Best Family Lawyer in Saint Louis

George Castillo Ruiz

Family Lawyer

“For the people and by the people” had never rung truer than when you refer to George C Ruiz. George, one of 3 siblings, grew up in a traditional Hispanic home and beyond being perfectly bilingual, he is perfectly bicultural. He navigates with ease with English or Spanish speaking clients. His passion for his clients dates to the deep roots from his Mexican upbringing where he learned the value of being ethical and driven by principles. He is committed to giving his clients a voice and guiding them in obtaining the best possible outcome in a straightforward and honest way. His adrenaline is fueled by the thought of fighting for his clients and winning for them. He continues to carve his way in the legal system and has been diligently building his reputation. He has handled many prominent criminal and family matters and his office continues to flourish as an office that consistently delivers results. He is committed and knows that the “lion doesn’t turn when the small dog barks”.

He is in it to win it! He truly believes that he is the “world’s equalizer” turning his clients wrongs into rights. The confidence he exudes, permeates at all stages and levels of the legal battle to insure you receive the best possible outcome. He is not afraid to go against the current if it means that he will protect his clients best interest and is no stranger to playing outside of the sandbox. George chose to become an attorney out of the conviction to make a difference in his clients lives, a truly unique quality that sets him apart from all others. He has the uncanny ability to anticipate the next move in a manner that allows him stay one step ahead of the opposing side. George is without a doubt, the attorney and partner you want in your corner.

Academically, George earned his J.D. from the University of Texas A&M, and his Undergraduate, in Criminal Justice, from the University of Texas in San Antonio. He is admitted to the Texas State Bar.

Laura D. Heard

Family Lawyer

I have been honored and excited to receive many awards for my work.  One of the nicest awards I’ve won was “Outstanding Lawyer” by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2019. There were many stringent requirements, and I was humbled by the quality of the other outstanding lawyers who were also recipients of the award. There was an inspiring ceremony that made me want to do even more for the community.

In 2018, I won a “Top Lawyers in Texas” award for “Highest Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence,” and I’ve been awarded 10 Best Family Law Attorneys in Texas by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys every year from 2019 through 2022. I was a Top Family Lawyer in San Antonio in Scene in SA Magazine in 2021 and a San Antonio Best Lawyers in Appellate Law in the same magazine in 2006.

While in law school in 1986, I received the American Jurisprudence Awards in both Domestic Relations and Agency & Partnership Law for achieving the highest grade in my classes.  I am proud to have received at A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau every year since 2018 to the present (2022).

Divorce, child custody, and other family law matters have profound and lasting impacts on you and your family relationships. Let us help you protect yourself and those you love while meeting your needs and goals.

We also service in the following areas:

• Chesterfield

• Lake St. Louis

• Clayton

• Laude

• Creve Coeur

• University City

• Frontenac

• Swansea Illinois

Artessia House

Family Lawyer

Born the eldest of four children in San Antonio, Texas, Attorney House earned a B.A. in Political Science from St. Mary’s University.  Ms. House went on to earn a Texas Educator Certificate after fulfilling the requirements of the state of Texas and regulations of the State Board for Educator Certification. She later earned her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

During her undergraduate and post-undergraduate years, Ms. House served on the National Executive Board for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as the Southwest Regional Representative and managed chapters in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Jamaica.

Ms. House started her professional career as a school teacher for San Antonio Independent School District. As a teacher, she established and maintained excellent working relationships with parents and students through consistent demonstration of professionalism, preparedness, and work ethic. She also demonstrated sound knowledge of state rules and procedures.

While serving the community as a teacher, Ms. House decided to fulfill her dream of becoming an attorney. Ms. House attended St. Mary’s University School of Law where she served as Symposium Editor for The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice. As an editor, Ms. House organized one of the publication’s largest Immigration Law CLE events which provided information on the Defense of Marriage Act and sentencing advocacy for immigrants in federal court.

Rebecca J. Carrillo

Family Lawyer

Rebecca J. Carrillo is a Board Certified attorney in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board Certification is a mark of excellence, one that roughly 10% of Texas attorneys can claim. Only Board Certified attorneys in Texas can publicly represent themselves as a specialist in their area of law. As a Board Certified attorney, Rebecca J. Carrillo has set herself apart as being an attorney with the highest public commitment to the practice of Family Law in Texas.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from Texas A&M University, and her J.D. from St. Mary’s University, School of Law, San Antonio, Rebecca is proud to assist other Texans with their divorce and family law needs. Rebecca sets herself apart by approaching each case with preparation and great attention to detail, personally overseeing every aspect and working diligently to promote and protect client rights.

Attorney Rebecca Carrillo is consistently recognized by her peers for her legal expertise. She is a strong litigator who is not afraid to go to court. Rebecca focuses her practice in divorce and family law including child support, child custody, wills, adoption, military divorce, high-asset complex division, uncontested divorce, and more. She can help you with all your legal needs. Connect today to learn more about the services available to you.

William R. Bergmann

Family Lawyer

Mr. Bergmann is a proud product of the city of San Antonio. He was born, raised, employed and educated in this amazing city. Mr. Bergmann received his bachelors in business administration from the University of Texas A&M San Antonio where he graduated with honors and was a proud member of the inaugural class to carry the University’s namesake.

After he received his teaching certificate, Mr. Bergmann taught at a listed Title I elementary school. There he realized the need to continue his education in order to benefit his community. Mr. Bergmann was able to attend St. Mary’s Law School’s night program while continuing his career as an educator during the day. Remarkably, in three years Mr. Bergmann graduated in the top ten percent of his law class along with other honors distinguished upon him, all while still maintaining his education career.

Upon receiving his law license, Mr. Bergmann worked for a large firm performing complex multi-million-dollar litigation. From there he joined one of the more prominent family law firms in San Antonio. Mr. Bergmann subsequently opened the Bergmann Law Firm, PLLC so that he could directly handle clients problems . He understands that clients pay hard earned money to have their problems solved. You can trust that Mr. Bergmann will tell you the advice you need to hear and will work on a strategy to ensure that you receive the best results.

Sadia Aziz

Family Lawyer

Sadia Aziz has been practicing law for 35 years and has dedicated the majority of her legal career to the practice of Family Law, Civil Law and Criminal Law. Her Love of San Antonio and passion for serving its citizens has kept her in this fine city. Born in London, England Ms. Aziz immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. She graduated with honors from Clark High School in 1981 at the age of 16. She attended Trinity University for her undergrad studies and graduated with honors in 1985. She then attended St. Mary’s University Law School and graduated in 1989.

My experience can represent you in a variety of Family Law issues including Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Enforcements, Paternity, Termination & Adoption. My firm can also help you with civil and criminal issues such as Real Estate/Contracts, Wills & Probate, Immigration, Guardianships, Traffic Tickets, DWI, Theft, Assaults and Criminal Misdemeanors.

Randy Mora

Family Lawyer

Randy Mora grew up on the far west side of San Antonio and graduated from Warren High School. Randy earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin, where he double majored in philosophy and government. In 2012, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Mr. Mora has been a licensed Texas attorney since November 2, 2012.

Mr. Mora is a proud father of four loving girls and happily married to his high school sweetheart. He enjoys raising his daughters to become strong independent young ladies. He spends any free time he has involved in his kids’ school, extracurricular activities, and quality time with the family.

Education

  • St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
    • J.D.
  • University of Texas, Austin, Texas
    • B.A. – 2009
    • Major: Government and Philosophy

Bar Admissions

  • Texas, 2012

Kevin E. Sralla

Family Lawyer

Kevin “Buck” Sralla is a family law attorney who has been practicing in San Antonio and surrounding areas since 2006. He is a down-to-earth, hard-working lawyer with a desire and an ability to connect with his clients to achieve their litigation goals. He is the owner/managing attorney at Sralla Family Law, PLLC – an eight-member boutique firm that includes two associate lawyers working alongside Mr. Sralla. His goal has always been to achieve effective communication with his firm’s clients while getting them the top-notch results they deserve in the courtroom. He identifies with client predicaments and the unique challenges they face.

As a child, he overcame a severe case of Tourette Syndrome, a condition that causes involuntary movements, tics, and vocalizations. This often made him the target of laughter and ridicule, but it never kept him from chasing and achieving his dreams. Now, his professional pedigree speaks for itself. After working as an investigative journalist for seven years, Mr. Sralla observed that he had a knack for calmly drawing the truth out of news sources and public officials he encountered, many times in the face of resistance and personal attacks. He parlayed this skill into a law degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1999.

While in law school, Mr. Sralla earned a coveted spot as an associate editor on the Wayne Law Review and garnered multiple honors and awards, including the Richard B. Gushee Writing Award recognizing the best writer on the law review in 1998. After graduation, his first job was a judicial clerkship for the Hon. Marilyn J. Kelly on the Michigan Supreme Court, where he drafted published opinions and had a voice in the shaping of Michigan’s jurisprudence. After spending 12 years in Michigan, Mr. Sralla and his family came home to Texas in 2006, when he hung his shingle and began taking family law cases. It was also during this time that his life took a dramatic turn as he became the primary caregiver for his wife, who was struggling with a terminal illness.

As he cared for her around the clock, often sleeping by her bedside in hospitals as she clung to her life embattled by disease, he fought by her side and saw her through a double-lung transplant operation that saved her life in 2015. Through it all, he managed to maintain and grow his law practice into what it is today. He has since represented the interests of thousands of clients with their family law needs.

The divorce is over: Now, who pays what?

Once a divorce is finalized, determining who pays for what can be a critical aspect of transitioning to post-divorce life. Here’s a breakdown of the common financial responsibilities and how they are typically handled after a divorce:

1. Spousal Support (Alimony)

  • Ongoing Payments: If spousal support was awarded as part of the divorce settlement, one spouse may be required to make regular payments to the other. The amount and duration of these payments are usually determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the income and earning potential of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.
  • Tax Implications: The paying spouse should be aware of any tax obligations related to alimony. As of the 2019 tax year, alimony payments are no longer tax-deductible for the payer, and the recipient does not have to report the payments as income.

2. Child Support

  • Legal Obligation: Child support is a legal obligation that ensures the non-custodial parent contributes financially to the child’s upbringing. The amount is typically determined by state guidelines, which consider the income of both parents, the number of children, and the custody arrangement.
  • Payment Schedule: Child support is usually paid on a monthly basis and continues until the child reaches the age of majority, graduates from high school, or as specified by the court. In some cases, it may extend further, such as for college expenses.

3. Division of Debt

  • Shared Debts: If the divorce decree assigns responsibility for certain debts, each party is typically responsible for the debts assigned to them. This could include mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities.
  • Joint Debt Considerations: If both names are on a loan or credit card, both parties remain liable to the creditor, regardless of the divorce agreement. It’s advisable to pay off or refinance joint debts to prevent future financial conflicts.

4. Household Expenses

  • Mortgage and Rent: If one spouse keeps the marital home, they are usually responsible for the mortgage payments and other related expenses, unless otherwise specified in the divorce agreement. If the home is sold, the proceeds are typically divided according to the terms of the divorce settlement.
  • Utilities and Maintenance: The spouse who remains in the marital home generally takes over responsibility for utilities, maintenance, and property taxes. These details should be clearly outlined in the divorce agreement to avoid disputes.

5. Insurance Policies

  • Health Insurance: Post-divorce, each spouse is typically responsible for their own health insurance. If one spouse was covered under the other’s employer-provided plan, they may need to seek independent coverage or continue coverage under COBRA for a limited time.
  • Life Insurance: If the divorce agreement includes life insurance provisions (e.g., to secure spousal or child support payments), the paying spouse must maintain the policy as agreed. The beneficiary designations should be updated to reflect the new circumstances.

6. Retirement Accounts and Pensions

  • Division of Retirement Funds: If retirement accounts or pensions were divided during the divorce, the responsible spouse must ensure that the funds are transferred according to the settlement terms. This often involves using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide retirement accounts without incurring penalties.
  • Ongoing Contributions: Post-divorce, each spouse is responsible for managing and contributing to their own retirement accounts.

7. Taxes

  • Filing Status: After a divorce, each spouse must file their taxes separately, using the appropriate filing status (e.g., single, head of household). The timing of the divorce (before or after December 31) determines the filing status for that tax year.
  • Tax Liabilities: If the divorce decree assigns responsibility for past tax liabilities, the assigned spouse must handle these obligations. It’s important to consult a tax professional to understand any potential implications.

8. Legal Fees and Court Costs

  • Post-Divorce Legal Fees: If there are any ongoing legal issues related to the divorce, such as enforcement of the settlement or modifications to support orders, each party is typically responsible for their own legal fees unless otherwise ordered by the court.

9. Miscellaneous Financial Obligations

  • College Expenses: If the divorce agreement includes provisions for college expenses, the parents must follow the agreed-upon terms, whether through direct payments or savings plans.
  • Reimbursements: If one spouse is required to reimburse the other for specific expenses (e.g., medical bills, extracurricular activities for children), these payments must be made according to the divorce decree.

Conclusion

Post-divorce financial responsibilities can be complex, and it’s important for both parties to clearly understand their obligations as outlined in the divorce decree. Clear communication and careful financial planning are key to successfully managing these responsibilities and ensuring a smooth transition into post-divorce life. When in doubt, consulting with legal or financial professionals can provide guidance and help avoid potential conflicts.

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