Matthew Allen Skillern

Matthew Allen Skillern

Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers
  • Divorce, Family Law
  • Texas
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial MediaResponsive Law
Biography

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.

Practice Areas
Divorce
Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Additional Practice Areas
  • Modifications
  • Enforcements
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Managing Attorney
Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers
- Current
Partner
Midence & Skillern, PLLC
-
Of Counsel
Law Office of Grant M. Scheiner, P.C.
-
Partner
Collins & Skillern
-
Attorney
Smith County District Attorney
-
Education
South Texas College of Law
J.D. (2003) | Law
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Baylor University
B.A. (2000) | Political Science
Honors: Dean's List
Baylor University Logo
Awards
Texas Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2015-2023
10.0 Superb Rating
Avvo
2020
Best Divorce Lawyers in Houston
Expertise.com
Top Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Attorney.com
2019-2022
20 Best Divorce Lawyers in Houston
LawyerInc
Top Attorneys in Texas
Texas Monthly
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2010-2011, 2014-2015
Houston's Top Lawyers
H Texas
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
2010, 2012-2015
Smith County Outstanding Pro Bono Award
Smith County Bar Association
Professional Associations
Houston Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Family Law Section
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Fort Bend County Bar Association
Member
Current
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State Bar of Texas  # 24041926
Member
- Current
Activities: Family Law Section
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Speaking Engagements
A Tale of Two Lawyers: Where Family and Criminal Law Intersects, Houston Bar Association
Opening Statement, Top Gun DWI
You just won custody and now your child in in juvenile lockup, Smith County Family Lawyer's Association
Certifications
Board Certified in Family Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Websites & Blogs
Website
Skillern Law Firm Website
Blog
Skillern Law Firm Blog
Videos
Skillern Law Firm PLLC is Houston divorce lawyer firm committed to the practice of divorce attorney houston and family law attorney houston. We believe in giving our client's the best... Family Law Attorney Houston

Skillern Law Firm PLLC is Houston divorce lawyer firm committed to the practice of divorce attorney houston and family law attorney houston. We believe in giving our client's the best...

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer Can a Texas court order drug testing of the parents when determining custody?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer Can grandparents be awarded custody of their grandchild(ren) in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer Can visitation in Texas be denied to a non-custodial parent?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer Do the wishes of a child have any influence in custody decisions in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer How does joint custody work in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer How is the amount of child support determined in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer I was awarded joint custody, buy my ex-wife will not let me see my kids. What is my recourse?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer If one spouse has sole custody of the children, can they move out of the state?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What are some common terms that I should know in child custody cases?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What does reasonable visitation mean?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What if both parents agree on child custody and visitation in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What if the child's best interest does not coincide with the parents' personal desires?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What is child visitation and a parenting plan?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer What is supervised visitation in Texas?

Matthew Skillern, Midence & Skillern, PLLC, (713) 568-7528. Texas Child Custody Law FAQs: http://thelaw.tv/houston/Child+Custody+Law Disclaimer: http://thelaw.tv/houston/About/disclaimer

Contact & Map
Skillern Firm
Houston Office
701 N. Post Oak Road, Suite 600
Houston, TX 77024
Telephone: (713) 229-8855
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed (Today)
Skillern Firm
Sugar Land Office
1600 Highway 6
Suite 440
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Telephone: (713) 229-8855
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed (Today)