Family Law Co Counsel Change
When Your Family Law Case Needs A Fresh Direction: Understanding Co-Counsel In Texas
If you’re reading this page, you are likely frustrated with the direction or pace of your divorce or custody case. Maybe communication with your attorney has slowed. Maybe deadlines feel rushed, or important information seems to come at the last minute. Perhaps your case has been pending for months with little visible progress. You may feel torn between staying with a lawyer who is not meeting your needs and starting over with someone new.
Most people do not realize there is another option available under Texas law: you can bring in an additional attorney without firing your current one. This arrangement is known as co-counsel, and it is a lawful, ethical, and often highly effective way to improve the direction of your case while maintaining continuity and avoiding the disruption of a full transition.
At Brandy Austin Law Firm, our Texas family law co-counsel change lawyer regularly serves as co-counsel in contested divorces, custody modifications, and complex family litigation throughout Dallas and Tarrant County. When a case stalls, loses direction, or simply needs stronger strategy and support, we step in to help clients regain control and move forward with confidence.
Your Rights As A Family Law Client In Texas
Texas law gives clients meaningful control over their representation. These rights exist to protect you and ensure you receive competent, diligent legal services.
1. You can hire co-counsel.
You have the right to add another attorney to your case. Both lawyers must agree to the arrangement, and you must receive clear written information about fees, responsibilities, and how the attorneys will collaborate.
2. You can seek a second opinion.
Consulting another attorney for guidance or strategy review is responsible and appropriate. It does not violate loyalty to your current lawyer. A second opinion simply helps you understand whether your case is on the right track.
3. You can change attorneys.
If communication has deteriorated, trust has eroded, or strategy disagreements cannot be resolved, you may choose to substitute counsel. This is a common and lawful process, and your new attorney will handle the transition.
4. You must be kept informed.
Your attorney has a duty to:
- explain the strategy
- answer reasonable questions
- provide timely updates
- notify you of deadlines and hearing dates
- help you understand your options
If these responsibilities are not being met, it is reasonable to evaluate your alternatives.
Signs Your Case May Need Additional Support
Not every slow period in a family law case is a sign of a problem. Courts have crowded dockets, opposing parties may cause delays, and negotiations sometimes take time. However, certain warning signs should prompt you to explore whether co-counsel or substitution is appropriate.
Common red flags in custody or divorce cases include:
- Little to no activity for long periods
- Poor or inconsistent communication from your attorney
- Missed deadlines or last-minute scrambling
- Repeated hearing resets without clear justification
- No clear strategy or unclear explanations for decisions
- Opposing party making steady progress while your side stalls
- Your own intuition telling you something is wrong
How Co-Counsel Arrangements Work In Texas
A co-counsel arrangement allows two lawyers to share responsibility for your representation. The goal is to enhance your case by combining knowledge, experience, and resources.
Clear Roles
Your original attorney often remains the primary point of contact. Co-counsel may be brought in for:
- trial preparation
- complex discovery
- motion practice
- case management
- strategic oversight
The division of responsibilities is explained to you in writing at the outset.
Transparent Fees
Texas ethics rules require:
- your written consent
- fees divided proportionately to work performed or joint responsibility
- no increase in the total fee solely because two lawyers are involved
- all fees must remain reasonable
You receive a clear written agreement outlining what you will pay and how each attorney is compensated.
Unified Representation
Both attorneys have full obligations to you, including:
- loyalty
- confidentiality
- competent representation
- diligent communication
You do not have to choose between lawyers. Instead, you gain additional support and experience focused on strengthening your case.
Professional Coordination
Successful co-counsel arrangements require teamwork between attorneys. When done properly, co-counsel brings renewed momentum, sharper strategy, and more thorough preparation to your case.
When Substitution Of Counsel Is The Better Choice
While co-counsel is highly effective in many divorce or custody situations, sometimes it is not enough.
Substitution may be appropriate when:
- the attorney-client relationship has fundamentally broken down
- communication has deteriorated beyond repair
- there are deep, unresolvable disagreements about strategy
- you want one attorney fully responsible for all decisions
The substitution process in Texas—whether for divorce or custody matters—is straightforward.
The steps are simple:
1. The new attorney prepares a motion to substitute counsel.
2. The current attorney signs the motion agreeing to withdraw.
3. The court enters an order approving the change.
Your case continues without interruption, and your new attorney begins organizing, reviewing, and ultimately directing the strategy moving forward.
What To Expect When Adding Brandy Austin Law Firm
Bringing our firm into your case—either as co-counsel or substitute counsel—follows a structured and ethical process designed to protect your rights and ensure a smooth transition.
1. Consultation
We examine your concerns, review the status of your case, and give you clear guidance about whether co-counsel or substitution is the most effective path.
2. Ethical Coordination
If co-counsel is appropriate, we hold a three-way conversation with you and your current lawyer to define roles and expectations.
If substitution is necessary, we prepare all required documentation and handle the process professionally and respectfully.
3. Written Fee Agreements
You receive transparent written agreements explaining:
- what services we will provide
- how fees are structured
- your responsibilities as the client
4. Case Review And Strategy
Once engaged, we:
- review your entire file
- assess the procedural posture of your case
- identify missed opportunities
- develop a strategic plan
- begin addressing any urgent concerns
You will clearly understand the steps we are taking and why.
What We Bring To Your Case
Clients often come to us because they feel unheard or unsure of what is happening in their case. We bring:
Fresh Strategic Perspective
A new set of eyes can spot overlooked issues, procedural problems, or opportunities for stronger advocacy.
Strong Trial and Litigation Experience
We are equipped for contested hearings, complex motion practice, and trials. Many cases that require co-counsel are litigation-heavy, and we are prepared to guide you through each stage.
Deep Knowledge Of Local Courts
We regularly practice in Dallas and Tarrant County courts.
We understand local rules, judge expectations, and best practices to keep your case moving.
Practical, Results-Focused Representation
We prioritize efficiency, strategic action, and meaningful progress—whether through negotiation or litigation.
Clear And Consistent Communication
You will understand:
- what is happening
- why it is happening
- what comes next
Communication is part of competent representation, not an extra.
Important Ethical Notes
- We do not interfere with existing attorney-client relationships.
- We encourage clients to discuss concerns with their current attorney when appropriate.
- We cannot give specific legal advice without understanding your full circumstances.
- Every case is unique; not all delays or challenges indicate attorney error.
Our role is to help you evaluate your options and regain clarity in your case.
Moving Forward
If you are uncertain whether you need co-counsel, a second opinion, or complete substitution of counsel, the next step is simple: schedule a consultation.
Your family law case is too important to let it drift without strategy or clear communication. You deserve representation that listens, responds, and moves with purpose.
Contact Brandy Austin Law Firm today to discuss how we can help get your case moving in the right direction. We proudly serve Dallas and Tarrant County in divorce, custody, and complex family litigation.