Austin Collaborative Divorce

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
- Commitment to the Process
Both spouses sign a Participation Agreement affirming their dedication to resolving matters outside of court.
- Structured Meetings
Discussions take place in a series of pre-planned sessions guided by Collaborative attorneys and other neutral professionals as needed.
- Inclusion of Experts
When appropriate, neutral specialists, such as financial advisors, child development professionals, or valuation experts, provide insight to support informed decision-making. - 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
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.
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