San Antonio Family Lawyer
Choose the Firm That Puts Your Family First
At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, we believe that family should always come first. When disputes arise between loved ones or marriages begin to crumble, we are here to help resolve the issue, pick up the pieces, and help you protect what matters most.
Attorney Derek S. Ritchie is passionate about helping people overcome the struggles that accompany family cases and has the experience to tackle even the toughest disputes. If you’re facing a divorce, custody, or family matter anywhere in the Greater San Antonio area, we’re here to help.
The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC is trusted by clients across Bexar, Comal, and Medina Counties. The reasons are simple:
- Family law is our bread and butter and a key focus for our practice. We have extensive experience in a range of divorce, custody, and family cases.
- We make personal attention a priority and create customized legal solutions based on our clients’ unique circumstances and goals.
- Attorney Derek S. Ritchie is a proven trial lawyer. As a defense attorney and former prosecutor, he knows how to produce results in and out of court.
- We care about our clients. We value the trust families place in our team and are dedicated to guiding them toward the best possible outcomes.
From contested custody battles to high-stakes divorce, family cases can have far-reaching consequences. Fortunately, we have the experience to tackle all types of disputes and the willingness to explore meaningful strategies to manage conflict and help clients control costs. And because we’re led by a real trial lawyer, we’re always ready to take a case to trial when needed. Our honest and client-focused approach is a big part of why previous clients praise our team.
What is Family Law?
Family law focuses on issues involving family relationships such as marriage and divorce, child welfare, and related economic matters. It’s a practice in which deeply personal issues intersect with the law, and where the potential for dispute and emotional turbulence run high.
Our San Antonio family law attorney handles all types of cases, including those involving:
- Divorce: Divorce is the legal unwinding of a marriage and all the things that go with it. We protect client interests in contested and amicable divorces involving high-net-worth, complicated estates, possession and access, spousal maintenance, and property division.
- Child Protective Services: If CPS comes knocking on your door, you need an attorney who knows how to protect your rights and keep your family together. Consult with our family lawyer in San Antonio if CPS has taken or threatened action against you.
What Should You Bring to Your Initial Consultation with a Family Law Attorney?
Meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can be a crucial step in resolving your legal matters. To make the most of this consultation, it’s essential to come prepared with relevant documents and information. This preparation will not only help your attorney understand your situation better but also allow them to provide more accurate and tailored advice.
Firstly, bring any court documents related to your case. These could include previous court orders, divorce decrees, child custody arrangements, and any other legal paperwork that outlines the current state of your family law issues. Having these documents on hand will give your attorney a clear picture of what has already been legally established and what needs to be addressed.
Financial documents are also critical. This includes pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and records of assets and debts. These documents are especially important in cases involving spousal support, child support, or division of assets. By providing a comprehensive view of your financial situation, your attorney can better understand your needs and advocate for your interests.
Personal records should not be overlooked. Bring any communications that are relevant to your case, such as emails, text messages, or letters. These can provide context and evidence, especially in contentious situations like custody disputes or allegations of misconduct.
It’s also beneficial to write down a timeline of significant events related to your case. This could include dates of marriage and separation, notable incidents, and any interactions with the other party that are relevant to the legal issues at hand. A detailed timeline helps your attorney piece together the narrative and identify key points for your case.
Lastly, prepare a list of questions and concerns you want to address during the consultation. This ensures that you cover all the important topics and leave the meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps. By coming prepared, you can maximize the productivity of your initial consultation and set a solid foundation for your legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Answers From Our Experienced Attorneys
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What Should I Expect During My Initial Consultation?At The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC, we strive to create a safe environment during initial consultations with clients, and remind them that we’re here to help, not judge. We then discuss their situation and goals, our experience with issues like theirs, and an assessment of how we can help. Scheduling a consultation with a family law attorney is a great first step, but it will be most productive if you come prepared. Gather and bring any important documents you feel you may need to show the lawyer, such as an existing court order or divorce papers you’ve been served. You can also create a list of questions to ask during your consultations. Some examples include:
- How is communication handled?
- What’s your experience in family law?
- Have you handled similar cases?
- How do fees work and what are some ways to control costs in my case?
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Are Family Cases Public Record in Texas?Most legal proceedings are matters of public record. And while transparency in our judicial system is in the public’s interest, many folks with family cases have concerns about privacy and the sensitive nature of their proceedings. Fortunately, there are protections built into the system that provide some privacy and confidentiality. One is the attorney-client privilege, which makes information and materials you provide your attorney (and their staff) confidential unless you request otherwise. The attorney-client privilege is an important part of our legal system, and it encourages clients to be honest and open with their counsel. Another way to protect information or prevent privacy violations is record sealing. Under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, certain court records may be sealed from public access. Our team can help you understand the process of sealing records in Texas family law cases and your options.
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How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost?Family lawyer fees vary depending on the unique circumstances of a case and the attorney. Our team can discuss costs after learning more about your case and what you want to accomplish. It’s important to note that parties in divorce, custody, and other family law matters can takes steps to manage costs. Some ways to control legal costs:
- Be organized: Legal fees are often billed hourly, so it pays to be organized. Gather important documents, forms, and information and provide them to your attorney in a timely manner.
- Inform yourself: Your attorney is there to guide you and answer questions, but there is a wealth of information you can access through the internet, courthouse publications, and books that can help you be understand the issues in your case and how the process works.
- Know your options: Educating yourself can go a long way in controlling costs. It also allows you to explore options with your attorney that can maximize case efficiency, such as mediation.
- Control your emotions. Family law cases can be emotionally turbulent matters, but disputes can be costly. Keeping a calm head can help you avoid actions that increase litigation.
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.
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"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. -
"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 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 -
"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. -
"Absolutely Hands Down My Best Experience with an Attorney!"
This is a life-changing experience for me and I want to thank Sidney, Megan, Mr. Ritchie, and the entire team for all the help!
- Bryan F. -
"Highly Recommended"
Highly recommended! Very responsive & handled our legal situation in a timely, professional, & caring manner.
- Former Client -
"Everyone Was Compassionate"
My experience was a great one, from the moment I picked up that phone to having a next-day free consultation!. They were so helpful, respectful, and professional throughout the whole thing!
- Ashley C. -
"They Gave Us Peace and Hope of a Future"
He went above and beyond what we expected. We will forever recommend his law firm. Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Vanessa were so much help they kept us informed... just when we thought we knew all the information they gave us more.
- Former Client -
"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.