Best Family Lawyer in Bexar County, TX
Daniel Vela
Family Lawyer
Gladys Del Fierro was born in Brownsville, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating as Valedictorian from an all-girl private high school, she went on to serve as President of her college sorority, Alpha Phi International Fraternity. In 1997, Ms. Del Fierro graduated from St. Mary’s University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Immediately following graduation, Ms. Del Fierro attended law school at St. Mary’s University School of Law and was on the Dean’s List. In addition, Ms. Del Fierro became a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.
After graduating from law school in 2000, Ms. Del Fierro opened her private law practice in San Antonio, Texas where she practiced primarily in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. In 2005, Gladys Del Fierro and Daniel Vela formed the law firm, Vela & Del Fierro, PLLC where she has been a managing partner to date. The firm focuses primarily on Family Law, State and Federal Criminal Defense and Personal Injury.
Ms. Del Fierro is currently licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and the United States Western District. She is also a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Baltazar R. Serna Jr.
Family Lawyer
Areas of Practice
- Administrative Hearings & Adjudication
- Licensing
- Criminal Fraud
- DUI/DWI
- Drug Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- Misdemeanor
- Parole & Probation
- Traffic Violations
- White Collar Crimes
- Government Relations & Lobbying
- Legislative Practice
- Public Law
- Adoption
- Child Support
- Childrens’ Rights
- Custody & Visitation
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence & Neglect
- Juvenile Law
- Paternity
- Prenuptial Agreements
- State & Municipal Contracts
- Motor Vehicle
- Property & Casualty
- State Trial Practice
- Animal Bites — Plaintiff
- Assault & Battery — Plaintiff
- Motor Vehicle Accidents — Plaintiff
- Premises Liability — Plaintiff
- Property Damage — Plaintiff
- Railroad Accidents — Plaintiff
- Slip and Fall — Plaintiff
- Wrongful Death — Plaintiff
- Wills
- Medical Products & Devices
- Motor Vehicle Defects
- Land Use & Zoning
- Residential Real Estate
- State Government
Pauline ‘Mae’ Garza
Family Lawyer
Pauline “Mae” Garza is the sole member owner of Garza & Associates, PLLC. Her practice focuses on family law, criminal law, personal injury and probate law. She has truly established a “one stop firm” to serve San Antonio and surrounding communities.
As a graduate of St. Mary’s School of Law, J.D., University of Texas at San Antonio, M.Ed., and Our Lady of the Lake University, B.S., Ms. Garza continues to use her prestigious education credentials to serve our community members when they need her the most. She has extensive experience in the courtroom and is known to bring litigation victories to families against all odds. Ms. Garza previously served her community as a H.S. English teacher and coach, writer, and overseas reporter.
The courtroom is a space where a person needs a strong advocate by their side – Ms. Garza has demonstrated time and time again that she IS that advocate. She is an attorney who will zealously represent her client and stand by their side with compassion and confidence throughout the entire process. During one’s time of great uncertainty and vulnerability, Ms. Garza is the pillar of strength and confidence needed.
Rachel Reuter
Family Lawyer
Education
- St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
- Doctor of Jurisprudence – 1997
- The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts – 1993
Classes & Seminars
- Speaker 2017 Attorney Workshop: Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure
- Speaker 2018 Family Law Essentials Seminar for Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
- Speaker 2022 “Business and Family Don’t Mix Except When They Do”, San Antonio Bar Association Crossover Series
Professional Associations
- Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2014
- State Bar of Texas Family Law Section, Member
- San Antonio Bar Association, Chair of the Family Law Section, 2021-2022
- San Antonio Women’s Bar Association, Member
- Bexar County Women’s Bar Association, Member
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Past Board Member
- Texas Family Law Foundation, Past Board Member
- State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee, Member
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
- San Antonio Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Bar College, Member
- San Antonio Family Law Specialists Association, Member
Samira Mery Lineberger
Family Lawyer
Ms. Lineberger is the Member/Owner of Lineberger Law Firm PLLC. She is a 1987 graduate of St. Mary’s University, School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. She has practiced in a wide range of areas of law and in many capacities. Most recently as General Counsel for a technology company, she handled the majority of their legal needs including contract preparation, negotiation and management, compliance issues, intellectual property protection, risk management and employment law matters. She is also an experienced trial lawyer representing mostly commercial clients in areas including insurance defense, personal injury, employment discrimination and harassment, premises liability, products liability, construction defects, mechanics liens, fraud, defamation, FELA (Railroad employee injury cases) and DTPA (Deceptive Trade Practices Act) among other things. She has tried numerous cases with a wide range of damages from small four figure cases to cases with damages in the eight figure range.
Unique to Ms. Lineberger’s experience is her ownership and participation in several of her own businesses, including a multi-million dollar residential construction company, a mediation firm, and currently a consulting firm, Lineberger Consulting Group that advises law firms on business development and marketing strategies. This small business experience enhances her appreciation for what it takes to run a business and how legal issues impact it from an ownership perspective.
Ms. Lineberger’s undergraduate work was at Texas A&M University where she received a BBA in Marketing. She is also an Adjunct Professor at St. Mary’s University, School of Law, where she teaches Business Development and Marketing for Lawyers.
Ronald B. Prince
Family Lawyer
Ronald “Ron” B. Prince was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Edison High School, Ron attended Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Ron attended the University of Texas School of Law, graduating in 1978.
After working for a few years in the oil industry, Ron began practicing law in San Antonio in 1982. He focused primarily on worker’s compensation cases for the first several years of his practice. Ron then focused his practice for several years in insurance litigation, including issues involving insurance bad faith and deceptive insurance practices. During this period, Ron tried a case successfully to a multi-million dollar verdict against a prominent insurance company.
Ron has also represented adoption agencies since the mid 1980s, working with hundreds of adoptive families in the successful completion of the adoption process. These adoptive families comprised a diverse make-up, including single parent and same-sex parent adoptions.
With almost 30 years of legal experience, Ron has extensive experience with the workings of the Bexar County Courthouse, and his expertise extends to the surrounding counties also, including Comal, Guadalupe, Atascosa, and Medina Counties.
Ron is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the San Antonio Bar Association, including its Family Law Section. Ron has also previously served as a Magistrate for the City of San Antonio.
Roy R. Barrera Jr.
Family Lawyer
Professional Associations & Bar Admissions
- “AV Rated”- Martindale-Hubbell – Ethical Standard And Legal Ability*
- BAR Register of Preeminent Lawyers 2021
- Licensed to Practice Before The:
- Admitted – United States Supreme Court – 1976
- Admitted – U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1980
- Admitted – U.S. Federal District Court, District of Columbia, Washington
- Admitted – U.S. Federal District Court Western and Southern Districts of Texas
- American Bar Association, Since 1976
- State Bar of Texas, Since 1976
- San Antonio Bar Association, Fellow
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
Honors
- Former State Criminal District Judge Bexar County, Texas
- Former Assistant Criminal District Attorney Bexar County, Texas
- “Outstanding Young Man of San Antonio” – San Antonio Jaycees
- Noted as a “Five Outstanding Young Texans” – Texas Jaycees
- “Hispanic Excellence Award”, Hispanic Hall of Fame – National L.U.L.A.C.
- Noted as a “Texas Super Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters “Super Lawyers” in Criminal & Family Law
- Voted “Best Lawyers in San Antonio” – Criminal & DWI Defense Law “Scenes in S.A.” Magazine
- Best Lawyers in America
Kate Soulsby
Family Lawyer
A divorce or custody suit may be one of the most difficult experiences of your life to go through.
Kate is not a stranger to this reality. She has built her practice with the idea that each case requires a personal approach, which she takes the time to determine and she executes accordingly. She does this by carefully listening to you, evaluating your family’s situation, and conducting an exhaustive review of the evidence. She will move forward driven by your needs and the needs of the case. High conflict cases often require an assertive approach, and Kate will litigate on your behalf to win; however, if the parties can negotiate in good faith for the best outcome, Kate is ready to help find a soft landing, with low conflict. Regardless of your situation, Kate and her team will work with you to find the right strategy to obtain the best outcome for you. This individualized approach will reduce the pain family law matters may cause while saving time and money.
Kate has been practicing in family law since 2006. She is a family law specialist as certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Kate represents a diverse range of clients with a diverse number of needs. Kate has handled hundreds of family law matters, including divorces, custody cases, terminations of parental rights, adoptions, child support matters, protective orders, spousal support, and enforcements. She has successfully tried hundreds of cases to both judges and juries.
Kate has been voted one of the “Best Attorneys in San Antonio” each year since 2014. The American Institute of Family Law voted her one of the 10 Best for Exceptional Service and Exceptional Client Service.
She attended Baylor University for her undergraduate studies, and obtained a Master’s degree from University of Denver, prior to attending the University of Denver Strum College of Law for her juris doctor.
Divorce and Pregnancy in Texas
Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and when pregnancy is involved, it becomes even more complicated, especially in Texas. While couples may seek a divorce due to irreconcilable differences, financial issues, or emotional disconnect, adding a pregnancy to the equation creates unique legal challenges in the state of Texas. Texas law imposes specific rules about divorce and pregnancy, often leading to delays in finalizing the divorce until after the baby is born. This article explores the intricacies of the waiting process when a divorce is filed during pregnancy and the key factors to consider.
1. Texas Law and Divorce During Pregnancy
In Texas, a couple cannot finalize their divorce while the wife is pregnant. The court mandates that the divorce must wait until the child is born. This rule applies whether the husband is the biological father of the child or not. The rationale behind this waiting period is to determine important factors related to the child’s well-being, such as paternity, child custody, and child support.
Key Points of Texas Law:
- No Divorce Finalization Until Birth: Texas courts will not finalize a divorce until after the child is born. Even if both parties agree on every aspect of the divorce, the court will delay the finalization until the child’s birth.
- Determining Paternity: If the husband is not the biological father, paternity must be legally established before the court addresses any issues related to child support or custody. This can involve DNA testing or other legal measures to confirm or deny paternity.
2. Paternity Issues in Divorce During Pregnancy
A significant factor in delaying a divorce during pregnancy is determining the biological father. If the husband is presumed to be the father of the unborn child, this can affect child custody and support arrangements. However, if the husband is not the biological father, establishing paternity becomes critical.
- Husband Is the Biological Father: If the husband is indeed the biological father, the divorce proceedings will eventually include discussions about child custody, visitation rights, and child support, as is the case with any divorce involving children.
- Husband Is Not the Biological Father: In cases where the husband is not the biological father, legal measures must be taken to establish the identity of the biological father. This might involve a paternity test or affidavit from the biological father. Once paternity is established, the biological father may be responsible for child support, and custody issues will need to be addressed.
3. Child Custody and Support After the Baby is Born
Once the child is born, the court will take steps to finalize the divorce. At this stage, important decisions about the child’s custody and support will need to be made. Texas courts prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding on matters related to custody and support.
Child Custody: The court will determine custody arrangements based on the child’s well-being. Joint custody, where both parents share responsibilities, is often preferred unless there are issues like domestic violence or neglect. In most cases, the mother will initially have primary custody of a newborn, but the court encourages shared parenting as the child grows older.
Child Support: If the husband is the biological father, he will likely be required to pay child support based on his income and other factors. If the biological father is someone other than the husband, the court will establish a child support order for the biological father.
4. Impact on Emotional and Financial Stability
Pregnancy is an emotional and physically demanding period, and adding a divorce can compound the stress for both spouses. Here are some of the key emotional and financial challenges:
Emotional Stress: For both partners, pregnancy and divorce can be emotionally taxing. The expectant mother may feel overwhelmed with the uncertainty of the future, while the father (whether biological or not) may face anxiety about his role in the child’s life. Counseling or therapy can be beneficial in helping both parties cope with the emotional strain of the situation.
Financial Strain: The financial implications of divorce and pregnancy are significant. Both parents will need to plan for medical expenses, childcare costs, and living arrangements. Delaying the divorce until after the baby is born can also extend the legal fees and court costs involved in the process.
5. Preparing for the Waiting Process
If you are pregnant and seeking a divorce in Texas, understanding the legal process and planning ahead can help reduce stress and provide clarity during a challenging time.
Consult a Family Law Attorney: It’s crucial to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of divorce during pregnancy. They can offer guidance on the waiting period, paternity issues, and child custody matters.
Develop a Co-Parenting Plan: While the divorce may be delayed, it’s beneficial to start discussing co-parenting plans early on. Both parents should focus on what is best for the child and work toward a plan that supports the baby’s well-being.
Financial Planning: Consider the financial impact of both the pregnancy and the divorce. This includes preparing for medical expenses, potential child support, and any alimony that may be awarded. Work with a financial advisor if needed to ensure you are ready for the financial responsibilities that come with both the pregnancy and divorce.
6. Finalizing the Divorce After the Child’s Birth
Once the baby is born, the divorce process can resume, and the court will focus on the unresolved issues, including custody, visitation, and support. Both parties will need to ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed and that they comply with court orders related to the child’s care and support.
Filing the Final Divorce Decree: After the baby’s birth and the resolution of any paternity issues, the court can finalize the divorce. This will include issuing the final divorce decree, which outlines the division of assets, custody arrangements, and support orders.
Adjusting to Post-Divorce Parenting: After the divorce is finalized, both parents will need to adjust to their new roles as co-parents. This may involve creating a visitation schedule and ensuring that the child has consistent care and support from both parents.
Conclusion
In Texas, the waiting process for a divorce during pregnancy is necessary to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected and that all legal matters, including paternity and child support, are properly addressed. While this waiting period can add emotional and financial stress, understanding the process and planning ahead can make the situation more manageable. By consulting with a knowledgeable attorney, preparing for the financial and emotional challenges, and focusing on co-parenting, both parents can work toward a positive outcome for themselves and their child.