Questions families ask us.

Because they are rarely separate in real life. The divorce that divides a household, the guardianship of an aging parent, and the probate that follows a death all turn on the same relationships and the same assets. A firm that holds both keeps the full picture in view — and keeps your family from re‑explaining its history to a new lawyer at every turn.

Ortman Law Firm is based in San Antonio and serves clients throughout Bexar County and the contiguous counties of South Central Texas. If you're unsure whether your matter is in our area, just ask.

We listen to your situation, explain the relevant Texas law in plain terms, and outline your realistic options and next steps. You'll leave with a clear understanding of where you stand — and no obligation to continue. You can see the full path on our What to Expect page.

Yes. Contact the firm to arrange a consultation; fee arrangements are explained before any work begins, so there are no surprises. We'll discuss your situation, the likely path forward, and how the firm would charge for it.

No. Reaching out — by phone, email, or the contact form — does not by itself create an attorney–client relationship, and you shouldn't send confidential details until an engagement is confirmed in writing. We'll tell you clearly when that relationship begins.

Yes. Texas allows no‑fault divorce on the ground of "insupportability," meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing. Fault grounds (such as cruelty or adultery) still exist and can affect property division and support in some cases.

Texas requires a minimum 60‑day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested cases may resolve shortly after; contested matters involving children, businesses, or significant property can take considerably longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline for your circumstances.

Texas is a community‑property state, so property acquired during the marriage is generally divided in a manner the court finds "just and right" — not always 50/50. Separate property owned before marriage, or received by gift or inheritance, stays with its owner when properly proven.

"Custody" is the everyday word; Texas law uses "conservatorship" for decision‑making rights and "possession and access" for the parenting schedule. Parents are often named joint managing conservators, which does not necessarily mean equal time. Learn more on our Family Law page.

Almost always. Wills, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and guardianship choices frequently need to change. Because we practice in both areas, we update these alongside your divorce — so your estate reflects the life you're building, not the one you're leaving.

Start with a conversation. We'll help you understand whether the estate needs full administration, a muniment of title, or a small estate affidavit, and what the Texas timeline looks like. If family disagreements are part of the picture, we're equipped for that too — most estate disputes are, at heart, family disputes.

Many independent administrations move through the core steps within several months to a year, though timing depends on the estate's complexity, whether the will is contested, and how quickly assets and creditors are addressed. Texas independent administration is comparatively efficient when a valid will names an independent executor.

The estate passes under the Texas laws of intestate succession — a statutory formula that distributes property among heirs. The family typically must pursue a determination of heirship to establish who inherits, which is generally slower and costlier than probating a valid will.

A guardianship may be needed when an adult can no longer make safe decisions about their person or finances and no adequate power of attorney is in place, or to manage property a minor has inherited. Where valid powers of attorney and directives exist, a court guardianship can often be avoided entirely.

A core plan usually includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney for finances, a medical power of attorney, an advance directive (living will), and a HIPAA authorization. Families with minor children also name guardians. See our Estate Planning page for detail.

For many Texas families a well‑drafted will plus powers of attorney is sufficient, because Texas independent administration makes probate relatively efficient. Trusts earn their place for specific goals — minor children, blended families, incapacity, or privacy. We recommend only what your situation actually calls for.

Review your plan after any major life event — marriage, divorce, a birth or adoption, a death in the family, a significant change in assets, or a move to or from Texas — and otherwise every three to five years. Because we also practice family law, we revisit your plan whenever a family matter changes your circumstances.