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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
Past Positions
Honors
Classes & Seminars
Professional Associations
3
Practice Areas
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State: Texas
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
701 N. Post Oak, Suite 600, Houston, TX, 77024
skillernfirm.com1600 Highway 6, Suite 440, Sugar Land, TX, 77478
skillernfirm.com22322 Grand Corner Drive, Suite 125, Katy, TX, 77494
skillernfirm.comShowing 1 - 5 of 56 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mat and his associate attorney, Ali, fearlessly fight for the truth. Their commitment to fighting for the truth inspires confidence. They stand their ground, refusing to yield even an inch to the threats issued by opposing counsel. Together, they make a powerful team, and if you're in a battle and ...
Posted by Ryan | March 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Matt and Tina at Skillern law firm are 2 of the best lawyers in Fort bend County and Greater houston area. Matt and Tina were able to defend false allegations against me from my previous spouse which could have resulted in my children being taken away from me. Matt was able to win me 50-50 custod...
Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Long to short - my divorce case is a mix of international + US assets, immigration issues and custody issue. As a wife, I am making more income than my ex-husband, hence the case is really coming down to protecting my own assets & all of my pension portfolios. As well as my work permit was unfortunat...
Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney
The only reason i have an opportunity to be a father to my infant daughter is because of skillern firm. The skillern firm was my shining light thru a very dark time during my divorce. From the very moment i walked in for a consultation every person of the firm cared about my case. From the receptioni...
Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Matt Skillern and his team helped me gain primary custody of my 12-month daughter through incredible effort, sharp legal knowledge and skill, and compassion for justice. In the beginning I felt lost, betrayed, and scared. I didn’t know who I could trust but when I met Matt, I knew I wanted him to rep...
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is one of the brightest family law attorneys practicing in the counties where I practice. He is honest, ethical and keeps his word."
"I think Matt is one of the best trial lawyers in the Houston area. I enjoy having him as an opponent. He does a phenomenal job for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer, Matt Skillern, very strongly.I have had a number of cases on the opposite side of Matthew Skillern. In each case he managed to do what lawyers usually cannot: fight hard for his client while acting as a professional and a gentleman. Most recently, we ended up settling the case after a contentious court hearing wherein Matt fought hard and effectively for his client. I know Matt fights for his clients. I heartily recommend Matt as a family law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have mediated difficult family law cases for this attorney and he always comes prepared. Attorney Skillern is a strong advocate for his clients. He has extensive courtroom experience & is not afraid of appearing for a hearing/trial."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a highly skilled attorney who successfully strives to achieve the utmost success for his client."
"Matt's a hard working litigator who advocates for his client's interests, takes the time to learn his client's cases, and properly prepares for hearings. A fantastic attorney. His criminal law background is manifest in his trial skills."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is very ethical and negotiates hard for his clients! He is knowledgable, professional and a good lawyer."
"If you are involved in a family law matter and you need a real trial attorney who actually knows what the inside of a courtroom looks like, Matt Skillern is the first family law attorney you should call. I have known Matt for over 10 years and have referred numerous close friends and clients to Matt. He pays attention to detail and is extremely organized. If you are looking for a family law attorney, I highly recommend Matt."
"I highly endorse Matt Skillern. He is one of the most intelligent, hard-working, effective advocates I have ever met. The results he obtains for his clients speak for themselves. I would never think twice about referring any matter to Matt Skillern. Top notch attorney."
"I'm a civil trial lawyer in Houston. I was on a jury panel for a criminal case in which Mr. Skillern represented the Defendant. He conducted an outstanding voir dire. Although I wasn't selected, I later learned that he obtained a directed verdict on behalf of his client shortly after the jury was empanelled."
"I recently needed legal counsel in Texas for my Michigan client. I am involved in a complicated Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement act matter. I located Matt and spoke with him at length. Matt was spot on with his knowledge and very personable. I instructed my client to hire him and proceed with the Texas end of our litigation. I have been practicing for 18 years and endorse Matt without hesitation."
"Matt Skillern is a fine family lawyer, and I endorse him wholeheartedly. His practical approach to family law is very refreshing, and his honesty and integrity is without question. I look forward to our next case together."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Skillern is thorough, professional and never backs down from a worthy fight!"
"Matt is an outstanding lawyer and very creative. He devotes his boundless energy on behalf of his clients."
"I've known Matt since law school. He is honest, trustworthy and a great trial lawyer. If you need help with a criminal matter or family law issue, he is the attorney to call. He is aggressive inside and outside of the courtroom. He likes tough cases -- and doesn't back down when things heat up and are highly contested. I endorse Matt 100%."
"I have more trust in Matt than any other attorney I have worked with in Houston. I refer family law clients to him and have received thanks from those clients. We have worked together on cases in the past as well. I have seen his dedication to our clients and passion for doing what is right."
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Government contracts lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine
2010
Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers
2004
Smith County Outstanding Pro Bono Award, Smith County Bar Association
2003
Langdell Scholar,
2002
South Texas Merit Scholarship,
2002
Dean's List,
2014 - Present
Partner, The Skillern Firm
2010 - 2014
Partner, Midence & Skillern, PLLC
2005 - 2006
Partner, Collins & Skillern
2005 - 2010
Of Counsel, Law Office of Grant M. Scheiner, P.C.
2003 - 2004
Attorney, Smith County District Attorney
2005 - Present
Houston Bar AssociationMember - Family Law Section
2005 - 2007
Fort Bend County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2007
Houston Young Lawyers AssociationCommittee Chair
2004 - 2007
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2003 - 2005
Smith County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - 2003
South Texas Law ReviewAssistant Managing Editor
Not Guilty
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2007
Opening Statement
2007
Course Director
2005
You just won custody and now your child in in juvenile lockup
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Does religion enter into the determination of child custody in Texas?
27 Nov 2012
Are Texas courts more likely to award custody to mothers than to fathers?
27 Nov 2012
How will the Texas court determine where my children should reside after the divorce?
27 Nov 2012