Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorney
Divorce Helping You & Your Family Move Forward To A New Chapter

San Antonio Divorce Attorney

Free Consultations – Call (210) 761-4943

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 divorce lawyer in San Antonio, TX.

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. Our legal team wants to help you start the next chapter of your life on the right foot.

Schedule a free consultation with a San Antonio divorce lawyer today to see how we can help. Just call (210) 761-4943.

“The whole firm was very caring and empathetic towards the situation and I couldn't have asked for better legal representation!”

- Former Client

Our Practice Areas

Helping You Get Results

Why Choose Derek S. Ritchie As Your Divorce Lawyer?

With a passion for practicing family law, Attorney Derek Ritchie is prepared to walk you through your divorce in San Antonio and overcome any bumps in the road 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, spousal maintenance may be agreed upon or ordered by the court in order to help the lesser-earning spouse maintain their accustomed standard of living for a set period of time.

How to File for Divorce in Bexar County, TX

First, hire a divorce attorney near you to assist and represent you through the divorce process. Once you have representation, here are the first steps in filing for divorce in San Antonio:

  1. Pick up a divorce packet from the courthouse or download Texas divorce papers online
  2. Complete the appropriate paperwork (agreed divorce, default divorce, or contested divorce)
  3. Make 2 copies of your divorce papers
  4. File your original divorce papers and pay the filing fee
  5. Serve copies of the completed divorce papers to the other party

Before filing divorce 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 for divorce. Call The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie at (210) 761-4943 to learn how we can help you!

    Our San Antonio Divorce Lawyers Take a Tailored Approach

    Though we will strive to help you finalize your divorce through mediation, arbitration, or some other form of alternative dispute resolution, we believe that no one should feel pressured to accept a less-than-ideal settlement. Our divorce lawyers in San Antonio, TX recognize that sometimes, litigation is necessary. Should we feel that taking your case to the courtroom will yield better results, we are always prepared to do so.

    Discuss your case with our San Antonio divorce lawyer today. Contact us at (210) 761-4943.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q:How Much Does a Divorce Cost in San Antonio?

      A:In Bexar County, the filing fee for divorce is $293 without children or $344 with children. Keep in mind that this is not the final cost of divorce, since it does not include attorney fees or any additional court or filing fees that may arise during the divorce process.

    • Q:What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?

      A: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

    • Q:Do You Have to Be Separated Before Filing for Divorce in TX?

      A: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.

    • Q:How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce in San Antonio?

      A: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.

    • Q:What Should You NOT Do in a Divorce?

      A:Divorce is a complex and very personal legal process, especially in contested cases. There are countless things that you should and should not do during the divorce process, but here is a good starting list of what not to do in a divorce:

      1. Don't wait to hire a lawyer 
      2. Don't post or complain about your divorce on social media 
      3. Don't trash-talk your spouse in public or in front of your kids 
      4. Don't take out your frustration on your kids 
      5. Don't use your kids against your spouse 
      6. Don't hide assets from your spouse 
      7. Don't increase your debt 
      8. Don't wait to get your finances in order – update your accounts, beneficiaries, will, etc. 
      9. Don't bring a new boyfriend/girlfriend around your children 
      10. Don't get pregnant / get someone else pregnant

    • Q:Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce?

      A:Yes. Even if both parties are in agreement, the divorce process is still complex and has a lot of room for error. The best way to be certain that your interests are protected is by hiring a local divorce attorney with the skill your case needs. Your divorce lawyer can help you fill out the paperwork and represent you throughout the divorce process, from discovery and settlement negotiations to custody battles and courtroom trials.

    What Differentiates Us

    Results-Focused Tenacity
    • Complimentary Consultations

      We strive to create an environment where you feel safe and protected. We recommend starting with a complimentary consultation to review your case together. Evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment only.

    • Work Directly With Your Attorney

      Derek will work directly with you through every step of your case. It's important to us that your case receives highly personalized attention. You instilled your trust in us and we will work to meet and exceed your expectations.

    • We Fight to Win

      We're competitive by nature and have a versatile legal style. We always seek an amicable outcome among different parties. We're also prepared and ready to take your case to trial.

    Contact Us

    We're With You Every Step of the Way
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