Contested Divorce Attorney in Austin, Texas

Sometimes cooperation isn’t possible. When your spouse refuses to be reasonable about property, custody, or support, you need someone who knows how to fight for your rights in court.

I’m Cristi Trusler, a board-certified family law specialist who has handled hundreds of contested divorces in Travis, Williamson, and Hays County. When mediation fails and collaboration won’t work, litigation may be your only option to protect your future.

What Makes a Divorce Contested?

A divorce becomes contested when you and your spouse can’t agree on major issues:

Property and Debts

• Who gets the house, retirement accounts, or business
• How to divide credit card debt or loans
• Hidden assets your spouse won’t disclose

Children

• Which parent gets primary custody
• Visitation schedules and decision-making authority
• Child support amounts beyond state guidelines

Spousal Support

• Whether alimony should be paid and for how long
• Temporary support during the divorce process

Other Disputes

• Your spouse won’t sign papers for an uncontested divorce
• Your spouse hired an aggressive attorney
• Domestic violence or substance abuse issues

The Reality of Contested Divorce in Austin

Don’t let anyone sugarcoat this. Contested divorce is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. But sometimes it’s the only way to protect your children and your financial future.

Here’s what you’re facing:

Timeline: 6 months to 2+ years depending on complexity Cost: $15,000-$50,000+ per spouse (varies by case complexity) Court appearances: Multiple hearings, possibly a trial Discovery: Formal exchange of financial documents and information Depositions: Sworn testimony outside of court

How Contested Divorce Works in Texas Courts

Filing and Temporary Orders

One spouse files the divorce petition in the district court where they’ve lived for at least 90 days. In Travis County, that’s usually the 98th, 126th, 200th, 201st, or 250th District Court.

We immediately request temporary orders for:

• Custody and visitation schedules
• Child and spousal support
• Who stays in the house
• Payment of bills and attorney fees

Discovery Phase

This is where we gather evidence to support your case:

Financial Discovery

• Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs
• Retirement account statements
• Business records and valuations
• Hidden asset investigations

Custody Discovery

• School and medical records
• Social media posts and communications
• Witness statements about parenting
• Child custody evaluations if needed

Court Hearings and Trial

Most contested cases settle before trial, but you need to be prepared to go the distance.

Temporary Hearings: Quick decisions on urgent issues Mediation: Court-ordered attempt to settle Trial: Full presentation of evidence to the judge

Travis County Specific Procedures

Each county has its own local rules:

Travis County: Uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - you’ll try mediation before trial Williamson County: Requires parenting classes for cases with children Hays County: Smaller docket allows for more personal attention from judges

What to Expect Financially

Property Division

Texas is a community property state, but “equal” doesn’t always mean 50/50. The court considers:

• Length of marriage
• Each spouse’s earning capacity
• Fault in the marriage (adultery, cruelty)
• Custody arrangements
• Each party’s separate property

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Texas has strict limits on alimony:

• Maximum 5 years for marriages under 20 years
• Marriage must be at least 10 years long
• Limited to $5,000/month or 20% of payor’s income

Child Support

Based on Texas guidelines:

• 20% of net income for one child
• 25% for two children
• 30% for three children
• Caps at income of $9,200/month

Protecting Your Interests

In contested divorce, every decision matters. Here’s how I protect my clients:

Strategic Approach

• Focus on your top priorities (usually custody and finances)
• Know when to fight and when to compromise
• Build a strong evidence file from day one

Aggressive When Necessary

• Challenge hidden assets
• Fight unreasonable custody demands
• Expose inappropriate behavior

Settlement-Minded

• Push for resolution when it serves your interests
• Avoid unnecessary court costs
• Keep children out of the conflict

What Makes My Approach Different

Board Certification: Only 1% of Texas lawyers are board-certified in family law Local Experience: I know the judges, opposing counsel, and court procedures in all three counties Trial-Ready: Many lawyers avoid trial. I prepare every case like it’s going to court Cost-Conscious: I track every dollar spent on your case

Cost and Payment Options

Contested divorce is expensive, but not knowing what you’re getting into is worse.

Retainer Fees: $7,500-$15,000 to start Hourly Rates: $450-$550 depending on case complexity Additional Costs: Court filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions

Payment Options Available

• Payment plans for retainer fees
• Credit card payments accepted
• Some cases qualify for limited scope representation

When You Need a Contested Divorce Attorney

Immediate Consultation Required If:

• Your spouse hired an attorney
• Domestic violence is involved
• Your spouse is hiding assets
• Complex business or property issues
• High-conflict custody situation

Don’t Wait If:

• Your spouse filed first
• Temporary restraining orders are in place
• Your access to money is cut off
• You’ve been served with papers

Your Next Steps

Call me immediately if your spouse won’t cooperate or has already hired an attorney. Every day you wait gives them an advantage.

Free 15-Minute Strategy Call: I’ll tell you if you need contested representation or if there’s still hope for an easier path.

What to Bring to Your Consultation:

• Any papers you’ve been served
• Recent tax returns
• List of assets and debts
• Questions about custody arrangements

Sometimes the only way through a divorce is to fight. When that time comes, you need someone who knows how to win.

Schedule your strategy call today or call (512) 920-3171.

Cristi Trusler is a board-certified family law specialist serving Travis, Williamson, and Hays County. She has successfully represented clients in hundreds of contested divorce cases throughout Central Texas.