San Antonio Divorce Lawyers

No one gets married planning to divorce someday. Yet, approximately half of the marriages in our country end in divorce. If you find yourself in the midst of a divorce petition, you are not alone. Once you have exhausted attempts to save your marriage, you rightly realize that you need legal counsel as the marital split becomes irreversible.

Bandoske & Butler, PLLC, in San Antonio, offers personalized counsel as well as sophistication in representation.

Key Takeaways

Our firm provides legal counsel for families in San Antonio, focusing on the financial and emotional aspects of Texas divorce law.

• Board-certified family law specialists: Partners Stephanie Bandoske and Ashley Butler lead our firm. Both are board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only about 1% of Texas family law attorneys hold this credential. This means your case benefits from a high level of legal skill.
• Versatile legal representation: We manage high net worth property disputes and complex business valuations. Our team also manages the specific details of military divorces and child custody cases. We provide advocacy for all types of marital dissolution.
• Texas divorce statutes: Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period. Courts may waive this in cases of family violence. You must meet the residency rules of six months in Texas and 90 days in the county. You can file for a no-fault divorce based on “insupportability.” You may also choose to allege fault, such as cruelty or adultery.

These foundational elements of Texas law shape how we approach your legal needs.

Comprehensive Divorce Services In San Antonio And Bexar County

Just as every individual is unique, so is every marriage – and every divorce. Legally speaking, every divorce involves the division of marital assets. Some divorces include spousal support orders. When there are mutual children in a marriage, child custody and child support orders are also essential.

When we say that we offer personalized client service, this also means that we are equipped to provide personalized divorce solutions. Your unique family circumstances, as well as your expectations and priorities, will help us determine the best way to direct your case forward, depending on unique factors such as the following:

• You may have high-dollar assets.
• You may have diametrically opposed ideas about what a fair and equitable distribution of assets should look like.
• You may have a business or professional practice to account for in property division.
• The lower earning spouse may have significantly helped the other one through graduate school or during the early stages of a business, professional practice or another high-powered career.
• The possession and management (custody and visitation; co-parenting) of your children may be part of your divorce.
• You may be going through a military divorce.

We will consider every critical detail as we recommend strategies for your Texas divorce.

Your divorce may be resolved through mediation or settlement negotiations, if that is best for you. We often take on many uncontested divorce cases where litigation is not necessary or advisable. But in cases of conflict, our attorneys use strong litigation skills to protect our clients’ interests and help them achieve their goals.

Why Hire A San Antonio Divorce Attorney From Bandoske & Butler, PLLC?

Our firm stands apart because of our experience, board certifications and dedication to each client’s future. We help you understand your rights, manage your case efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.

Why clients choose us:

• Both partners, Stephanie Bandoske and Ashley Butler, are board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
• Both are recognized on the Texas Super Lawyers list.
• Two senior paralegals on our team are board-certified in family law.
• We handle complex, high-asset divorces as well as amicable separations.
• We offer strategic guidance and compassionate support throughout the process.

Choosing the right legal team can make a difference in both the outcome and your peace of mind.

What Does It Mean If Your San Antonio Divorce Lawyer Is Board-Certified In Family Law?

When your San Antonio divorce lawyer is board-certified in family law, that certification is a mark of excellence and a high level of competence in this area of law. Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) shows that the attorney has met strict standards beyond basic licensing requirements.

To become board-certified, a lawyer must undergo a rigorous process, which includes:

• Experience: A board-certified family law attorney must have at least five years of experience practicing law, with at least three years dedicated to family law cases, and they must meet a minimum number of family law cases, trials and appeals handled in the past three years.
• Peer review: A certified attorney must have positive peer evaluations from other attorneys and judges familiar with the lawyer’s work in family law.
• Continuing education: They must complete continuing legal education courses in family law to ensure up-to-date knowledge.
• Examination: A certified attorney must pass a comprehensive written examination covering various aspects of family law.

When a lawyer is board-certified, it means they have a lot of experience in family law and have shown great skill and knowledge. Other lawyers in Texas recognize them as experts in family law. This gives you confidence that you are getting good legal advice from a firm that knows about dividing assets and other important parts of divorce.

You can find more information about certification on the TBLS website.

Is Texas A No-Fault State For Divorce?

Yes. Texas allows no-fault divorces, which means neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to end the marriage. The most common ground is “insupportability,” meaning the relationship has become unworkable. This option lets couples move forward without assigning blame, reducing conflict and legal costs.

However, Texas law still allows for fault-based divorces in certain cases, which can influence property division or spousal support.

What Are The Grounds For Divorce In Texas?

While Texas allows no-fault divorce based on insupportability, the law also permits divorce for specific fault-based reasons. These include:

• Cruel treatment by one spouse
• Extramarital affairs
• A felony conviction resulting in imprisonment
• One spouse leaving and staying away for an extended time
• Living separately for three or more years
• Long-term confinement in a mental health facility

These legal grounds can influence how the court divides property or awards spousal support. If you believe one of these may apply to your situation, speaking with a qualified divorce attorney is the best way to assess your options.

What Are The Requirements For Filing For Divorce In San Antonio?

To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must meet the state’s residency requirements:

• Lived in Texas for at least six months
• Lived in the county of filing (such as Bexar County) for at least 90 days

If you meet these criteria, you can file your divorce petition in your local district court. Additional paperwork, service rules and waiting periods will apply, depending on your situation.

How To File For Divorce In Bexar County, Texas

Once you have ensured you meet the requirements for filing for divorce in San Antonio, including residency and legal grounds, you can file for divorce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file for divorce in Bexar County:

• Complete the petition: Start by filling out the “Original Petition for Divorce” form, which initiates the divorce process.
• File the petition: Submit the completed petition to the Bexar County District Clerk’s office. You will need to pay a filing fee or apply for a fee waiver if eligible.
• Serve the papers: Ensure your spouse receives the divorce papers. This can be done through a process server, sheriff or mail, as required by Texas family law.
• Wait for response: Your spouse has a set period to file an “answer” to the petition. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default judgment.
• Prepare for court: Gather all necessary documentation related to asset division, custody and other pertinent issues. Attend any required court hearings.
• Finalize the divorce: Once all issues are resolved, either through agreement or court decision, the final divorce decree will be signed by the judge.

Understanding Texas laws can make this process smoother. Legal guidance from a skilled family law attorney is one way to ensure that you understand your options and make informed decisions at every stage of your divorce.

How Long Does It Take To Get Divorced In Texas?

The minimum waiting period for a Texas divorce is 60 days after filing. If both spouses agree and paperwork is in order, a divorce may be finalized on day 61. But contested cases, especially those involving children or disputes over assets, can take several months or longer.

We help clients manage timelines effectively while working toward fair and enforceable outcomes.

What Are The Differences Between A Contested And Uncontested Divorce?

A contested divorce involves disputes over key issues. An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all terms.

Key differences include:

• Contested divorces require court hearings and may involve discovery and litigation.
• Uncontested divorces can be resolved through paperwork and a final hearing, often with less stress.
• Contested cases take more time and typically cost more.
• Uncontested cases offer more control and privacy.

We help clients identify the right approach based on their goals and the complexity of their family law matters.

How Much Does A Divorce Cost In San Antonio, Texas?

The cost of a divorce in San Antonio depends on your assets and the level of cooperation between you and your spouse. Most cases include court filing fees and costs to serve legal papers. There is no “flat rate” for every divorce. A case with many disagreements or complex custody issues will cost more than an amicable filing.

Several factors change the final cost. You may need to pay for experts like real estate appraisers or forensic accountants. These professionals help value businesses or property. A board-certified attorney is a significant investment. This choice can help prevent errors and assist you in seeking a fair share of community property. We give you updates on your case and the costs involved.

Bexar County Divorce Courts

Civil District Courts in Bexar County hear divorce and family law cases. The District Clerk and the Presiding Court are in the Paul Elizondo Tower. Most hearings and trials take place in the historic courthouse.

You can find the local court offices and filing locations at the following addresses:

• Bexar County Courthouse 100 Dolorosa Street San Antonio, TX 78205
• Bexar County District Clerk Paul Elizondo Tower 101 W. Nueva, Suite 217 San Antonio, TX 78205

Once your paperwork is filed at these locations, the court will assign your case to a specific judicial department.

Start The Dialogue. Call Our San Antonio Divorce Attorneys Today.

Our caring, skilled family law attorneys are ready to help you take the next steps. An open-ended discussion about the path ahead will be helpful for you at times like this. To schedule a consultation, call us at 210-953-8415 or complete our online inquiry form.

We serve individuals and families in San Antonio, Bexar County, Boerne, New Braunfels, Seguin, Kerrville and surrounding South Central Texas communities.