Trusler Legal PLLC files family-law cases across Travis and the surrounding Central Texas counties (Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Blanco, and Burnet). Most family matters are heard at the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St, in downtown Austin. This is a field guide to those courthouses, the local rules that shape Central Texas divorces, and the practical things worth knowing before walking into one of them.
Home court. Most filings.
South: Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley.
North: Round Rock, Cedar Park.
East: Bastrop, Smithville, Elgin.
Southeast: Lockhart, Luling.
West: hill country, Johnson City.
Northwest: the lake counties.
Where most of our cases are heard. We know the family-court judges, the clerks, the hours, the parking situation, and which side of the building actually has working WiFi.
Modern building, well-organized. Faster docket than Travis on average. We have associates who file here regularly.
South Austin clients often file here. Smaller bench, more relaxed culture. Trial calendar moves quickly when it has to.
Historic 1883 building, still in use. Smaller docket. We file here for east-county clients and for cases involving family ranches in the area.
Most of what was earned or acquired during the marriage belongs to both of you under Texas Family Code § 3.002, regardless of whose name is on it. Division is "just and right" (§ 7.001), not automatically 50/50.
From filing to final, no Texas divorce can close in less than 60 days. Texas Family Code § 6.702 makes the period mandatory. We use that window; we don't fight it. Most uncontested matters close at day 61.
The moment you file in Travis County, automatic temporary orders kick in. They restrict what either party can do with assets, accounts, and the kids. Read them before you file, not after.
Texas Family Code § 6.301 requires 90 days in the county and six months of Texas residency total before you can file there. So if you have recently moved, your options may be wider than you think. Sometimes the right courthouse is not the closest one. We will tell you when that is true.
Most family courts in Central Texas require mediation before trial. A good mediator saves clients tens of thousands of dollars.
Travis County rotates family-court assignments. Some judges run their dockets faster than others; some are more receptive to particular kinds of arguments. We adjust.