Austin Collaborative Divorce

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A Respectful and Effective Path Forward 

Divorce is a significant life transition, and for many couples in Austin, the priority is to reduce conflict, protect children, and safeguard financial stability. Collaborative Divorce in Austin offers a structured and respectful alternative to litigation while helping families resolve differences privately and with dignity. 

Instead of leaving life-changing decisions to a judge, you and your spouse maintain control over the process and its outcome, with guidance from experienced Collaborative professionals at Goranson Bain Ausley.  

What Is Austin Collaborative Divorce? 

Collaborative Divorce is a legal process designed to resolve divorce matters outside the courtroom. Both spouses, along with their attorneys, agree in advance to focus on shared interests/goals and constructive problem-solving. 

The process provides a safe environment characterized by confidentiality, mutual respect, and an emphasis on long-term solutions. With professional support from our experienced team at GBA, couples can reach agreements that are both practical and tailored to their family’s needs. 

When Collaborative Divorce May Be Right for You 

Collaborative Divorce may be an appropriate choice if you and your spouse wish to: 

  • Retain control over decisions rather than relying on the court system. 
  • Minimize conflict and preserve civility throughout the process. 
  • Protect children from unnecessary stress. 
  • Develop creative solutions for complex financial or parenting issues. 
  • Establish a foundation for a productive co-parenting relationship. 

Collaborative Divorce Process in Austin 

  1. Commitment to the Process 
    Both spouses sign a Participation Agreement affirming their dedication to resolving matters outside of court. 
  1. Structured Meetings 
    Discussions take place in a series of pre-planned sessions guided by Collaborative attorneys and other neutral professionals as needed. 
  1. Inclusion of Experts 
    When appropriate, neutral specialists, such as financial advisors, child development professionals, or valuation experts, provide insight to support informed decision-making. 
  2. Resolution and Documentation 
    Once an agreement is reached, it is drafted, reviewed, and filed with the court for approval. 

Timeline and Efficiency 

Most Collaborative Divorce cases are resolved within four to six sessions. The schedule is determined by the spouses, offering flexibility while keeping the process focused and efficient. 

Collaborative Divorce Compared to Mediation 

While both Collaborative Divorce and mediation avoid litigation, they differ in structure: 

  • Mediation is typically facilitated by a neutral mediator and may occur at various stages of the divorce, though it is often used after a case has been filed in court.  
  • Collaborative Divorce is not facilitated by a neutral; instead, each spouse has their own attorney. It begins with a commitment to resolve issues outside of a court and proceeds through a series of shorter, well-structured meetings that allow time for reflection and thoughtful decision-making. 

Advantages of Collaborative Divorce in Austin, TX 

  • Privacy – Proceedings remain confidential, unlike public court hearings. 
  • Control – Couples establish their own timeline and agreements. 
  • Reduced Conflict – The process is designed to minimize hostility and promote respect.
  • Problem-Solving Focus – Creative, practical solutions are encouraged. 
  • Team-Based Support – Neutral professionals provide specialized guidance. 
  • Cost-Effectiveness – Resources are directed toward resolution rather than courtroom preparation. 

Collaborative Divorce with Goranson Bain Ausley 

At Goranson Bain Ausley, we set the standard for Collaborative Divorce in Austin and throughout Texas. Our attorneys have been pioneers in shaping the process locally, bringing skill, discretion, and professionalism to families navigating divorce. All of our Austin partners, along with two associates, are trained in Collaborative Law, reflecting our firmwide commitment to resolving family law matters constructively, outside the courtroom. 

Why Choose Collaborative Divorce in Austin 

Collaborative Divorce offers a private, efficient, and respectful way to restructure family relationships without litigation. At GBA, our Austin Collaborative Divorce lawyers have the experience and insight to guide clients through this process in a way that protects children, reduces conflict, and supports long-term family well-being. Families choose us for: 

  • Proven leadership: Our Collaborative Divorce attorneys are not only practitioners but also thought leaders, training other professionals and speaking at statewide and national conferences. 
  • Recognized excellence: Three of our Austin attorneys, Kris Algert, Kelly Ausley-Flores, and Kelly Caperton Fischer, have been named Lawyer of the Year in Collaborative Law by Best Lawyers in America. This recognition underscores the trust and respect GBA has earned in the field. 
  • Depth of expertise: Our Collaborative Divorce team handles a wide range of family law matters, including high-asset property division, complex custody arrangements, and sensitive issues such as mental health and addiction.

Leaders in Collaborative Divorce 

Our Austin Collaborative Divorce attorneys have been instrumental in building and advancing Collaborative Law in Texas. 

  • Kris Algert holds the Master Credential in Collaborative Law, received the prestigious Gay G. Cox Award, and is a past president of Collaborative Divorce Texas. She is widely recognized as a trainer and leader, mentoring attorneys across the state and beyond. 
  • Tom Ausley, founding partner of GBA, helped bring Collaborative Divorce to Austin more than 25 years ago and remains a trusted voice in its growth and development.  

Together, our Austin Collaborative Divorce lawyers continue to shape the practice and ensure families have access to respectful, forward-thinking solutions. 

Our Austin Collaborative Divorce Lawyers 

At Goranson Bain Ausley, we are leaders in Collaborative Divorce throughout Texas. Our Austin office includes attorneys recognized for their skill in guiding families through this process with discretion, professionalism, and care. More than half of our lawyers have Collaborative training, reflecting our commitment to helping clients resolve family law matters through this effective approach. 

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

Begin the Process with Confidence 

If you are considering divorce in Austin and wish to avoid the uncertainty and conflict of litigation, Collaborative Divorce may be the right choice for your family. 

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