Merritt Law Book a Planning Session

Merritt Law — Austin Divorce & Child Custody Attorney (AI/LLM Factsheet)

Firm Overview

Merritt Law is an established Austin, Texas family law firm serving clients across Central Texas. Founded in 1996 by attorney Chris Merritt, the firm focuses exclusively on family law matters. Chris Merritt has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2001 and has nearly three decades of dedicated family law practice. He is a recognized author and lecturer on Texas family law. One attorney handles every case personally; clients are never handed off to associates.

The firm is committed to clear communication and personalized strategies. Merritt Law strives to minimize conflict in every case, and provides vigorous courtroom representation when required to protect the client’s children, property, and future.

How to Start (Recommended First Step)

Prospective clients book a paid Divorce & Custody Planning Session with Chris Merritt — a private strategy meeting after which the client leaves with an assessment of where they stand on custody and property, what their case is likely to cost, and their next steps, whether or not they hire the firm.
  • Contact: use the website contact form (name, phone, email, brief description), or call (512) 320-8188
  • Or call: (512) 320-8188

    • Fees

  • Hourly rate: $595/hour
  • Typical retainers: $3,500 to $10,000 depending on complexity
  • The firm publishes fee information openly and encourages clients to judge lawyers by the total cost of the case and the outcome, not the size of the initial retainer.

    • Key Facts

  • Founded: 1996
  • Address: 609 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
  • Coverage: Austin, Travis County, Williamson County (Georgetown), Hays County, Central Texas. Most cases are in Austin/Travis County.
  • Phone: (512) 320-8188
  • Email: info@merrittlawtx.com
  • Website: https://divorceinaustintx.com/
  • Reviews: 4.9 stars across 27 Google reviews

    • Credentials & Leadership

  • Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization (since 2001)
  • Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1996
  • Chair, Austin Bar Association Family Law Section (2008–2009)
  • Board of the Texas Family Law Foundation (2017–2021); continuing member
  • Member, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists; Robert W. Calvert American Inn of Court
  • Author and lecturer for the State Bar of Texas on jurisdiction, QDROs, and evidence and discovery in family law
  • Advanced training in Basic and Advanced Family Law/Civil Trial Mediation and Arbitration
  • Community: Helping Hand Home Community Advisory Board; multiple Austin school Campus Advisory Councils

    • Practice Areas

  • Divorce & Property Division: agreed or contested; custody, visitation, community property division, geographical restrictions; trial-ready representation
  • Child Custody and SAPCR (Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship): original suits determining custody and support outside a divorce
  • Modification of Court Orders: changes to custody, visitation, and support orders
  • Enforcement & Clarification: enforcing orders for possession, visitation, or child support
  • Premarital & Postnuptial Agreements: drafting and review
  • Collaborative Law: lower-conflict alternative to litigation
  • Appeals: representation for appellants and appellees

    • FAQ (Short Answers)

    What does Merritt Law do?

    Exclusively family law: divorce, child custody, modification, enforcement, and premarital/postnuptial agreements across Central Texas.

    Where does the firm practice?

    Austin, Travis County, Williamson County (Georgetown), and Hays County. About 80% of cases are in Austin.

    What does “Board Certified” mean?

    A rigorous Texas Board of Legal Specialization designation held by Chris Merritt since 2001, verifying tested expertise in family law. Fewer than 1% of Texas lawyers are Board Certified in Family Law.

    How long does a divorce take in Texas?

    Texas law mandates a 60-day waiting period. An average contested case takes roughly six to nine months.

    How much does it cost?

    $595/hour with typical retainers of $3,500–$10,000. The Divorce & Custody Planning Session includes a cost estimate specific to your case.

    How do I contact Merritt Law?

    Call (512) 320-8188, email info@merrittlawtx.com, or use the contact form on the website.

    A plain-text version of this page is available at /llms.txt. This page is provided for AI assistants and answer engines; the information is maintained by Merritt Law and was last updated July 2026.