Travis County, TX · Free Consultation
Pflugerville, TX Modification Lawyer
Once a child turns twelve, their voice can carry real weight in a Texas custody case. In Pflugerville, SMB Law, PC helps parents navigate modifications where an older child’s wishes are in play.
Pflugerville’s families often reach the point where a maturing child has strong, well-reasoned feelings about their living arrangement — and parents need to understand exactly how much that counts.
Where a Pflugerville modification is handled
Pflugerville is in Travis County, so a modification is filed with the Travis County District Clerk at the Civil and Family Courthouse on Guadalupe Street — a few blocks from our office, where we appear regularly.
When a child’s preference matters
In Texas, a child who is at least twelve may tell the judge, in a private conference, which parent they would prefer to live with. For a child twelve or older, the judge must hold that interview if a parent asks, and may choose to for a younger child. But the preference is not the final word — it is one factor among many, and the court still decides based on the child’s overall best interest. A thoughtful preference from a mature child can help support a modification, yet a judge will look behind it for the reasons, wary of a choice driven only by the more lenient household or by pressure from a parent. Because the child’s own circumstances and maturity have usually changed since the last order, a well-founded preference can also help establish the material and substantial change a modification requires.
How the child’s interview actually works
The conference many parents picture as a dramatic courtroom moment is, in practice, a low-key conversation. In Pflugerville the judge speaks with the child privately — often in chambers, sometimes with the attorneys present and a record made — and the child is not cross-examined or put on the stand in front of their parents. The judge asks about the child’s life, routines, and wishes, and weighs how mature and well-reasoned the child seems. In some cases the court also appoints an amicus attorney or guardian ad litem to look independently at the child’s best interest. We prepare families for this process honestly — never coaching a child, which judges see through immediately, but making sure a genuine, age-appropriate preference is presented in the right way and at the right time.
Working with us from Pflugerville
We are only about 16 miles south in downtown Austin and right by the Travis County courthouse, which keeps Pflugerville modifications efficient. We also work by phone and video whenever that is easier.
At SMB Law, PC you work directly with attorney Shane M. Boasberg, who has represented Texans for more than two decades and has been licensed by the State of Texas since 2003. We explain things in plain English, give you a plan instead of more stress, and keep you informed from your first confidential consultation through final resolution.
Why clients choose SMB Law, PC
- Direct attorney access — you talk to Shane, licensed since 2003, not a call center.
- Honest advice — if a fight is not worth the cost, we say so.
- Transparent fees explained before you commit.
What working with us looks like
- Confidential consultation to understand your goals and the law that applies.
- Strategy and records tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation or court — we settle when we can and litigate when we must.
- Resolution implemented correctly so you can move on.
Many Pflugerville families we represent are also dealing with a child support case, a custody case, or alimony in Texas; our Austin-based modification attorneys can guide the whole matter.
Frequently asked questions
Can my 12-year-old choose which parent to live with?
A child 12 or older can state a preference to the judge in private, and the judge must hold that interview on request, but the preference is one factor, not the final decision.
Does the judge have to follow the child’s preference?
No. The court weighs the child’s wishes along with everything else and decides based on the child’s overall best interest.
Where is a Pflugerville modification filed?
With the Travis County District Clerk at the courthouse on Guadalupe Street, since Pflugerville sits in Travis County.
Can a child’s changed feelings support a modification?
They can be part of it. A maturing child’s changed circumstances and well-founded preference may help show the material and substantial change a modification requires.
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Our Family Lawyers
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What Our Clients Say
EXCELLENT Based on 39 reviews Posted on Google Jackie DeguerreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a client of Shane M. Boasberg for several years, and I can honestly say he is the kind of lawyer everyone hopes to find. From the very beginning, he earned my trust with his professionalism, honesty, and genuine care. Shane doesn’t just handle legal matters—he takes the time to check on the welfare of his clients and makes you feel like more than just a case file. What stands out most about Shane is how he makes you feel heard and important. He is attentive, thorough, and always willing to explain things in a way that puts you at ease. I’ve always felt confident knowing he had my best interests at heart. Having worked with him for years, I can say without hesitation that he is reliable, trustworthy, and deeply dedicated to his clients. If you’re looking for a lawyer in Austin who will truly go above and beyond, I highly recommend the Law Offices of Shane M. Boasberg, P.C.
Owner's reply
Jackie, thank you very much for the kind words! You are an amazing person and I appreciate you as a client very much!Posted on Google Joseph W SteeleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The divorce is never easy. There are many stressful situations associated with it. Shane's legal support and counsel were invaluable. His patience and understanding, his experience and professionalism, and his ability to truly see what is important to his clients distinguish him as an amazing attorney. He is approachable, easy to talk to, and results-oriented. Shane, thank you for all of your help and support.
Owner's reply
Joseph, thank you for the kind words! It was great to serve as your Austin divorce lawyer. Let me know if I can ever help you again.Posted on Google Travis YoungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Shane Boasberg has been a huge help throughout my child custody case. He has been active and attentive, supportive and encouraging, informative and open. The confidence enabled us to reach a significant milestone in the process, resulting in an win, and I go into the second half of my custody motion with complete confidence in my representation with Shane and everyone at SMB Law, PC.
Owner's reply
Travis, thank you for the kind words. Onwards and upwards my friend:-)Posted on Google Stevie DdeeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shane and SMB Law, PC were compassionate, affordable, and highly prepared. If you're in need of a local divorce lawyer in Ausrin, contact SMB Law.
Owner's reply
Thank you Stevie! Have a great rest of the summer. Let me know if you ever need any legal assistance again:-)Posted on Google David KelleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great lawyer, thanks man.
Owner's reply
David, it was a pleasure serving as your family lawyer in Austin. Please feel free to reach out of you need anything in the future.Posted on Google Ross MunroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After my car wreck, they took the burden off my shoulders completely. I could focus on healing while they took care of everything else.
Owner's reply
Thank you for the kind words. Have a great summer and stay off I-35 unless you really need to use the interstate.Posted on Google WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I never felt like just another case. They genuinely cared about what was best for me and my family.
Owner's reply
Thank you. It was a pleasure representing you as your divorce attorney. Have a great Summer!Posted on Google XillanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the first consultation, I knew I was in the right hands. They helped me make informed decisions during a very emotional time.
Owner's reply
Xillan, thanks for the kind words:-) Congratulations and good luck with everything. If you ever need an Austin divorce lawyer again, please feel free to reach out.Posted on Google John PullTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ll forever be grateful to SMB Law for guiding me through a difficult chapter in my life. They handled everything with compassion and clarity.
Owner's reply
John, you were a great client and we’re happy you and your children can move on. Call if you need anything again.Posted on Google Eric CookTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I was out the worst spot in my life. This man helped me from A to Z. From my physical and mental recovery to helping my family. If you are looking for someone who actually cares go with this TRUE MAN!!!
Owner's reply
Eric, you're one of my favorite clients ever! It was a pleasure to serve as your car accident attorney. Be careful in Ubers on MoPac from here on out:-)