San Antonio Divorce Attorney
We Offer a Free Consultation — Give Us a Call to Get Started
Whether you’ve mutually decided it’s time to end your marriage or your spouse has sprung divorce papers on you without warning, the road ahead is best navigated with the support and counsel of a trusted San Antonio divorce lawyer.
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, we offer personalized service and aggressive, client-focused representation to people filing for divorce in San Antonio, TX. Our legal team wants to help you start the next chapter of your life on the right foot.
Move forward with confidence. San Antonio's divorce experts are here to fight for your rights. Contact us for a free consultation at (210) 702-2203.
Why It's Important to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Hiring an attorney is crucial when going through a divorce due to the complex nature of the legal process and the significant impact it has on your life.
Here's why it's essential to have professional legal representation:
- Insights into procedures and legal requirements
- Knowledgeable guidance
- Advocacy for your best interests
- Emotional support
- Customized approach
Hiring a San Antonio family law attorney ensures you have a dedicated professional who understands the legal landscape and has your best interests at heart.
Divorce Matters We Handle
With a passion for practicing family law, Attorney Derek Ritchie is prepared to walk you through your divorce and overcome any bumps along the way.
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, we handle:
- High net worth divorces: Divorce is difficult for anyone, but high-net-worth couples often face unique challenges when dividing property, determining alimony, and calculating child support. We offer tailored representation that accounts for your specific financial situation.
- Uncontested divorces: Even if you and your spouse agree on most of the terms of your divorce, it is still in your best interest to retain legal representation. With the right lawyer on your side, you’ll be positioned for success in the future. Our clients know they can count on us to protect their rights and interests.
- Spousal maintenance: After a divorce, the court may agree upon or order spousal maintenance to help the lesser-earning spouse maintain their accustomed standard of living for a set period.
- Property division: Texas is a community property state, which means property acquired during the marriage is subject to division. Our attorney can help you understand how property is divided in a Texas divorce and work toward a favorable resolution for you.
Protect your assets and get the best possible outcome with skilled divorce lawyers in San Antonio, Texas. Call for a consultation at (210) 702-2203.
How to File for Divorce in Bexar County, TX
First, hire a divorce attorney near you to assist and represent you through the process.
Once you have representation, here are the first steps in filing for in San Antonio:
- Pick up a packet from the courthouse or download Texas divorce papers online
- Complete the appropriate paperwork (agreed divorce, default divorce, or contested divorce)
- Make two copies of your divorce papers
- File your original papers and pay the filing fee
- Serve copies of the completed papers to the other party
Before filing papers, however, the first step you should really take is to consult a Bexar County divorce lawyer. A local divorce attorney can help you with the paperwork, ensure that no errors are made, and provide support and guidance as you file.
The Basics of the Divorce Process in Texas
No one ever expects their marriage to end in divorce, but it is an unfortunate reality for many. For many, the divorce process is their first encounter with the court system, and many are unfamiliar with some of the basics of what the experience entails or requires.
Although Texas provides grounds for a no-fault divorce, also known as irreconcilable differences, the state also recognizes divorce based on fault. In Texas, potential grounds for divorce include adultery, abandonment, cruelty, felony conviction, and confinement in a mental hospital.
Common Mistakes People Make During a Divorce
Going through a divorce is challenging, and mistakes during this process can have long-lasting consequences. Here are some of the most common missteps individuals make during divorce proceedings:
- Not Understanding Financial Implications: One of the most frequent errors is failing to grasp the full financial impact of divorce. This includes not recognizing how assets will be divided and underestimating the future cost of living on a single income. It's crucial to have a clear picture of your financial situation and plan accordingly for post-divorce life.
- Failing to Document Assets: Overlooking the importance of documenting marital assets can lead to inequitable distribution. Individuals often forget to account for all assets, such as retirement accounts, investments, and even debts. Thorough documentation ensures a fair division and prevents future disputes.
- Letting Emotions Drive Decisions: Divorce is an emotional process, and allowing feelings to dictate decisions can result in unfavorable outcomes. Whether it's rushing through the process to avoid pain or making punitive decisions out of anger, these actions can complicate and prolong the legal proceedings.
How a Divorce Attorney Can Help
Engaging a divorce attorney brings numerous benefits, helping you avoid these common mistakes and safeguarding your interests:
- Legal Guidance: An experienced divorce attorney provides informed insights into the legal and financial aspects of divorce. They help clarify the financial implications, ensuring you understand the long-term effects of decisions made during the process.
- Protecting Your Interests: Attorneys meticulously document all assets and liabilities, advocating for a fair division. They also offer strategic advice to keep emotions in check, focusing on achieving the best outcomes for you and your family.
- Comprehensive Support: With a divorce attorney by your side, you receive support that extends beyond legal advice. They help navigate negotiations and mediate disputes, aiming to reach amicable resolutions that minimize stress and conflict.
By avoiding these common mistakes and enlisting the expertise of a skilled divorce attorney, you can better manage the complexities of divorce and move forward with confidence. At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, our dedicated team is here to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Answers From Our Experienced Attorneys
-
What if my spouse doesn’t want to divorce?You do not need your spouse’s approval or permission to file for divorce. If you want a divorce, then you can start those proceedings on your own and with the help of an attorney. Finalizing your divorce and figuring out a fair divorce agreement will be a bigger challenge if your spouse does not want to divorce and will not cooperate, but it is not impossible.
-
How do I know when it is time to divorce?
No one can decide for you when you want to file for divorce. The best advice we can give you as a divorce law firm is to listen to your gut and remember that you deserve to be happy. For more information about deciding to divorce or not, you might be interested in speaking with a marriage counselor.
-
How long does it take to get a divorce in San Antonio?The fastest a divorce can be finalized in Texas is 60 days, because there is a required 60-day waiting period from the date you file your petition for divorce until the date a divorce decree can be finalized. That being said, most divorce cases take longer. Uncontested divorces generally take a few months, while contested divorces often take a year or longer to be finalized due to busy court schedules and complex issues like custody and support disputes.
-
Do you have to be separated before filing for divorce in TX?In Texas, you are not required to be separated before filing for divorce. However, one of the grounds for divorce in Texas is “living apart” – if you and your spouse have not cohabited for at least three (3) years, then you could file for divorce based on living apart.
-
What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?Texas allows for both fault-based and no-fault divorce. If a Texas couple wants to file for no-fault divorce, then they would do so using the reason of “insupportability”. This simply means that the marriage can no longer be supported. No further reasons need to be given. Additional ways to file for no-fault divorce include: Separation – If the couple has been living apart for 3 or more years, then they can file for a no-fault divorce. Mental Instability – If one spouse has been in a mental hospital for 3 or more years with an unlikely recovery, then the other spouse can file for no-fault divorce. However, Texas also allows for a spouse to file for fault-based divorce. The primary grounds include: Cruelty Adultery Felony Abandonment
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"All-Around Amazing!"
They are so excellent and treat you like family. Very professional, efficient, listen to you and they take it from there. Just all-around amazing!
- Jenna B. -
"Lovely to Have Them in my Corner"
If I had to choose just one word to describe my experience with Mr. Ritchie it would be, marvelous. It was a very lovely experience to have had him in my corner.
- Traci M. -
"A Great Experience"
Derek Ritchie is a professional and very reliable attorney. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders once he took on my case. It was a great feeling to know that I had him on my side.
- Diana C. -
"I Would Highly Recommend This Practice"
He listens to you, returns your calls, knows who to call in Bexar County, does what he says promptly, and on top of that, both he and his office manager Vanessa are SUPER friendly and empathetic.
- John W. -
"Considerate and Knowledgeable"
I was super pleased with Mr. Ritchie’s services. He was extremely considerate and very knowledgeable. He made a difficult situation for me easier to manage.
- Karl J. -
"I Couldn't Have Asked for Better Representation"
The whole firm was very caring and empathetic towards the situation and I couldn’t have asked for better legal representation!
- Former Client -
"Professional with Integrity"
Mr. Ritchie is a professional with integrity, ethics and a competitive drive to win! So grateful for his counsel. Hope I never need him for any criminal defense, but he works hard and knows family law. Next is some estate planning! Thanks, Derek Ritchie!
- Nadia N. -
"Very Direct and Professional"
Wonderful attorney, he is very direct and professional. Will fight for your defense to be heard, and for a very swift ruling in your favor.
- Taylor M. -
"Amazing People!"
Amazing people! Made my very stressful situation super easy. Always there when I need something and I love that they’re only a phone call away.
- Yomira Q.