Family law encompasses various legal issues, including divorce, child custody, spousal support, and more. At True Law Firm, our family law firm in San Antonio, led by Kristian Knapp, specializes in navigating the intricacies of family law. We provide compassionate and strategic representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your unique family situation.
We Truly Care About You AND Your Family
At True Law Firm, we understand that family law isn’t just about legal battles; it’s about the lives and well-being of real people, including children and extended family members. Our approach to family law is rooted in compassion and empathy. We make the whole process as easy and non-contentious as possible, all while offering dedicated legal guidance and emotional support.
We view family law as an opportunity to help families navigate difficult times with dignity and respect. Whether you’re facing a divorce, a child custody battle, or other family-related issues, our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights while prioritizing the best interests of your family members. We don’t view family law as a battle with victors and losers but rather as an opportunity to help you and your family heal, grow, and move forward.
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What Constitutes Family Law?
Family law encompasses a comprehensive array of legal matters pertaining to family relationships and domestic issues. It involves divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, adoption, paternity, and restraining orders. Additionally, family law extends to issues involving prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence. At True Law Firm, a family law firm in San Antonio, our team understands the emotional and personal nature of family law cases. We aim to ensure your rights are protected, and the legal process is as smooth as possible.
When Do I Need To Hire A Family Law Firm?
Annulment
Considering an alternative to divorce in Texas? An annulment may be an option, effectively treating your marriage as if it never legally occurred. This can eliminate the need to divide community property, and potentially save you both money and stress in the long-run. The attorneys at True Law Firm can provide clarity on your eligibility and help you navigate this process with confidence.
Child Custody and Visitation
Navigating a child custody matter can be one of the most difficult experiences a parent faces. Texas courts make these decisions based solely on the child’s best interests, balancing legal custody (decision-making power) and physical custody (primary residence). Our compassionate attorneys are here to guide you. We work tirelessly to secure arrangements that protect your relationship with your child, ensuring their stability and safeguarding your parental rights.
Divorce and Separation
The decision to divorce is deeply personal and often comes with significant uncertainty. In Texas, the process begins on a “no-fault” basis, meaning you don’t have to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. The primary focus then shifts to resolving critical issues like the division of assets and debts, spousal support.
At True Law Firm in San Antonio, we provide compassionate and clear legal guidance during this difficult time. We are dedicated to helping you navigate each step, whether through negotiated settlement or court representation, to achieve a stable and fair resolution for your future.
Military Divorce
Navigating a divorce while serving in the military introduces a unique set of challenges, governed by a complex interplay of state and federal laws. From the division of military pensions to navigating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), these cases require specific legal knowledge.
We have deep respect for military personnel and are committed to protecting the rights of service members and their families. We provide clear, strategic guidance to help you navigate this process, ensuring your financial future and your family’s well-being are secured with the honor and dedication you deserve.
Prenuptials and Postnuptials
It’s completely understandable that broaching the subject of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can feel difficult. Many couples see it as a conversation about distrust, but in reality, it’s a profound gesture of care.
Our attorneys guide these conversations with sensitivity and respect. Our goal is to help you safeguard your individual futures while protecting the shared life you are building together, allowing you to move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.
How Do I Navigate Child Support and Alimony?
Child support and alimony (spousal support) are financial aspects of family law. Child support ensures both parents contribute to the child’s financial needs. Texas has guidelines in place to calculate child support payments, which consider factors such as income and the child’s needs. Alimony, on the other hand, may be awarded to one spouse to provide financial support after a divorce. Determining the appropriate amount can be a contentious process, but our attorneys at our family law firm in San Antonio possess the expertise to assist clients in reaching equitable agreements.
How Do Family Law Consultations Assist With Property Division?
Property division involves the distribution of assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Texas follows community property laws, meaning that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered community property and subject to equal division.
However, exceptions and complexities can arise, especially in high-asset divorces. Our legal team specializes in property division cases, working diligently to ensure that our clients’ financial interests are protected and that they receive their fair share of marital assets.
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Family Law FAQs
What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?
In Texas, you can file for divorce on both “no-fault” and “fault” grounds.
- No-fault divorce, the most common type seen at our family law firm in San Antonio, simply requires that you and your spouse have “irreconcilable differences” or have lived separately for at least three years. This means you don’t need to prove any wrongdoing to obtain a divorce.
- Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, abandonment for at least one year, felony conviction, or confinement in a mental hospital. Proving fault may affect property division or spousal support awards, but it can also make divorce more adversarial.
How does child custody work in Texas?
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Texas recognizes both legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves decision-making authority over important aspects of the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody pertains to where the child resides. Texas courts usually prefer joint custody arrangements where both parents share decision-making responsibilities. Physical custody can also be shared, but it’s essential to establish a stable and suitable living environment for the child. To learn more, contact our family law firm in San Antonio to schedule a consultation.
What is alimony (spousal support) In Texas?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance one spouse may be required to pay to the other after divorce. In Texas, alimony is not automatically awarded. Instead, it’s typically granted when one spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for their minimum reasonable needs and meets specific eligibility criteria. The duration and amount of alimony can depend on various factors, including the length of the marriage, the requesting spouse’s financial needs, and the paying spouse’s ability to provide support.
What is mediation, and how can it help in family law cases?
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party, the mediator, helps couples reach mutually acceptable agreements in family law disputes. Mediation can be a highly effective alternative to going to court, as it gives parties more control over the outcome and often leads to faster, less expensive resolutions. It encourages open communication and collaboration between parties, promoting a more amicable and less adversarial resolution. In family law cases, many courts require mediation before proceeding to trial. If you’re uncertain about how to handle a mediation procedure, our family law consultations in San Antonio can guide you to ensure the process is smooth.
What is a prenuptial agreement, and do I need one?
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legally binding contract that outlines how assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce. Prenups can also address other issues, such as alimony and property rights. While not required for every couple, they can be beneficial for those with significant assets, businesses, or children from previous relationships. To learn more, contact us for a family law consultation in San Antonio today!
What factors should I consider when selecting a family law attorney?
Selecting the right family law attorney is crucial for achieving a favorable outcome in your case. Here are some factors to consider:
- Look for an attorney with extensive experience in family law cases similar to yours.
- Choose an attorney who communicates effectively and understands your goals and values.
- Research the attorney’s reputation and track record of success in handling family law matters.
- Seek an attorney who demonstrates compassion and empathy toward your family’s situation.
- Look for attorneys committed to helping you resolve disputes as amicably as possible.
- Ensure the attorney genuinely cares about you and your case, showing the compassion to fight for your best interests.
How can a family law attorney help me?
A skilled family law firm in San Antonio can provide invaluable assistance and support throughout the legal process. Here’s how:
- Legal Expertise: A family law attorney has in-depth knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, ensuring the legal process is handled correctly.
- Strategic Guidance: Your attorney will develop a strategic approach tailored to your unique circumstances, whether it’s negotiating settlements, representing you in court, or advocating for your interests during mediation.
- Emotional Support: Family law issues often involve high emotions and stress.
- Your attorney can offer emotional support, helping you make difficult decisions with clarity.
- Negotiation Skills: Many family law cases are resolved through negotiation.
- Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to achieve fair agreements that meet your needs and priorities.
- Court Representation: If your case goes to court, your attorney will represent you effectively, presenting your case persuasively and advocating for your rights before the judge.
- Resource Referrals: Your attorney can connect you with additional resources, such as counselors, financial advisors, or support groups, to help with non-legal aspects of your case.
Why Choose True Law Firm As Your Family Law Firm In San Antonio?
True Law Firm is your dedicated partner in the pursuit of justice. Our team of caring lawyers is committed to achieving quick, swift resolutions to family law cases so all involved parties can move forward. We maintain low client numbers by choice, ensuring each client can maintain one-on-one contact with an attorney who will keep you in the loop throughout the process. We take an aggressive approach to litigation and negotiation, ensuring you get what you deserve. Schedule a consultation, and let us advocate for your best interests.
