How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in Texas?

Family law cases can differ drastically due to the sensitive aspects of life they deal with. A uniting factor of concern between all cases is the matter of price. The question “How much does a family law attorney cost in Texas?” is a common one that prospective clients have. At Jimmy Vaught of Counsel for the Eggleston Law Firm, we want to help you understand the many aspects that can affect the total cost of your legal representation.

About Us

Our family law firm has been assisting the people of Texas for years in all family law matters. Our founder, Jimmy Vaught, has over forty years of family law experience. He is the current President of the Texas Family Law Foundation and has been named family law “lawyer of the year” twice by BL Ratings. We have the knowledge to make a positive impact on your case.

How Much Does a Texas Family Attorney Cost?

The final cost for your Texas family attorney depends on a wide range of factors that make a flat average impossible to state. The following are just a few of the many elements that may influence the cost of an attorney:

Family Law Case Type

Case type is the first variable to take into account. Texas family law encompasses a large range of legal matters. A study of cases statewide found that there were 316,159 family law cases in 2022. Divorce is a common area of family law, making up a third of all cases in the study, but it is far from the only family law matter. A few examples of family law cases include:

• Child custody
• Divorce
• Mediation
• Property & asset division
• Pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements
• Family law appeals

Location

The next thing that may impact family law lawyer costs is the city or neighborhood where the case takes place in Texas. For example, a family law attorney focused on clients who live in Shady Hollow, where the median household income is $168,477, may be pricier than a firm that primarily represents residents of Wells Branch, where the median household income is $64,345.

Experience

Another modifying force for your legal fees can be the experience of your representation. A family law attorney who has been working for decades will likely charge more than a lawyer who recently graduated from law school. Experience can provide well-tested strategies and insight that only years of work can teach. However, a newer lawyer may charge less and provide just as adequate service as a well-renowned lawyer.

Payment Model

Another element that can affect the cost is the payment model. In general, there are three major types of billing structures that family law attorneys utilize. The first is an hourly rate. This is a common model for family law as it focuses on the actual working hours required per case.

The second payment model is a retainer fee. This involves a client paying an upfront charge, which is then used for legal expenses throughout the case. It can be a helpful way to invest in a case at the beginning. Oftentimes, any remaining retainer fees not used during the case can be refunded or held for future legal needs.

The third payment style for family law attorneys is a flat fee based on the case details. This tends to be a less common method for family lawyers, but is used in simpler cases such as those involving pre-nuptial agreements.

Case Complexity

The final big contributor to legal fees is the complexity of the case. How the other parties react to the family law case can make the case far more expensive. A simple, collaborative divorce with a small amount of assets may be cheaper than a contested divorce dealing with high-value assets and bitter feelings between parties. The hours and manpower required for your case are major contributors to how much your total legal costs will be.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

You are not required to have an attorney for family law matters, but it is highly recommended. The complex, emotional nature of family law cases makes it especially difficult to handle on your own. Hire a family law attorney who can guide you through your case during this difficult period. They may be familiar with similar Texas family law cases and have the experience that can make a large impact in getting the results you deserve.

FAQs

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Texas?

How much your divorce will cost in Texas depends on the specifics of your case. Whether it’s contested, the value of assets, and whether there are children involved can all affect the final bill drastically. No two divorce cases are exactly the same. Speak with your family law attorney to get an estimate for how much your divorce fees may total.

Can You Get a Flat Fee for Family Law Cases in Texas?

Whether you can get a flat fee for your family law case in Texas depends on the firm, the case type, and the case complexity. Flat fee billing is most common for pre-nuptial agreements or uncontested divorces and rarer for contested divorce or child custody litigation. Some attorneys may not accept a flat fee for any family law case, no matter its simplicity.

Who Pays Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases in Texas?

The party who pays for attorney fees in child custody cases in Texas varies depending on the case. Typically, each party pays their own legal fees; however, Texas Family Code § 106.002  does allow a judge to order one party to pay for all legal costs. This may happen if there is a large income disparity between parties, the litigation is in bad faith, or if doing so is deemed to be in a child’s best interest.

Do Family Lawyers Provide Payment Plans in Texas?

Many family lawyers are willing to provide a payment plan in Texas. This can be discussed during the initial consultation. The frequency and size of payments can be negotiated to find a suitable solution for both the client and firm. Speak with your family lawyer to find out what payment plan options are available for your case and income level.

Speak With a Family Law Attorney Today

At Jimmy Vaught of Counsel for the Eggleston Law Firm, we want to help with your family law case. Contact us today for an initial consultation so we can learn your story and start exploring your options. You can also visit our Austin office, located on Balcones Drive in Highland Park, right off of MoPac Expressway.