Child Custody We're In This Together

Austin Child Custody Lawyer

Clear, Compassionate Support for Your Custody Case

At Andrae Law, PLLC, our goal is to guide you through any child custody proceedings, helping you avoid the stress associated with disputes or disagreements and pursue results that align with your goals. As Austin child custody attorneys, we work diligently on your behalf during custody cases, keeping you informed and supported throughout the process.

At every step, we focus on transparent communication and maintaining your confidence that we act in your best interests. By understanding the complexities of Texas family law, we create strategies tailored to your case. Our team provides a path to resolution that respects your needs and prioritizes the best interests of your children.

Child custody cases in Austin often require an understanding of both state and local court expectations. Family courts in Travis County may have unique docketing timelines and administrative procedures, which can differ from those in nearby counties. Our Austin child custody lawyers stay current on evolving court protocols and legal updates across Central Texas, providing clarity as you move forward. We help families navigate each stage with practical, informed guidance.

Need guidance from a child custody attorney? Schedule a consultation online or call us at (512) 668-7133 today.

Local Considerations in Austin Child Custody Cases

Austin has a dynamic community and a complex legal landscape, particularly regarding child custody. As a growing metropolis, custody cases here face unique challenges and opportunities not found in every city. The continued influx of new residents and the area's diverse family structures demand nuanced guidance from local family law attorneys. At Andrae Law, PLLC, we recognize the influence of Austin’s economic and social factors on custody matters and help you navigate these details.

In Travis County, where Austin is located, court dockets are often crowded, which can extend custody case timelines. This makes strategic and proactive case management essential. Austin’s vibrant city life, including its many cultural and educational opportunities, may impact custody decisions, especially when considering proximity to quality education and community involvement. These factors make it important to work with custody lawyers who are deeply familiar with this region’s legal environment.

Judges in Austin may also consider how a child's routine, such as after-school activities or involvement in local community groups, affects the overall family dynamic in a custody case. Factors unique to the Austin area, such as high mobility for parents working in the tech sector or state government, can influence how courts view parental availability and stability. Our child custody lawyer understands the role of local resources—including school counselors, social services, and mental health providers—which often support children through transitions.

Emergency & Temporary Custody Orders in Austin

Families sometimes face urgent situations that require swift legal action to protect a child's welfare. In Austin, the Travis County courts allow a parent or guardian to seek emergency custody when circumstances present a credible threat, such as neglect, abuse, or sudden abandonment. Judges in Travis and Williamson counties review these requests closely and may issue temporary orders focused on a child’s immediate safety.

Our child custody attorney guides families through local court protocols when pursuing temporary relief and clarifies what to expect during the process. For parents or guardians in Austin seeking emergency action, understanding how to document concerns and prepare for court requirements can help the case move forward efficiently. We work closely with you to ensure every step is clear and manageable. Our goal is to provide guidance and support during these urgent and stressful situations.

Navigating the Austin Family Court Process

Understanding the local court process helps families in Austin better prepare for what to expect during custody proceedings. The Travis County Family Court system follows state law, but day-to-day scheduling, paperwork requirements, and courtroom etiquette often reflect Austin-specific norms. Initial filings and responses are typically submitted through the county's electronic system, and cases may be set for hearings, mediation, or status conferences at the downtown courthouse.

Judges encourage parents to cooperate on schedules, exchange information about their child's needs, and attend court-ordered parenting classes when directed. Our child custody lawyers are familiar with the resources and protocols unique to Austin, enabling families to address administrative details, prepare for key deadlines, and understand each phase—whether in a formal trial or alternative dispute resolution.

Interstate & Out-of-State Child Custody Issues

Families today may have ties to multiple states, and custody cases can cross jurisdictional lines. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) governs how Texas—including courts in Austin—coordinates with other states to decide which court has authority over a child custody dispute. Austin courts prioritize the child's home state, which usually means where the child lived for the last six months. If a parent moves to or from Texas, or if prior orders exist in another state, careful coordination between jurisdictions becomes essential for both enforcement and future modification.

The legal team at Andrae Law, PLLC helps families understand how Texas courts communicate with those in other states and what evidence or documentation may be needed for interstate cases. For military families, parents with joint custody in different states, or when a parent wishes to relocate with a child, being prepared for additional procedural steps in Travis County and a full understanding of the UCCJEA can help protect parental rights and streamline the process.

Why Choose Andrae Law, PLLC?

Committed to Giving Back
Our firm is involved with giving back to the legal profession and the community.
Board Certified
Amanda Andrae is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Experienced Attorneys
Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience.

Helping You in a Variety of Child Custody Issues

Our child custody lawyers handle custody proceedings for clients in and around Austin, Williamson, Travis, and the surrounding counties, including those involving:

Primary Custody (Conservatorship) — Assisting with achieving the most suitable living arrangement for your children
Paternity Issues — Establishing paternity and its implications for custody
Visitation Rights — Negotiating and enforcing visitation agreements
Temporary Custody & Visitation Orders — Arranging immediate care during pending cases
Grandparents’ Custody & Visitation — Securing rights for non-parental figures
Custody issues for Same-Sex Couples — Addressing unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ parents

Our child custody attorneys also address complex circumstances like emergency custody hearings and situations involving relocation or travel out of state. Parents in Austin sometimes face sudden changes, and local courts require clear documentation and swift responses for emergency child custody orders. We regularly assist clients through these urgent situations by reviewing paperwork, gathering critical evidence, and explaining what local judges expect.

For families involved in interstate custody disputes, we help interpret and apply the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) as practiced by Texas courts, with careful attention to how Travis and Williamson counties coordinate with orders from other states. Our comprehensive services include assistance for military families, who may be subject to deployment or transfer, and for grandparents petitioning for visitation or custody according to Texas law.

Find out how our child custody lawyers can help—call us at (512) 668-7133 or schedule your consultation online. We serve Williamson, Travis, and all surrounding counties in Austin, TX.

Understanding Child Custody Arrangements in TX

Any custody issue can be highly contested. As parents, we want what is best for our children, and we fight for what we believe is right. This can turn an otherwise amicable divorce into a heated battle over custody and visitation.

While judges routinely consider certain factors in any child custody dispute, each case is unique and can affect one or more types of custody arrangements. You should understand which arrangement may most suit your family.

We make sure clients understand every custody arrangement and its potential impact. By exploring available scenarios and outcomes, we help you make decisions that benefit your children and promote stable, nurturing environments for their growth.

Many Austin-area custody cases also involve parents with joint custody, known in Texas as joint managing conservatorship. Courts in Travis County encourage parents to work together whenever possible. Shared physical custody may not always mean a true 50-50 split, but rather a tailored plan considering the child's school, travel time, extracurricular activities, and the needs of both parents. Our team guides how these arrangements can be structured and helps families navigate the paperwork and schedules required by local family courts. We also explain the differences between sole managing conservatorship and possessory conservatorship, clarifying clients’ rights and responsibilities.

Mediation in Child Custody Cases

Mediation plays a pivotal role in resolving custody disputes and often offers a more harmonious path than a court battle. In Austin, courts encourage mediation as the first step for addressing disputes, since amicable solutions often better serve the child’s welfare. At Andrae Law, PLLC, we use mediation to foster open dialogue in a confidential setting. Mediation can speed up resolution and reduce the emotional strain involved in contentious custody cases.

Our mediators guide discussions toward solutions that benefit all parties, focusing on shared custody arrangements that support your child’s development. By using mediation, many families avoid uncertainty around court decisions and keep more control over the final arrangement. This path benefits many families in Austin, where family dynamics are varied and every situation needs a customized approach. Mediation gives parents a way to collaboratively create the environment their children need after separation.

Austin courts often view successful mediation as a sign of parental cooperation and may prioritize agreements reached through this process over adversarial litigation. Local family courts sometimes require or recommend mediation before a trial, recognizing that creative solutions and flexible visitation schedules often serve the child's welfare. Our team is available to answer questions about the mediation process and how to reach enforceable agreements under Texas law. We are familiar with area mediators and courthouse resources, helping families access the support needed throughout mediation.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Texas?

Courts consider several factors when deciding child custody in Texas. The primary consideration is the best interest of the child.

Court evaluations often include:

The quality of each parent's home environment
The distance between the parents' residences
Each parent’s ability to provide for the children
How well the parents communicate and work together
The financial situation of each parent
The parents’ job responsibilities, including work hours and travel requirements
The child's preference if age 12 or older
The child’s emotional and physical needs
The extent of each parent’s current relationship with the child

These represent just a few key considerations. In every case, the court seeks to act in the best interest of the child.

Our approach includes careful consideration of each factor and a detailed review of your situation. We work closely with you to highlight your strengths and address any concerns, aiming to present a balanced and compelling case to the court.

Many child custody proceedings in Austin involve local professionals—such as custody evaluators, child psychologists, and guardians ad litem—who help courts assess complex situations. Courts in Travis and Williamson counties often use these experts to recommend arrangements based on interviews, home visits, and each parent's daily involvement. Our legal team helps families understand the role of these professionals, including gathering documentation and answering questions about your child's medical, educational, and developmental needs.

Is Texas a 50-50 Custody State?

Texas is considered a 50-50 custody state. The law makes clear that courts do not discriminate based on sex when issuing custody decisions.

The Texas Family Code also states that the state encourages frequent and continuing contact between the child and each parent. Courts aim for arrangements that support strong relationships with both parents.

In most cases, courts appoint both parents as joint managing conservators unless circumstances call for one parent to have sole conservatorship.

Even though Texas courts promote joint custody, a 50-50 schedule may not work for every family in practice. Travis County judges may approve unique possession schedules that better fit parents who work nontraditional hours, travel frequently for work, or live farther apart. In many Austin custody cases, courts create arrangements allowing parents flexibility for shared holidays, virtual visitation, and activity schedules—reflecting a modern approach to supporting children in split households. Our child custody lawyer can explain the range of schedules available under local court guidelines, including standard possession orders and customized parenting plans specific to cases filed in Austin or Williamson County.

What Makes a Father Unfit for Custody in Texas?

A father may be found unfit for custody if his actions negatively affect the child’s emotional or physical well-being. Factors include abuse, unsafe living conditions, issues with drugs or alcohol, or abandonment.

We approach these cases with care, gathering the necessary evidence to support or challenge claims regarding a parent's fitness. The outcome profoundly impacts the children and the family dynamic.

Travis County courts typically require strict evidence when fitness is in question, often involving formal home studies or third-party investigations to verify claims. Allegations such as family violence, neglect, substance misuse, or unsanitary home conditions may bring Child Protective Services or local investigators into the proceedings. Our child custody lawyers will clarify what information courts need and explain what happens during parental capacity assessments, ensuring that your rights and your child's safety receive careful attention during the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Austin

What Should You Do First When Seeking Child Custody in Austin?

The first step is to consult a child custody lawyer in Austin who understands the local legal environment. Andrae Law, PLLC offers initial consultations to help you learn about Texas’s legal framework and evaluate your options. Gather important documentation like your child's school and medical records, plus any communication with the co-parent. Keep records of your involvement in your child's life to demonstrate your role as an engaged parent.

How Can Austin’s Schools Influence Custody Decisions?

In Austin, the quality of local schools can affect custody outcomes, especially if one parent lives in a district known for excellent educational programs. Courts may consider your child’s access to quality education and proximity to extracurricular opportunities when determining living arrangements. Parents seeking primary custody may benefit from residing near reputable Austin schools, strengthening their case in court.

How Do You Modify a Child Custody Order in Austin?

To modify an existing custody order, you must show a substantial change in circumstances, such as a parent’s relocation or a significant change in your child's needs. File a petition with the court that issued the original order. At Andrae Law, PLLC, we guide you through the required legal steps and documentation, making sure your reasons for modification are clearly presented and well supported. Our process focuses on updating the custody order to reflect the child’s current best interests and navigating the court’s review efficiently.

What Role Does a Child’s Preference Play in Custody Agreements?

In Texas, once a child turns 12, the court can consider the child’s preferences during custody decisions. While these preferences carry weight, they do not decide the outcome. The court weighs the child's wishes alongside each parent's ability to provide a stable and supportive environment. At Andrae Law, PLLC, we work to develop arrangements that support the child's happiness while considering the practicalities of daily life.

Are There Specific Challenges for Same-Sex Parents in Austin?

Texas law recognizes the rights of same-sex parents following the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, but unique legal issues may still arise. Questions about biological versus non-biological parental rights often come up in custody disputes. In Austin, same-sex parents facing custody cases should understand these legal nuances. At Andrae Law, PLLC, we offer guidance based on state and federal law to pursue equitable outcomes during custody proceedings.

Should You Get a Lawyer for Child Custody in Texas?

During Texas child custody proceedings, your attorney will keep lines of communication open, listen to your goals and concerns, and offer legal advice related to your case and family dynamics.

Hiring an experienced child custody lawyer helps you prepare for the challenges of the proceedings. Your legal team will help you present your situation as fairly as possible, always with your children's happiness and safety as a primary priority.

Parents in Austin often have questions about how legal representation helps during negotiations, mediation sessions, or hearings in the Travis County courthouse. An attorney familiar with the expectations of local judges and opposing counsel can provide valuable insight into what arguments or documentation courts find persuasive. Further, having an advocate by your side when responding to emergency filings or interacting with Texas child services can make a significant difference in understanding your rights and responsibilities throughout your case.

Get Highly Experienced Custody Counsel

Conservatorship issues come with countless possibilities. Our firm helps you find the custody structure that fits your family and situation.

As mediators and litigators, our Austin child custody lawyers have helped negotiate and establish many conservatorship arrangements for clients and parties in mediation.

Our attorneys work with families across Central Texas on issues ranging from agreed parenting plans to high-conflict custody litigation. We tailor our approach to each family’s goals and needs, addressing long-term factors like parental relocations, blended family dynamics, and extended family involvement. When necessary, we help pursue modifications in Travis and Williamson County courts as family or child needs change. We guide clients through each step, ensuring they understand their rights and responsibilities.

Don't go through the Texas child custody process alone. Contact us online or call (512) 668-7133 to connect with our Austin custody attorneys.

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"Ethical, compassionate, dedicated attorney in an extremely complicated and difficult situation."
Amanda Andrae is an ethical, compassionate, dedicated attorney who truly cares about what is important in family law, the best interest of the child. My situation was beyond complex and difficult with respect to the dyamics of all the involved parties, therapists, attorneys, witnesses, etc. Amanda did not falter in her ability to skillfully manage both the "people" side of things and the legal/ technical. She is honest and responsive, and truly went above and beyond to find ways to resolve an impossible situation. Amanda is also well respected by other attorneys, judges and therapists in Austin, which is important. In a situation where there were often no good answers, she did what she does best, which is think strategically, creatively, and always focus on what was best for my children and for me. If you want an ethical, compassionate, skilled family law attorney, I highly recommend Amanda Andrae.

Anon
"They are knowledgeable"
Amanda Andrae and J. Riggs make a great team. They are knowledgeable about the law and will ensure you are well taken care of. Do not hesitate to put your trust in them with your family law case.

Clare M.
"They were great with communication"
I am very pleased with Andrae Law. I got divorced and had a child custody matter I needed help with and they handled it. They were very direct with what my options were. If I was confused about something they were very good about explaining the process and what had to be done. They were great with communication, via email and phone. I've had attorneys in the past that wouldn't return my call for up to a week, I was very happy that didn't happen with this firm. I feel I definitely got my money's worth. I highly recommend Amanda Andrae & Sally Pretorius with Andrae Law.

Anon
"This firm has my highest recommendation."
Amanda Andrae is one of my preferred mediators. She WILL settle the case! J. Riggs is one of my preferred attorneys. I know when I recommend him to people that he will do a great job representing them. This firm has my highest recommendation.

Jessica B.
"Great family lawyer"
I hired Amanda Andrae to help me with a child conservator issue. I had orders in place already regarding custody and child support but I needed to change them to sole conservatorship in order to take care of everything for my daughter in the complete absence of her father. I knew that changing orders was very difficult and would be even more so without being able to locate the father to serve him. I had also had a terrible experience with the lawyer who wrote the original orders and felt very uncomfortable undergoing the process again. I researched and chose Amanda and her firm carefully and I am so glad I did. Amanda figured out exactly what needed to be done, inspired confidence and calm in me, and took me through the long process with the exact end result I needed for my daughter's safety and best interests. The new orders are perfect, thoughtfully written to reflect our situation rather than boilerplate, and have already worked wonders. With them, I was able to get my daughter a passport and give her school authority to turn away her father if he tried to come pick her up. I feel immense peace of mind knowing my daughter is safe.

Anon
"Knowledgeable and compassionate"
Amanda is a very knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who expertly guides her clients to fair settlements and, when needed, to very good outcomes in the courtroom.

Anon
"Andrae Law is a great choice"
J. Riggs and Amanda Andre are both wonderful attorneys. I’ve had the opportunity to work with both of them and they offer nothing shy of professional advocacy. Andrae Law is a great choice for any of your family law matters.

Avery R.
"Excellent & Trustworthy divorce attorney"
Amanda and her team impressed me from the very get-go. If you want an attorney who is responsive, who will work as much within your budget as possible, and will keep you clearly informed throughout your legal journey - I recommend Amanda fully and without reservation. In my case, it was a relatively agreeable divorce situation with children, multiple properties and businesses involved. And as my divorce attorney, I could not have asked for better representation and sound advice. As with any divorce, I had some times of pretty high emotion and Amanda was kind, non-judgmental and very understanding to the challenges I was facing. And along the way, Amanda and I shared some great laughs which made the tough situation of divorce a bit easier. Are there things that Amanda's office could probably do better? Sure. But that's true of any attorney or any business practice. What she does best is what matters most - and that is ensuring her clients are protected, advised, and represented professionally with the highest ethical standards.

Anon

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