Matthew Allen Skillern, Child Custody Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law · 1.1/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Managing AttorneyatSkillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC
Houston, TX
Practicing child custody in Houston since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 1.1 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Matthew Allen Skillern?
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Quick answer
Matthew Allen Skillern is a managing attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Matthew has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC. Rated 1.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law
- Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew Allen Skillern: Matthew Allen Skillern is a managing attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Matthew has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC. Rated 1.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Matthew's practice areas in Houston
Matthew concentrates on child custody, divorce, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Child Custody
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Divorce
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Family Law
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Child Custody cases in Houston, Texas
Matthew takes child custody matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Divorce cases in Houston, Texas
Matthew takes divorce matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Houston, Texas
Matthew takes family law matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Matthew Allen Skillern, child custody attorney serving Houston
Matthew Allen Skillern is a managing attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Matthew has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC. Rated 1.1 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Matthew works from Houston, Texas and takes on child custody matters across the region.
OWNER/MANAGING ATTORNEY
Matthew A. Skillern is the founder and lead family law attorney at Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers. He is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an accomplishment that only 1% of family lawyers in Texas have achieved. Matthew is a strong trial lawyer with a record of success. He doesn’t back down, even when faced with difficult child custody issues or contentious divorces.
Matthew believes that being an effective advocate requires being forceful when it comes to defending his clients’ interests but also compassionate when helping them through the legal system. Although Matthew has been successfully litigating family law cases for years, he believes the courtroom is not the only place to resolve the complex and sensitive issues commonly found in family law matters. Recognizing that every client and case is different, Matthew advocates the use of negotiation and mediation to resolve marital and child custody disputes. If negotiation or mediation fail to resolve the issue, Matthew is more than willing to take the matter to trial.
Matthew grew up in Stafford, Texas, with humble beginnings. Upon graduation from high school, Matthew played football at Tyler Junior College and went on to graduate from Baylor University with a degree in political science. He obtained his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston. Matthew is a first-generation college graduate and often worked three jobs at once to finance his education. His tenacity, work ethic, and drive are evident in his firm, case management and advocacy skills. While Matthew started his legal career as a prosecutor for the Smith County District Attorney’s Office in Tyler, Texas, handling a wide range of criminal matters and trying cases to juries, upon moving home to Houston, Matthew switched to the other side of the courtroom, honing his trial and courtroom skills at one of Houston’s premier criminal defense firms.
Matthew is dedicated to his family and passionate about children and child-related issues. Clients, colleagues, and friends respect him for his dynamic courtroom skills and presence, all the while recognizing his kind heart and compassionate nature. Thus, Matthew founded Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers with the idea that he could utilize his strong advocacy skills for the good of others – because it is not just “family law,” it is someone’s life.
Education
- South Texas College of Law Houston, Texas A&M University, B.A. English (2010)
- J.D.
- Baylor University
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts – 2010
- Major: Political Science
Past Positions
- Smith County District Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor
Honors
- Texas Super Lawyers, 2015 - 2025 by Thomson Reuters
- Texas Rising Stars, 2010 - 2011, 2014 - 2015 by Thomson Reuters
- 10.0 Superb Rating by AVVO
- 10 Best 2025, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
- Expertise.com Best Family Lawyers in Houston 2025
- Clients' Choice Award 2015
- Top Attorneys in Texas 2017 - 2019
- America's Most Honored Professionals 2018 - 2019
- Top Attorneys Texas' Outstanding Young Lawyers 2014
- Houston's Top Lawyers 2014 - 2015
Classes & Seminars
- Houston Bar Association’s CLE May 9, 2014 “A Tale of Two Lawyers: Where Family and Criminal Law Intersects”
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, Member
- Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member
- Fort Bend County Bar Association, Member
How Matthew handles child custody matters
OWNER/MANAGING ATTORNEY Matthew A. Skillern is the founder and lead family law attorney at Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers. He is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an accomplishment that only 1% of family lawyers in Texas have achieved. Matthew is a strong trial lawyer with a record of success. He doesn’t back down, even when faced with…
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices
South Texas College of Law Houston
J.D. · 2003
Baylor University
B.A. Political · 2000
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
Texas U.S. District
2003 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in South Texas College of Law Houston and B.A. Political in Baylor University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in South Texas College of Law Houston and B.A. Political in Baylor University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Matthew Allen Skillern's office in Houston
Matthew's primary office is at 701 N Post Oak Road, Suite 600, Houston, TX, 77024. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Skillern Firm Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers PLLC
701 N Post Oak Road, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77024
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Allen Skillern — 1.1/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Houston.
1.1
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Allen Skillern claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Allen Skillern — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Allen Skillern
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Texas typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Matthew is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new child custody clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Child Custody attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
Matthew handles child custody matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated child custody attorneys in Texas
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.