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San Antonio Contested Divorce Attorneys
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Compassionate Guidance in Contested Divorce Matters
A contested divorce can be a stressful and emotionally charged experience, potentially involving complex legal issues and financial implications. At Lishman Law, PLLC, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to provide compassionate guidance and forceful advocacy.
Contested Divorce in San Antonio
A contested divorce arises when you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement on the key terms of your separation. This lack of consensus necessitates the resolution of outstanding issues through negotiation, mediation, or litigation in court.
Contested divorces are often characterized by complex disputes regarding property division, child custody and visitation schedules, spousal support (alimony), and other matters that require careful legal analysis.
Key Issues in a Contested Divorce
Contested divorces can encompass a wide range of complicated and emotionally sensitive issues that require skilled legal intervention, including the following:
Property Division
Disagreements over the identification, valuation, and division of marital and separate property can be a major source of conflict in a contested divorce. This may involve real estate, financial investments, business interests, employment compensation, retirement accounts, and other valuable assets.
Child Custody
Conflicts regarding child custody, visitation schedules, and parental rights are often the most emotionally charged elements of a contested divorce. These cases require a focus on the best interests of the child and skilled advocacy to protect parental rights.
Spousal Support
Disputes about spousal support can also be a significant source of strife, particularly if there’s a substantial disparity in income between the spouses or questions about the length of the marriage and the contributions of each spouse.
Reach out to the skilled family law attorneys at Lishman Law, PLLC to get the help you need.
Schedule a free case evaluation with Lishman Law today. A case evaluation is typically a twenty to thirty minute phone call, during which an attorney will get an overview of the facts of your case, ascertain your goals, identify areas of disagreement between you and your spouse, explain the contested divorce process in general, and allow you to determine if we are a good fit for your case.
The Contested Divorce Process in Texas
A contested divorce in Texas typically involves the following steps, each of which calls for careful legal attention and strategic planning:
The divorce process is initiated when one spouse files a formal petition for divorce with the appropriate court, outlining the grounds for the dissolution of the marriage and the relief sought. Improperly drafted or filed pleadings can threaten the success of your case.
Both parties may engage in a process called discovery, which involves gathering information and evidence to support their respective claims. This may include interrogatories, depositions, requests for documents, and other legal tools and procedures. Knowing the right questions to ask and the right places to look can add substantial value to your case.
The parties may attempt to resolve their disputes through formal mediation, which involves working with a neutral third party to facilitate communication and explore potential settlement options.
The parties may also choose to exchange offers and negotiate informally, without the assistance of a mediator.
If the parties are unable to reach a settlement agreement through informal negotiation or mediation, the case will proceed to trial. There, a judge will hear evidence and arguments from both sides and make a final decision on all outstanding considerations, issuing a final divorce decree.
Why Choose Lishman Law, PLLC to Manage Your Contested Divorce?
Lishman Law, PLLC is dedicated to providing skilled, effective, and compassionate legal representation to clients involved in contested divorce cases in San Antonio and the surrounding communities. Here are some of the qualities that define our firm:
Aggressive Advocacy
Our attorneys are experienced litigators with a proven track record of success in the courtroom. We’re prepared to fight aggressively to uphold your rights and defend your interests at trial.
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Skilled Negotiation and Mediation
While we never back down from a courtroom battle when necessary, we’re also skilled negotiators and mediators. Our lawyers can help you and your spouse explore settlement options and reach an equitable agreement that aligns with your goals.
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Protection of Key Rights and Assets
We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and assets throughout the divorce process, ensuring that you receive a fair outcome.
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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Areas We Serve
Lishman Law, PLLC proudly provides contested divorce legal services to clients in San Antonio and surrounding communities in Texas. We’re committed to offering accessible and effective legal representation to serve the diverse needs of families and individuals throughout the region.
- 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
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps you and your spouse reach a settlement agreement, meaning you maintain control over the outcome. Litigation, on the other hand, involves presenting your case to a judge, who will make a final decision on all disputed issues. Litigation is more adversarial and can be (and often is) significantly more expensive and time-consuming.
Safeguarding your assets requires careful planning and strategic action. It's important to understand the value of your assets, gather financial records, and avoid any actions that could be interpreted as hiding or dissipating items of value. Lishman Law, PLLC can help you identify and protect your assets throughout the divorce process.
Unfortunately, unreasonable or uncooperative behavior is common in contested divorces. It's important to remain composed, focus on your goals, and rely on your attorney to navigate the challenges that arise. Our lawyers can help you manage difficult interactions with your spouse and promote your best interests.
In Texas, the primary consideration in child custody decisions is the best interests of the child. Judges consider various factors, including the child's physical and emotional well-being, the stability of each parent's home environment, each parent's ability to provide care and support, and the child's wishes if they’re of sufficient age and maturity.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence or fear for your safety or that of your children, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself. Lishman Law, PLLC can help you take steps to ensure your security and well-being as you pursue your divorce, which may include obtaining a protective order, an order excluding your spouse from your residence, or an order restraining your spouse from communicating with you in a threatening or harassing manner.
Call Lishman Law, PLLC for Reliable Legal Assistance
Contact Lishman Law, PLLC today to set up a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can provide the skilled legal representation and compassionate support you need during this challenging time.