ensuring that hope never wavered even in the darkest moments. I am profoundly grateful for her unparalleled commitment and trustworthiness. – Nicole M.
Having lawyers who were interactive and able to guide me with confidence through the process and curveballs thrown by the other party was essential to preserve my sanity and keep everything together. In the end, we obtained everything that we asked for and it was a total victory from a legal point of view. I feel like the team effort toward the preparation of the final hearing was instrumental for success. I would recommend this firm to anyone who is looking for experienced and competent lawyers. – S.G.
I recently obtained the services of Goranson Bain Ausley for my divorce. Kelly Ausley Flores and her staff were wonderful to work with. Kelly coached me through the process and was able to settle my divorce in a timely manner, even though the attorney on the other side was difficult to work with. Kelly knows family law and I would highly recommend her. – GBA Client
I only have praises for Kelly Ausley-Flores; she mediated my divorce settlement. She is honest, straightforward and is able to explain laws to me in a way I could easily understand. This divorce has been an over 2 year process and I had only had only attended mediation once that was not successful, so I was very apprehensive about this time around. Boy was I wrong. This mediation was such a great experience. I highly recommend Kelly for your Family Law mediation needs. – Donna B.
Kelly – your presence from the first zoom meeting until the moment I received the closing letter was nothing but excellence. You made this collaborative divorce actually seem doable and less stressful than a traditional divorce. – Carla
Kelly helped me fight back, and she did it with smarts, integrity, sensitivity to cost concerns, and attention to the details of the law. If you are even thinking about divorce, Kelly will arm you with the information you need to make strategic decisions. – Kara
Kelly Caperton Fischer was a great representative through a tough experience. I would highly recommend her services. – Karl
She was always polite working with John but was firm on issues both to defend me as well as push John when needed.As a result, I feel good about heading into the mediation tomorrow. You have an excellent person in your firm in the form of Kelly. – Brooks
Kelly and Andrea were knowledgeable, attentive and helpful as we worked through my divorce. – Lillian
Kelly and her paralegal, Andrea, were incredibly helpful, transparent, calming, and kind. They maintained professionalism and collaboration. – Monique
Having lawyers who were interactive and able to guide me with confidence through the process and curveballs thrown by the other party was essential to preserve my sanity and keep everything together. In the end, we obtained everything that we asked for and it was a total victory from a legal point of view. I feel like the team effort toward the preparation of the final hearing was instrumental for success. I would recommend this firm to anyone who is looking for experienced and competent lawyers. – S.G.
Through every step, hurdle, setback and victory, I knew Ms. Bain was by my side. She navigated my case through the trial phase with precision. I am able to be an active, loving father because of the dedication and hard work of Lindley Bain. Retaining Ms. Bain was one of the best choices I have made…period. – Richard
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with Emily Ogden and her team at GBA. From the very beginning, Emily approached my divorce case with a rare combination of compassion and strength. She truly listened to me, made me feel heard and supported, and never lost sight of what mattered most to me. She was a powerful advocate—firm when she needed to be and always thoroughly prepared. Her attention to detail and her unwavering professionalism gave me a sense of confidence and calm during one of the most difficult times in my life. She worked tirelessly and never lost focus, and thanks to her dedication and expertise, we achieved the outcome I had hoped for. If you’re looking for a family law attorney who genuinely cares, fights hard, and delivers results, I wholeheartedly recommend Emily. – J. Rodriguez
I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Emily Ogden as part of a divorce for a friend of mine. When she called me to get information about what I knew, she was so calm and relaxed, which gave me the same feeling when sharing information. It was like we were having just a chill conversation. Furthermore, she told me that I (along with other witnesses who were going to speak) was great for helping and that it was wonderful that my friend has so many great people around her. That human compassion goes a very long way. Thank you, GBA, for having such a great person on your team. – Jake R.
Mr. Gracia is an exceptional attorney. He guided me through a turbulent divorce with unwavering professionalism, compassion, and insight. Even when I was overwhelmed and struggling, he remained calm, clear, and focused on securing the best outcome for my future. I’m truly grateful for his expertise and support during one of the hardest times in my life. – Robert D.
I would recommend Goranson Bain Ausley 100%. Carlos Gracia (and Donna Steen) did an excellent job. I could not have asked for better representation. – Jason Y.
I worked with Rob on my complicated custody case and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. The staff were friendly and helpful through the process and I received the outcome that was in the best interest of my child. I would not hesitate to hire them again. They have the staff to handle complex issues and offer both legal expertise and emotional validation. – Jennifer Z.
Rob Frazer is incredibly professional. He is very knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. My decree amendment was handled efficiently and without frivolous litigation. I will use Rob Frazer again in the future if needed. – Karina
Rob was very professional and really treated me as a person and not just someone who was a billable entity. He always had time to discuss needs and questions, was very responsive and very compassionate. His advice and knowledge was very valuable and I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for a good attorney who also really cares about his clients. – Chris
Rob and Maria took care of an extremely sensitive and urgent legal matter of mine. They were compassionate, patient with my lack of legal understanding and always took their time with me. On the flip side, rob was fierce in the courtroom. If I ever need legal representation again, I know who to call. – Jaclyn

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