How much does it cost to hire Michael for a divorce case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do divorce cases in Texas typically take?

Simple divorce 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Austin?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new divorce clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Michael Em Araj, Divorce Attorney in Austin, Texas

Over 15 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce, Family Law, and General

Lead Litigation AttorneyatSmith & Bledsoe Family Law

Austin, TX

Practicing divorce in Austin since 2011.

15+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Divorce Family Law General Prenup

Are you Michael Em Araj?

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Quick answer

Michael Em Araj is a lead litigation attorney based in Austin, TX. The practice focuses on Divorce, Family Law, and General. Michael has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law.

Based in: Austin, TX
Experience: over 15 years
Known for: Divorce · Family Law · General

Handles Divorce, Family Law, and General matters from Austin, TX.
Over 15 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Em Araj

Michael concentrates on divorce, family law, general, and prenup. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Divorce cases in Austin, Texas

Michael takes divorce matters in Austin, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Austin, Texas

Michael takes family law matters in Austin, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Austin, Texas

Michael takes general matters in Austin, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Prenup cases in Austin, Texas

Michael takes prenup matters in Austin, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Em Araj — Over 15 years of Texas divorce experience

Michael “Em” Araj is a Lead Litigation Attorney with Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, focusing exclusively on complex family law matters, including high asset divorces, contested custody cases, marital agreements, and more. Relocating from Virginia to Austin, Em brings a unique perspective to their practice, combining zealous courtroom advocacy with the balance of skilled mediation.

Em earned dual degrees in Economics and Government from the College of William & Mary before completing their law degree at Creighton University School of Law. Known for meticulous preparation and client-first strategies, Em is recognized as both a strong trial lawyer and a pragmatic negotiator.

Em’s philosophy centers on guiding families through transition with integrity and empathy. They believe in transparent communication, empowering clients with knowledge, and pursuing the most effective path to resolution, whether through mediation or trial. Their professional style strikes a balance between compassion and strategic advocacy, with a commitment to fully protecting every client’s rights and interests.

A committed advocate both inside and outside the courtroom, Em is proud to serve the Austin community. They remain actively engaged in local networks and professional organizations. Outside the courtroom, Em enjoys cooking, baking, and writing about their food adventures.

Honors & Awards

Em’s dedication to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned them several prestigious professional distinctions:

Super Lawyers Rising Stars: Selected for inclusion in the 2024 list, a distinction reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
Justia Lawyer Rating: Maintains a 9.8 "Superb" rating, reflecting high marks for professional standing and peer recognition.
CALI Excellence for the Future Award: Recipient of the CALI Award in Defense of Criminal Cases (2010), recognizing the highest grade in the class during their legal studies.

Working with Michael on a divorce matter

Michael “Em” Araj is a Lead Litigation Attorney with Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, focusing exclusively on complex family law matters , including high asset divorces, contested custody cases, marital agreements , and more. Relocating from Virginia to Austin, Em brings a unique perspective to their practice, combining zealous courtroom advocacy with the balance of skilled mediation. Em earned dual…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce, family law, and general matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Michael Em Araj's legal education and bar admissions

Creighton University School of Law
J.D. · 2011
College of William and Mary B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Texas
2020 · ACTIVE
Virginia
2011 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and — in College of William and Mary B.A..

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and — in College of William and Mary B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Texas Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael Em Araj's office in Austin

Michael's primary office is at 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78731. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith & Bledsoe Family Law

7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Suite 200

Austin, TX 78731

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Em Araj

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Em Araj — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Austin, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce 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 Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in divorce practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every divorce 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many divorce practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Em Araj

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in Texas typically take?
Simple divorce 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new divorce clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Divorce attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas

Michael handles divorce matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.