Compassionate Divorce Lawyers In San Antonio
Divorce changes lives. The amount of time you spend with your children and your financial picture are likely to change. What you may not know is how much they will change. For many people, this uncertainty brings on significant fear, stress and anxiety.
At The Law Office of Lisa A. Vance, P.C., we are here for you. Our divorce attorneys in San Antonio can be your allies during this critical time. When you work with us, you can focus on your health, children and future while we focus on creating positive outcomes.
We are not just legal advisers, but also strong advocates who are passionate about healthy families. We know this may be a painful time, and we want it to be as peaceful as possible.
Breaking Down The Texas Divorce Process
It’s stressful to face divorce without knowing what will happen next. The first thing we’ll do when you schedule a consultation is explain how the legal process works. While every case is unique, divorce cases typically involve:
- Selecting the correct language to use when filing the divorce case in court
- Engaging in mediation sessions or settlement discussions to resolve issues like parenting time and division of property
- Pursuing litigation for contested issues
Our lawyers handle all stages of divorce, from working through pre-filing considerations to pursuing appeals. We handle both contested and uncontested cases through mediation, negotiation, litigation and collaborative divorce. Put simply, we are well-positioned to guide you through whatever path is best suited to your needs and goals.
Here, You’re More Than Just A Client
We are committed to helping you preserve harmony for your new family structure and achieve your financial goals in divorce. We take every family law case personally because we know how much is riding on the outcome. By building strong, meaningful relationships with the people we serve, we are able to fully understand their goals, answer their questions and help them understand what to expect in the legal process.
Answers To Common Divorce And Family Law Questions
Below, we’ve answered some of the questions most frequently asked by prospective clients like you.
Why should I hire an attorney to handle my divorce? Why can’t I do this myself?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but handling a divorce on your own can be overwhelming and complex. An attorney can provide you with legal advice, represent your best interests, and help you avoid common pitfalls. They can ensure that all paperwork is correctly filed and deadlines are met, and they can negotiate on your behalf to achieve a fair settlement.
How long does a Texas divorce take?
The duration of a Texas divorce will vary based on the complexity of the case and the level of agreement between the parties. By law, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed, meaning a divorce would take at least two months under “ideal” circumstances (complete agreement over terms of the divorce and no other complicating factors). Very few divorces fit this timeline.
If there are disagreements over issues like property division, child custody, child support or spousal support, the process can take several months to more than a year to finalize.
The dispute resolution method you choose also matters. As a general rule, mediation and collaborative divorce tend to be far faster than litigation. This is one of many reasons to consider utilizing either of these alternative dispute resolution methods.
How often will I be able to see my children during the divorce?
During a divorce, temporary orders can be put in place for custody and visitation arrangements while the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) is pending. These orders aim to maintain stability for the children and to ensure both parents have time with them.
The specific schedule and time allotment will depend on various factors, including the best interests of the children and the parents’ availability. Texas courts typically favor arrangements that allow children to have meaningful relationships with both parents, except in cases where doing so might put them in danger (such as domestic violence allegations against one parent). Your attorney can help you request a temporary order that reflects your needs and those of your children.
Start Working Toward Peaceful Solutions
We know that every divorce has different issues, and we are here to help you create peaceful solutions. However your case is resolved, you can take comfort knowing your legal team at our firm will be at your side every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to pursue results that are customized to your needs.
Contact our office in San Antonio, Texas, at 210-265-6277 to talk to our team.