Central Texas Family Law Attorney
Aggressive family law representation when your family needs it most.
Serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Austin, and all of Central Texas. Carl Knickerbocker brings 17 years of family law experience, courtroom skill, and a genuine commitment to protecting your family’s future.
Family Law In Central Texas
Your family is worth fighting for. We fight hard.
Family law cases are among the most emotionally and financially significant legal matters a person can face. A divorce decree, custody order, or support arrangement will shape the next chapter of your life — and your children’s lives. Getting those decisions right requires more than paperwork. It requires an attorney who understands both the law and what’s at stake for real families under real pressure.
Carl Knickerbocker has spent nearly two decades representing Central Texas families in every aspect of family law — from straightforward agreed divorces to complex high-conflict custody battles involving parental alienation, domestic violence, and relocation disputes. As a published author on high-conflict custody and a SuperLawyers-ranked attorney, Carl brings a depth of knowledge that makes a measurable difference in outcomes.
We represent clients throughout Williamson County, Travis County, Bell County, Hays County, and surrounding areas of Central Texas. If you are facing a family law matter — at any stage — the right time to get informed is now.
Why Choose Carl
Practice Areas
Family Law Services
Every family law matter is different. Select the area that best describes your situation to learn how Carl approaches that specific type of case.
Divorce
Texas is a community property state. Whether your divorce is amicable or adversarial, the decisions made during it — property division, spousal support, parenting arrangements — will follow you for years. We approach every divorce with strategy and a clear eye on your long-term interests.
Learn about divorce in Texas →
Child Custody
Custody is the most emotionally charged issue in any family law case. Texas courts focus on the best interest of the child — but what that means in your situation depends on the specific facts. Carl has handled hundreds of custody cases, including high-conflict disputes involving alienation, relocation, and abuse allegations.
Learn about child custody in Texas →
Modifications
Life changes — and court orders need to keep pace. If there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since your last order was entered, you may be able to modify custody, possession, support, or other terms. We help you understand when modification is appropriate and how to pursue it effectively.
Learn about modifying a court order →
Enforcement
When the other parent refuses to follow a court order — withholding visitation, failing to pay support, ignoring custody terms — the legal system has powerful tools to hold them accountable. We move quickly and aggressively to enforce your rights and protect your children.
Learn about enforcement actions →
What To Expect
How a family law case works in Texas
Most people going through a family law case have never been through one before. The process can feel overwhelming — not just emotionally, but procedurally. Knowing what to expect helps you make better decisions and reduces unnecessary anxiety at an already stressful time.
Every case begins with a free consultation. We listen to your situation in full, ask the right questions, and give you an honest picture of your options — including what is realistic to expect from the legal process. We don’t tell people what they want to hear. We tell them what they need to know to make good decisions.
From there, the approach depends entirely on your goals and the specific circumstances of your case. Some cases settle quickly through negotiation or mediation. Others require temporary orders hearings, extensive discovery, and trial. Carl has deep experience at every stage and knows when to push hard and when a negotiated resolution serves you better.
High-Conflict Cases
When the other side isn’t playing fair — that changes everything.
High-conflict family law cases — those involving narcissistic personalities, parental alienation, false allegations, or a relentlessly adversarial opposing party — require a fundamentally different approach. Standard legal strategy fails when the other side is operating in bad faith.
Carl has dedicated a significant portion of his career — and his published work — to understanding and countering high-conflict behavior in family court. He knows the tactics these personalities use, understands how judges respond to them, and knows how to document and present your case in a way that cuts through the noise.
Coaching and consulting options are also available nationwide — you don’t have to be in Texas to benefit from Carl’s experience with these cases.
Common Questions
Family Law FAQs
How long does a divorce take in Texas?
Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. An uncontested divorce can often be completed shortly after. Contested cases involving property disputes, custody battles, or a difficult opposing party commonly take a year or more. The more cooperative both parties can be, the faster and less expensive the process will be.
What is the standard custody arrangement in Texas?
Texas courts presume that joint managing conservatorship — where both parents share decision-making — is in the child’s best interest. The Standard Possession Order gives the non-primary parent alternating weekends, Thursday evenings, and expanded summer time. Courts can deviate from this standard when the facts support it, particularly in high-conflict situations.
How does Texas divide property in a divorce?
Texas is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is presumed community property and subject to division. Separate property — owned before marriage or received as gift or inheritance — is not divided. Courts aim for a “just and right” division, which can deviate from 50/50 based on fault, earning capacity, and other factors.
Can I modify a custody order after it’s been issued?
Yes. Texas allows modification when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order. Common reasons include relocation, a significant change in the child’s needs, or documented concerns about the other parent’s home environment. See our modifications page for more detail.
What if the other parent is violating the court order?
Violating a court order is contempt of court. We can file an enforcement action that can result in the other party being fined, ordered to make up missed visitation, or jailed in serious cases. Contact us as soon as violations begin — the sooner we act, the stronger your case. Learn more on our enforcement page.
Do I need an attorney or can I represent myself?
You have the legal right to represent yourself. However, the decisions made in these cases — particularly around children and property — are difficult or impossible to undo. The other side will almost certainly have an attorney. Having experienced representation significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome and protects you from costly mistakes.
Take the first step — it’s free.
Tell us about your situation. Carl will listen, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your options — completely free, with no obligation to hire.
Request Your Free Consultation
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Prefer to call? (512) 763-9282 — Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.