Most families want to understand what they are getting into before they pick up the phone. This guide explains how family law representation generally works — honestly and in plain English.
Family law attorneys in Texas typically work on a retainer basis. You pay an initial retainer — a deposit placed into a trust account — and the attorney bills their time against it as work is performed. When the retainer is exhausted, a replenishment may be requested. At the conclusion of the case, any unused balance is returned to you.
Hourly billing rates vary based on the attorney's experience, the complexity of the matter, and the market. There is no single "standard" rate for Collin County family law — it is something to discuss directly with any attorney you consider hiring.
Some straightforward, limited-scope matters — such as reviewing a proposed agreed decree — may be handled on a flat-fee basis. Ask during your consultation whether that option is appropriate for your situation.
One principle holds across virtually every family law case: the more the parties can agree, the less the case costs. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all terms is significantly less expensive than a contested divorce that goes through discovery and trial. Every motion filed, every deposition taken, and every hearing scheduled adds time — and cost.
No two family law cases are identical. The factors below tend to have the most significant impact on what a case ultimately costs:
While every case takes its own path, most Texas divorce and custody matters follow a recognizable sequence. Here is a plain-English overview:
You meet with Lynda Landers to discuss your situation, your goals, and your options. She explains the legal landscape for your specific circumstances — what to expect, what the process involves, and what decisions will need to be made. You leave with a realistic picture, not a sales pitch.
The case begins when a petition is filed with the Collin County district court. The other party is then served with notice of the proceedings. In a divorce, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period (Texas Family Code § 6.702) from the date of filing before a final decree can be entered. This period is often used productively to gather information and begin working toward agreement.
In many cases, interim arrangements must be established for the pendency of the case — who lives where, who has the children and when, who pays which bills. When parties cannot agree on these matters voluntarily, a temporary orders hearing before a judge resolves them. Temporary orders govern the situation until the final order is entered.
Both sides exchange financial and other relevant information through the formal discovery process — written questions, document requests, and sometimes depositions. This phase often runs concurrently with settlement negotiations. Many cases resolve during this stage, especially with experienced counsel focused on practical outcomes rather than prolonging conflict.
Texas courts require mediation before most family law cases go to trial. A neutral mediator facilitates negotiations between the parties and their attorneys in a structured setting. Mediation resolves the majority of cases and typically costs significantly less than trial — for both sides. Reaching a mediated settlement also gives both parties more control over the outcome than leaving the decision to a judge.
If the parties reach an agreement — through negotiation or mediation — the terms are memorialized in a final decree or order, reviewed by both attorneys, and presented to the court for approval. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial and the judge makes the final decisions. The resulting order is binding and enforceable.
Texas family courts require mediation in the vast majority of contested family law cases before a trial date is set. This is not simply a procedural hurdle — it is an opportunity, and most attorneys and judges will tell you the same thing: mediation works.
In mediation, both parties and their attorneys meet with a trained, neutral mediator — often a former judge or experienced family law attorney — who facilitates settlement discussions. Neither side is compelled to agree to anything; participation is mandatory but agreement is voluntary. The mediator does not decide the case. Instead, they help parties find workable middle ground they might not reach on their own.
Cases that settle at mediation typically cost significantly less than those that go to trial, and they resolve faster. They also give both parties a meaningful voice in shaping the outcome — something a contested trial cannot guarantee. Lynda Landers prepares her clients thoroughly for mediation and approaches it as a serious step toward resolution, not a formality.
Before hiring an attorney for a family law matter, it is worth asking a few pointed questions. The right attorney will welcome them.
A consultation with Lynda Landers gives you honest guidance on what your case is likely to involve — and what it will take to reach a good outcome.
Schedule a Consultation or call (972) 529-5707