Family Attorneys in Alamo Heights

Navigate Family Legal Challenges with Clarity and Confidence

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Family means something deeply personal in Alamo Heights. It is about trust, obligation, loyalty, and love. When legal issues arise within that intimate sphere, the impact can affect every aspect of life. Whether you are considering divorce, fighting for custody, or planning for your children’s future, our experienced family lawyers are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and practical strategies.

At our law firm, we do not approach family law cases as just transactions. We know that behind every petition, motion, or court date is a story that matters. We take the time to understand your goals, your concerns, and the relationships at stake and craft legal solutions as unique as your circumstances.

Full Spectrum Family Law Services

Our firm offers a wide range of family law services in Alamo Heights, including the following:

Divorce: From Crisis to Resolution

Even when it is uncontested, divorce is rarely simple. Ending a marriage has an impact on your children, your home, your finances, and your future. We handle uncontested and contested divorces with a clear view of the law and a sensitive understanding of the emotional toll it takes. We take a strategic but collaborative approach whenever possible, with an aim to protect your interests while avoiding unnecessary courtroom battles. When compromise is not an option, however, we are prepared to litigate fiercely and effectively.

The following are some of the key divorce services we offer:

High net worth divorce and asset division
Divorce mediation and settlement negotiation
Alimony (spousal maintenance) disputes
Temporary orders and protective orders
Modifications of final decrees

Child Custody: Prioritizing the Child’s Best Interests

The legal term for child custody in Texas is “conservatorship.” Where children will live, and visitation are often the most emotionally charged aspect of family law cases. Whether you are going through a divorce, seeking to establish paternal rights, or seeking a modification of existing court orders, we can help you advocate for a parenting arrangement that reflects the best interests of your child.

Although Texas courts prefer arrangements in which both parents maintain involvement, that does not always mean a 50/50 split. We can help you make a case for a custody schedule that supports your child’s needs while preserving your rights as a parent. We handle a variety of child custody issues, including the following:

Legal and physical custody arrangements
Visitation (possession and access)
Enforcement of custody orders
Relocation and geographic restrictions
Emergency custody and child endangerment claims

Child Support: Calculating Accountability and Fairness

Like most states, Texas has guidelines for calculating child support, although those guidelines do not tell the entire story. Shared custody, complex income structures, and self-employment can make support orders more complicated than they appear. Our family law attorneys can help custodial and non-custodial parents understand their rights and responsibilities. Whether you are seeking to establish child support, enforce payment, or modify an existing order, we can help you pursue a fair and legally sound resolution.

Modifications and Enforcement: When Life Changes

Although divorce decrees and custody orders reflect the situation at the time they are issued, change is inevitable in life. Jobs can change, children grow older, and circumstances evolve. Texas law allows for modifications to custody, visitation, and child support orders when a material and substantial change has occurred. If your life circumstances demand a new arrangement, or your former spouse is not following a court order, we can help you file or defend against a modification or enforcement action.

Marital Agreements: Building Trust Through Planning

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can provide clarity and protection. They are for couples who want to define expectations, avoid future disputes, or shield children from previous relationships. Many of our clients in Alamo Heights have real estate holdings, family businesses, or inherited assets they want to protect. We draft thoughtful, enforceable marital agreements tailored to your life.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Families in every ZIP code are affected by domestic violence. Whether you are seeking protection or have been accused of domestic violence, you need legal representation that understands the legal process and the high stakes involved. We assist our clients in filing temporary restraining orders (TROs), protective orders, and emergency custody orders. We also defend against claims that could jeopardize your parental rights, your reputation, and your future.

Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents often play essential roles in their grandchildren’s lives and provide a stabilizing influence in challenging family situations. After a divorce or the death of a parent, a grandparent may lose the ability to maintain a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren. Although the legal threshold is high, Texas law provides limited rights for grandparents to seek custody or visitation when it is in the child’s best interests. We represent grandparents and other caregivers seeking custody, visitation, or adoption rights. We also help parents respond to and navigate third-party claims.

Our Approach: Strategic, Human, and Honest

Family law is about more than winning cases. It is about changing lives. Our law firm prioritizes clear communication, realistic expectations, and creative solutions. Rather than telling you what you want to hear, we provide solid advice backed by experience and grounded in Texas law. When you work with our family attorneys in Alamo Heights, you can expect the following:

Efficient communication: You should never be left feeling in the dark. We keep you informed and involved at every step.
Personalized strategies: No two individuals or families are alike. We take the time to understand your objectives and concerns and create a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
Cost-conscious advocacy: We respect your time and resources, aiming always to resolve disputes efficiently without compromising on results.
Courtroom confidence: If your case goes to trial, you can have confidence that we are seasoned litigators with a strong record in Bexar County courts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Texas

If you are dealing with family legal issues, you probably have many questions. Read our answers to commonly asked questions about family law matters in Texas.

Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce?

Many divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation without taking the case to court for resolution. Even if uncontested, however, the court must finalize every divorce.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Texas?

There is a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be granted, under Texas law. Most divorces take from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity. For high-asset divorce cases, it may take longer to resolve all the financial matters associated with the marriage.

Is It Too Late for a Marital Agreement If You Are Already Married?

No, it is not too late. While a prenuptial agreement is entered into before marriage, a postnuptial agreement can be created at any point during the marriage. A postnuptial agreement can address the same issues as a prenup, with the same enforceability.

What Is the Difference Between Joint Managing Conservatorship and Sole Managing Conservatorship?

While sole managing conservatorship (SMC) gives one parent the exclusive right to make key decisions for the child, joint managing conservatorship (JMC) allows both parents to share these responsibilities. Unless there is a reason to limit one parent’s rights, JMC is the default in Texas.

Can I Modify Child Custody Orders If My Ex Is Moving Out of State?

It may be possible. Relocation is a major change in circumstances that can justify custody modification. The court will evaluate how the move affects the child and both parents’ ability to co-parent.

Is Texas a Community Property State?

Yes, Texas is one of nine community property states in the U.S. With certain exceptions, all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are community property, equally owned by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the title or loan. In a divorce, each spouse is entitled to half the community property, which includes assets and debts, unless they are proven to be separate property.

What Is Considered Separate Property in Texas?

Separate property includes assets owned by either spouse before the marriage. It also includes gifts to one spouse alone, inheritances, and any personal injury award (excluding damages for lost wages) received during the marriage. You must provide clear evidence that property is separate and not subject to division in a divorce.

Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Attorney for Our Divorce?

No, because of conflicting interests, an attorney cannot ethically represent both parties in a divorce. One party may hire an attorney to draft the divorce agreement, and, if the divorce is uncontested, the other party may choose not to be represented.

Can I Change My Name As Part of the Divorce Process?

Yes, you can request that your former name be restored in the Final Decree of Divorce. This must be specifically stated in the documents. Otherwise, you may need to file a separate petition for a name change at a later time.

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?

A child who is 12 years or older may express a preference to the judge in chambers. While the judge must consider the child’s wishes, the final decision is not based on preference, but rather on the best interests of the child.

Can My Spouse and I Agree on the Issues in Our Divorce on Our Own?

You are allowed and encouraged to negotiate agreements regarding child custody, support, and property division outside of court. When both parties agree, the court can approve the agreement and incorporate it into the final order, provided it is in the child’s best interests (when children are involved) and complies with Texas law.

Why Choose South TX Family Law?

Alamo Heights is a community with a unique pace, values, and personality. When you hire our local family attorneys, you are working with a legal team that understands the Texas Family Code and the dynamics of our culture in Bexar County courts, what judges expect, and respects the priorities of families in the area.

Our Alamo Heights family attorneys at South TX Family Law are committed to helping our neighbors navigate difficult situations with dignity and confidence. If you are dealing with a family legal matter, contact us at 210-775-0353.