Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Houston Family Law Firm
At Skillern Firm, we bring over 160 years of combined experience in family law to every case we handle. Our Houston-based team is dedicated to providing strong, compassionate legal representation for clients navigating divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. We prioritize understanding each client's unique situation to craft tailored solutions that protect their rights and future. With a focus on accountability and results, we advocate fiercely for our clients whether through negotiation or litigation.Our attorneys are board-certified specialists who combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional challenges clients face. We serve diverse families across Texas with a commitment to securing what is rightfully yours while minimizing conflict and emotional strain.
Services
Divorce Representation
Child Custody
High-Asset Divorce
Child Support
Family Law Appeals
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 160+ years of combined experience in Texas family law
- Board-certified attorneys with specialized legal expertise
- Fierce advocacy in complex divorce and custody cases
- Client-centered approach with personalized legal strategies
- Proven success in high-asset and contested family law matters
What people say
Compassionate representation
Exceeded expectations
Saved our lives
Outstanding legal expertise
Worth every penny
Services
Divorce Representation
Our Houston divorce attorneys handle all aspects of marital dissolution including property division, spousal support, and contested/uncontested proceedings. We protect client assets and rights while minimizing emotional distress through strategic negotiation or aggressive litigation. With extensive experience in Texas family law, we guide clients through complex divorce processes involving business valuations, hidden assets, and high-net-worth considerations.
Child Custody
We advocate for clients in child custody matters including joint/solo conservatorship, visitation rights, and custody modifications. Our attorneys understand Texas courts' best-interest standards and work to create stable parenting plans. We handle complex cases involving parental alienation, relocation disputes, and emergency custody situations while maintaining focus on children's well-being throughout legal proceedings.
High-Asset Divorce
Specialized representation for divorces involving significant assets exceeding $1 million. Our team handles complex property division including business valuations, stock options, real estate portfolios, and retirement accounts. We employ forensic accounting resources to uncover hidden assets and ensure equitable distribution of marital property while protecting clients' financial futures through strategic legal advocacy.
Child Support
We assist clients with child support establishment, modification, and enforcement matters. Our attorneys calculate support obligations based on Texas guidelines while considering unique circumstances like parental income disparities and children's special needs. We also help clients address non-payment issues through legal enforcement actions to ensure children's financial needs are consistently met.
Family Law Appeals
Our appellate specialists handle post-trial motions and appeals for family law cases. We analyze trial records for legal errors, prepare appellate briefs, and present arguments before higher courts. This service ensures clients have recourse when initial rulings fail to adequately protect their rights or when opposing parties violate court orders through intentional non-compliance.
People
Matthew Skillern
Owner/Managing Attorney
Board-certified family law specialist with extensive trial experience. Leads the firm's strategic legal approach while maintaining direct client involvement in complex cases. Recognized for successful outcomes in high-asset divorces and contentious custody battles.
Caitlin Thorpe
Partner
Board-certified attorney specializing in complex family law litigation. Handles high-stakes divorce cases with significant property division and custody disputes. Known for meticulous case preparation and effective courtroom advocacy.
Robin Klein
Senior Counsel
Experienced family law attorney focusing on mediation and collaborative divorce solutions. Helps clients resolve disputes amicably while maintaining aggressive representation when litigation becomes necessary.
Tina Floridia
Senior Associate Attorney
Recognized for exceptional client advocacy in domestic violence and child protection cases. Combines compassionate representation with tenacious legal strategy to protect vulnerable clients and their children.
Amber Skillern
Of Counsel
Skilled negotiator with focus on divorce settlements and custody agreements. Praised for making complex legal processes accessible and manageable for clients during emotionally challenging times.
Questions
How long does a divorce typically take in Texas?
Simple uncontested divorces can finalize in 60 days, while complex cases involving custody or asset division may take 6-18 months depending on court schedules and negotiation progress.
What factors determine child custody arrangements?
Texas courts consider the child's best interests, including emotional needs, parental stability, educational considerations, and any history of abuse or neglect when establishing custody arrangements.
Can child custody agreements be modified?
Yes, custody orders can be modified when significant life changes affect the child's well-being, such as parental relocation, changes in work schedules, or evolving child needs.
How are assets divided in Texas divorces?
Texas uses 'just and right' division principles rather than strict equality, considering factors like earning capacity, marital contributions, and future financial needs when dividing community property.
What's the difference between mediation and litigation?
Mediation offers collaborative dispute resolution with lower costs and faster timelines, while litigation involves court decisions for complex cases where agreement proves unattainable through negotiation.
How can I protect myself in a high-asset divorce?
Engage experienced attorneys who can employ forensic accounting, business valuation experts, and strategic legal maneuvers to ensure fair asset distribution and protection of your financial interests.
