Austin Family Law Attorneys

Family law touches on some of life’s most important relationships. Marriage, divorce, parenthood, and child custody decisions all shape the way families live and move forward. At The Law Office of Oprea & Weber, we are committed to helping Austin families handle these matters with clarity, care, and respect.

Our Austin family law attorneys understand how the Travis County courts approach family law matters, but we also recognize that many cases never need to become contested courtroom battles. With thoughtful preparation, cooperative discussions, and carefully drafted agreements, it is often possible to resolve the most important issues before a judge is ever asked to step in and enter a final judgment.

How Family Law Matters Are Handled in Travis County

Family law cases in Travis County are filed in the Civil and Family Courts, which have jurisdiction over divorce, custody, support, and other related issues. Cases are primarily held in the District Courts, although some proceedings take place in the Civil County Courts at Law. Judges in these courts are tasked with applying Texas family law in a way that protects children and ensures fair treatment of both spouses or parents.

That said, Travis County judges also expect parties to make every effort to reach agreements outside of court. Mediation, settlement conferences, and attorney-led negotiations are all strongly encouraged before trial becomes necessary. This is because agreed orders—those that both parties sign—tend to work better in practice and reduce the stress of ongoing conflict.

At Oprea & Weber, we embrace this philosophy. Our goal is to help clients prepare thoroughly so that when they arrive in court, the case is already organized, cooperative, and free of unnecessary disputes. This approach saves time, lowers costs, and allows families to move forward with less strain.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

One of the most effective ways to prevent family law disputes is through cooperative planning. Prenuptial agreements (signed before marriage) and postnuptial agreements (signed during marriage) allow couples to define their financial rights and obligations in advance.

In Texas, these agreements can clarify issues such as:

How community and separate property will be divided in the event of divorce
Whether spousal support will be paid and under what conditions
How debts will be managed during and after marriage

Couples who use prenuptial or postnuptial agreements often avoid costly and stressful disputes later on. By addressing potential points of conflict before they arise, spouses can enter marriage—or continue it—with peace of mind and a clear understanding of their financial partnership.

Our attorneys draft, review, and negotiate these agreements with care. We focus on fairness, clarity, and compliance with Texas law so that the agreement will stand up in court if ever challenged. Just as importantly, we work with clients to ensure the agreement reflects their personal values and goals, not just the legal requirements.

Austin Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is one of the most common family law matters in Travis County. Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the time a divorce petition is filed before the divorce can be finalized, and local courts encourage couples to work out as many details as possible before appearing before a judge.

The key issues to be decided in a divorce often include:

Division of property and debts under Texas community property law
Spousal maintenance (sometimes called alimony), when one spouse needs support after the divorce
Parenting plans that set out child custody and visitation arrangements
Child support to ensure children’s needs are met financially

While these matters can become contentious, they do not have to be. At Oprea & Weber, we help clients focus on cooperation wherever possible. By negotiating fair settlements, we often reduce the uncertainty and expense of a drawn-out divorce.

When agreements are reached, we prepare the necessary paperwork so the judge can review and sign an uncontested order. This keeps court involvement minimal and allows families to finalize their divorce with less disruption.

SAPCR Suits

In Texas, when parents are not married, issues relating to children are handled through a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR). These suits establish the legal rights and duties of each parent, such as custody, visitation, decision-making authority, and child support.

Travis County courts approach SAPCR cases with the best interests of the child as the guiding principle. This means the court wants to ensure that children have stability, safety, and meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.

Our firm assists parents in drafting parenting plans that meet both the legal requirements and the practical needs of the family. Whether through negotiation or mediation, we aim to resolve SAPCR matters outside of contested hearings. Once an agreement is reached, the court can review and approve it, giving the plan the force of law without unnecessary conflict.

By focusing on cooperation, we help parents avoid adversarial battles that can strain relationships and affect children. Instead, we prioritize creating workable solutions that give children the stability they deserve.

Paternity

Establishing paternity is another important area of family law. In Texas, paternity gives a father the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood, including the right to seek custody or visitation and the duty to provide financial support.

Paternity can be established in two main ways:

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP): Both parents sign a form acknowledging the father as the legal parent.
Court-Ordered Paternity: If there is a dispute, the court may order genetic testing to confirm paternity.

For mothers, establishing paternity ensures that children can access financial support and benefits from both parents. For fathers, it provides legal standing to be actively involved in their child’s life.

At Oprea & Weber, we guide clients through the paternity process with sensitivity and care. Whether you are a mother seeking support, a father seeking recognition of your parental rights, or a parent unsure of how to proceed, we work to achieve fair outcomes that put the child’s well-being first.

A Thoughtful, Cooperative Path Forward

Family law cases often involve strong emotions and high stakes, but they do not have to be destructive. With the right guidance, many families can resolve their issues in ways that are respectful, efficient, and lasting.

At Oprea & Weber, we believe that cooperative solutions not only save time and money but also help families preserve important relationships. By combining legal skill with a compassionate approach, we help clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Speak With an Austin Family Law Attorney Today

If you are preparing for marriage, considering divorce, working through custody issues, or seeking to establish paternity, The Law Office of Oprea & Weber is here to help. Our attorneys provide clear advice, careful preparation, and a supportive presence every step of the way.