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Live Oak Family Lawyers
4.8Based on 38 reviews
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Legal Advocates Committed to Your Family's Future
At Lishman Law, PLLC, we recognize that family legal matters touch the most important aspects of your life — your children, your home, and your future. Our dedicated team provides compassionate guidance through custody disputes, adoptions, protective orders, and other family law issues that families face. We believe every family deserves an advocate who listens carefully, fights strategically, and works tirelessly to protect what matters most.
Our Live Oak family law attorneys combine advanced legal knowledge with genuine empathy, creating solutions that honor your family's unique needs.
Family Law Services We Offer in Live Oak, TX
Live Oak's unique blend of military and civilian families creates distinct legal needs our firm addresses daily. Military deployments affect custody schedules, cross-border family ties require special documentation, and blended families seek adoption solutions. Local families often balance relationships across state lines and international borders, particularly with Mexico.
These realities shape how we approach each case, with practical strategies that work for Live Oak families facing modern challenges. We handle the full spectrum of family law issues with the same dedication and attention to detail, regardless of case difficulty.
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Adoption brings new members into loving homes, and we guide families through every requirement of the Texas adoption process. From agency placements to stepparent adoptions, we handle documentation, court appearances, and legal procedures to help complete your family. Texas adoption laws require careful attention to consent requirements, home studies, and finalization procedures, which we manage efficiently on your behalf.
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Texas courts prioritize children's best interests when determining conservatorship arrangements. We work with parents to establish custody schedules that promote stability while preserving meaningful relationships with both parents. Our approach focuses on creating workable arrangements that serve children's needs while respecting parental rights and responsibilities.
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When one parent needs to relocate with children, Texas law requires specific procedures to protect everyone's rights. We help parents seeking relocation present compelling cases to the court, demonstrating how the move serves the child's interests. For parents opposing relocation, we advocate for maintaining existing custody arrangements and preserving local family connections.
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Establishing legal parentage creates rights and responsibilities that affect child support, custody, and inheritance matters. We assist with paternity testing, acknowledgment procedures, and court orders that formally recognize parent-child relationships. Once paternity is established, we help secure appropriate support and visitation arrangements.
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Parents planning to move significant distances must often obtain court approval, particularly when existing custody orders are in place. We help clients demonstrate legitimate reasons for relocation while proposing custody modifications that maintain the child's relationship with both parents. Our strategic approach addresses the court's concerns about disrupting established routines and relationships.
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Safety comes first when domestic violence threatens family members. We act quickly to secure protective orders that establish legal boundaries and consequences for violations. Our team handles emergency applications when immediate protection is needed, followed by permanent order proceedings that provide long-term security.
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Marriage involves both emotional and financial commitments, and written agreements can clarify expectations for both spouses. We draft comprehensive prenuptial agreements before marriage and postnuptial agreements during marriage that address property division, spousal support, and other financial matters. These documents must meet specific Texas requirements to remain enforceable in future proceedings.
We Help Build Stronger Family Foundations. Call Us.
Contact Lishman Law for dedicated representation in your family law matter!
The Family Law Process in Texas
Family law proceedings become manageable when you know what to expect. Our thoughtful attorneys guide you through each phase, ensuring you feel prepared and informed as your case progresses toward resolution.
We begin by listening to your story and reviewing your documents to identify immediate needs and develop strategic options. This meeting establishes timelines, discusses costs, and helps you make informed decisions about representation.
Legal action starts with filing precisely drafted court documents, including petitions for custody, adoptions, or modifications. We handle proper service and ensure all parties receive notice within the required deadlines.
Both sides exchange relevant information through questions, document requests, and depositions. This phase reveals assets, parenting history, and facts needed for fair resolution or settlement.
Immediate arrangements for custody, support, or property often can't wait for a final resolution. Temporary orders provide stability and protect interests while permanent solutions are negotiated.
Most cases resolve through negotiation or mediation rather than trial. When agreement isn't possible, we present your case effectively and aggressively in court to secure favorable decisions that protect your family's future.
What Our Clients Say
Our Team
Sarah Anne Lishman was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated with honors from Communications Arts High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 2005, majoring in History and minoring in English. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she returned to San Antonio and attended St. Mary’s University School of Law.
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Why Choose Lishman Law for Your Family Representation in Live Oak, TX?
When family legal matters arise, the attorney you choose shapes not just case outcomes but your family's entire trajectory forward. Lishman Law brings together specific strengths that directly impact your success.
Board-Certified Family Law Leadership
Sarah Anne Lishman's board certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization places her among the top tier of family law attorneys. This credential demands rigorous testing and peer recognition, bringing proven skills to your case.
Military Family Experience
Located near Randolph AFB, we handle military-specific issues daily, including deployments affecting custody, PCS modifications, and proper benefit calculations. Our knowledge and experience with the many issues of military life benefits both service members and their connected civilian families.
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Local Court Advantage
Years of practicing in Bexar County courts mean we know judges' preferences and local procedures. These relationships and insights help achieve smoother proceedings and better settlements for our clients.
Areas of Service
We maintain strong connections throughout Greater San Antonio and beyond. We recognize that each area has its own character and needs, from established neighborhoods to growing developments where young families are putting down roots.
- Bexar County
- San Antonio
- Leon Valley
- Universal City
- Live Oak
- Converse
- Guadalupe County
- Seguin
- New Braunfels
- Cibolo
- Staples
- Schertz
- Kendall County
- Boerne
- Kendalia
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- Bergheim
- Comfort
- Atascosa County
- Pleasanton
- Poteet
- Jourdanton
- Lytle
- Charlotte
- Comal County
- Bulverde
- Spring Branch
- Canyon Lake
- Medina County
- Hondo
- Natalia
- Devine
- LaCoste
- Castroville
- Wilson County
- Floresville
- Sutherland Springs
- La Vernia
- Poth
- Stockdale
- Kerr County
- Kerrville
- Center Point
- Ingram
- Mountain Home
- Hunt
- Gillespie County
- Fredericksburg
- Luckenbach
- Harper
- Doss
- Stonewall
- Bandera County
- Bandera
- Lakehills
- Pipe Creek
FAQ
Family law attorneys in Texas typically charge hourly rates that vary based on experience and case difficulty. At Lishman Law, we understand that cost concerns weigh heavily during challenging times, so we offer a free initial case evaluation to discuss your situation without financial pressure. Following that meeting, we require an initial retainer that generally starts at $3,500 for uncontested matters and around $5,000 for contested cases. These retainers work like prepaid legal fees — we bill against the retainer at our hourly rates — $175 for paralegals, and between $275 and $425 for attorneys.
While Texas law allows self-representation, custody cases involve intricate legal standards and procedures that benefit from skilled guidance. Attorneys help present your case effectively, ensuring all relevant factors reach the court's attention. We prepare proper documentation, meet filing deadlines, and advocate for arrangements that serve your children's interests. Even in agreed cases, legal representation helps create comprehensive orders that prevent future disputes.
Selecting the right custody lawyer involves evaluating credentials, experience, and communication style. Look for attorneys with a specific family law focus and proven results in custody matters. Board certification, like that earned by Sarah Anne Lishman, indicates advanced expertise in family law matters. Only a very small percentage of lawyers have the advanced knowledge and skills to be offered this certification. During the initial consultation, assess whether the attorney listens carefully, explains options clearly, and demonstrates familiarity with local court practices. The best custody lawyers combine legal skill with genuine concern for your children's well-being.
Texas courts examine specific behaviors and circumstances when evaluating parental fitness. Evidence of abuse, neglect, substance abuse problems, or criminal activity can impact custody decisions. Courts also consider whether a parent provides stable housing, meets children's basic needs, and supports their emotional development. Mental health issues alone don't determine unfitness, but untreated conditions affecting parenting ability may influence custody arrangements.
Most family law matters in Texas require proof by a preponderance of the evidence — meaning more likely than not. This standard applies to property division, custody determinations, and support calculations. However, certain issues like termination of parental rights require clear and convincing evidence, a higher standard. Knowing these distinctions helps set realistic expectations about what evidence you need to present in your case.
Texas law requires judges to speak with children 12 and older, who can express preferences about custody arrangements. However, children cannot simply choose where to live. Judges consider their wishes alongside other factors affecting their best interests. For children under 12, judges have discretion about whether to conduct interviews. Courts weigh children's maturity levels and reasons for their preferences when making custody decisions.
We Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence. Call Today.
Contact Live Oak family lawyers who put your children's stability above all else. Our team works tirelessly to create solutions that protect both immediate needs and long-term family harmony.