Leaves this page right away — or press Esc twice.

Going through a divorce or separation

This is hard, and it's okay to not have it all figured out. Your kids mostly need to know they're loved and that the grown-ups have a plan. Travis County has free help with forms, low-cost mediation, a free co-parenting class, and free legal aid if you qualify. Below are the first steps, with the official links.

This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and court rules change. Talk to a licensed Texas family law attorney or a legal aid provider about your situation.

Crisis and urgent help

Call 911
If anyone is in immediate danger.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988, any time, free and confidential.
Get help
Integral Care 24/7 Helpline
512-472-HELP (4357). Psychiatric Emergency Services walk-in 24/7 at 1165 Airport Blvd, 2nd floor.
Get help
SAFE Alliance SAFEline
512-267-SAFE (7233), 24/7. Text "SAFE" to 737-888-7233, or chat at safeaustin.org/chat. For family violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
Get help
2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.
Get help

First 30 days

0 of 8 done

If you or your kids are unsafe, call SAFE Alliance 24/7 at 512-267-7233 (or 911 in an emergency)How to Source
Check if you qualify for free legal help from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Family law intake is Tue and Thu 9–5 at (956) 996-8752.How to Source
Visit the Travis County Law Library Self-Help Center for forms and guidance (it can't give legal advice)How to Source
Uncontested? Look into the free Family Law Case ReviewHow to Source
Find out about mediation. Austin Dispute Resolution Center lists its fees online.How to Source
Sign up for the free Travis County Cooperative Parenting classHow to Source
Need a lawyer? Start with the Austin Bar AssociationHow to Source
Line up counseling support for your kids (sliding scale available)How to Source

Resources

Travis County Law Library Self-Help Center

Self-help forms and resources for people handling family cases on their own. Staff can't give legal advice.

Free1700 Guadalupe St, 2nd floor, Austin

Mon–Fri 8–5.

(512) 854-8677 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Travis County Law Library: Family Law Case Review

A free review for people handling an uncontested divorce themselves.

FreeTravis County Law Library

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): family law

Free civil legal help for eligible low-income Texans, including family law.

Free if eligibleAustin office: 4920 N I-35, Austin 78751

Not everyone who applies will get representation. Some applicants receive referrals only. Cases involving recent abuse are prioritized.

Family law intake: (956) 996-8752, Tue and Thu 9am–5pm CST; general line 1-888-988-9996 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

TexasLawHelp.org

Free Texas legal information and court forms, including divorce and custody forms.

FreeOnline

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Travis County Cooperative Parenting Program (Domestic Relations Office)

A co-parenting class: 6 classes, 9 hours total. In person on Wednesdays 1–2:30pm, or virtual on Mondays (non-custodial parents) or Tuesdays (custodial parents) 1–2:30pm.

FreeDomestic Relations Office, 1700 Guadalupe, 5th floor

No children at classes. The page lists TXparent.com ($34.95) as an online alternative if your court permits it.

512-854-9690 (to register)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin Dispute Resolution Center

Nonprofit mediation, including family mediation.

Fees range from $50 to $250 per side depending on circumstances (per the FAQ). The fee page lists community-based mediation at $150 for non-Travis County.Austin

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27