Divorcing In Austin, TX? What To Expect In Travis County Family Court

If you are considering divorce in Austin, understanding how Travis County family courts work can make the process less overwhelming. From local standing orders to unique courthouse procedures, knowing what to expect helps you feel more prepared. To give you an insider perspective, we spoke with Robert Holguin, Associate Attorney at Modern Family Law in Austin, who regularly represents clients in Travis County.

The Travis County Standing Order: What It Means For You

One of the first things divorcing spouses notice in Travis County is the standing order that immediately goes into effect when a divorce is filed.

According to Robert Holguin, “The Travis County standing orders can feel intimidating at first, but the main thing to know is that you do not need to panic. These orders are put in place to maintain the status quo and prevent either party from doing anything extreme before a judge has the chance to hear the case.”

These orders typically prohibit major financial or parental changes, such as moving a child out of state without consent or withdrawing large sums from joint accounts. But they are not meant to freeze your life.

Holguin explains: “What I often see is people overreacting, thinking they cannot touch their money at all. In reality, you can still make withdrawals for things like paying bills or hiring an attorney, as long as it is consistent with your usual course of business.”

The key takeaway: standing orders ensure fairness and stability while preventing either spouse from gaining an unfair advantage before the court steps in.

How Long Does Divorce Take In Travis County?

Texas law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before any divorce can be finalized, but the actual length of a case depends on complexity and the local court’s docket.

Holguin notes that Travis County tends to move faster than many other Texas counties. “They have large dockets and do not have much patience for cases that sit without progress, so they encourage parties to keep things moving.”

On average:

• 6–12 months is typical for most divorces.

• Cases with fewer disputes and minimal property can wrap up sooner.

• Complex cases—such as those involving businesses, significant assets, or contested child custody—may take longer.

However, Holguin cautions that the county’s central docketing system can sometimes be manipulated: “If someone knows how to use it strategically, they can delay a case by dragging it out or getting assigned to certain judges.”

Technology In The Courtroom: A More Modern Approach

Austin’s reputation as a tech hub extends into its family courts. Since COVID, Travis County has embraced remote hearings, electronic filings, and digital evidence submissions.

Holguin highlights: “Travis County is definitely more advanced technologically than any other county I have worked in.”

This shift means:

• Attorneys and parties often need to upload and share documents electronically, sometimes through systems like shared Dropbox folders.

• During hearings, evidence may need to be displayed digitally before being admitted—an adjustment for lawyers used to traditional paper binders.

• While in-person appearances are preferred again, many pre-trial matters can still be handled remotely.

For tech professionals and remote workers in Austin, this digital-first approach can feel familiar, but for newcomers, it may take some getting used to.

Unique Local Resource: The Travis County Law Library

One of the most distinctive features of divorcing in Austin is access to the Travis County Law Library, located on the second floor of the courthouse.

Holguin explains: “They have a process that guides people through filing agreed divorces or custody arrangements without needing to hire an attorney. To my knowledge, Travis County is the only county that offers something like this, and it is a huge service for families who qualify.”

This option is ideal if:

• Both parties fully agree on all divorce or custody terms.

• You are looking to reduce costs and file without legal representation.

However, if even one issue is contested, the Law Library cannot assist, and you will need to proceed through the courts with legal counsel.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing in Austin, TX comes with unique rules and resources. The standing orders protect families from rash decisions, the docket system keeps cases moving (though sometimes it can be misused), and the tech-forward courtroom procedures require some adjustment. Additionally, the Law Library offers a rare path for agreed divorces without attorneys.

As Holguin summarizes: “The truth is, you can continue living your life much as before, as long as your actions are reasonable.”

If you are preparing for divorce in Travis County, working with an experienced Austin family law attorney ensures you understand local procedures and avoid costly mistakes.