Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information you need to know when facing legal issues.
General Questions
What areas does the Gilbert Law Office serve?
We serve clients throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, Kendall County, and the surrounding Hill Country area, including Boerne, Alamo Heights, Alamo Ranch, Balcones Heights, Helotes, Leon Valley, Shavano Park, and Fair Oaks Ranch. We maintain offices on Bandera Road in San Antonio and near the Dominion/Boerne area.
What types of cases does Gilbert Law Office handle?
We handle family law, criminal defense, and personal injury matters. Whatever legal issue you’re facing, our team can help or point you toward the right next step.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer a complimentary consultation to review your situation and give you clear, upfront guidance before you commit to representation.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Any relevant documents for your case — court orders, police reports, medical records, financial documents, or correspondence — along with a general timeline of what’s happened. It’s not required, but it helps us give you more specific guidance from the start.
Is Matthew Gilbert a military veteran?
Yes. Matthew Gilbert is a Navy veteran, which gives him firsthand insight into the unique challenges military families and servicemembers face in both family law and criminal matters.
Family Law
What family law services do you offer?
How long does a divorce take in Texas?
Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces can often be completed close to that timeline, while contested cases involving custody or property disputes can take several months to over a year.
How do Texas courts decide child custody?
Texas courts base custody decisions on the best interest of the child, considering factors like each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of family violence or substance abuse.
Do I need an attorney for an uncontested divorce?
While it’s not legally required, having an attorney review your agreement helps ensure the paperwork is filed correctly and that your rights around property, debt, and any children are properly protected before it becomes final.
Criminal Defense
What criminal charges do you defend against?
We defend clients facing DWI charges, weapons and firearms offenses, drug charges, and assault and domestic violence allegations, among other criminal matters.
What should I do if I'm arrested?
Exercise your right to remain silent, avoid discussing your case with anyone besides your attorney, and contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Anything you say to police can be used against you.
Can criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, depending on the facts of your case. Outcomes can hinge on how evidence was gathered, whether your rights were respected during the arrest, and your criminal history. We routinely work to get charges reduced or dismissed when the evidence supports it.
Will a criminal conviction affect my job or future opportunities?
It can. A conviction may show up on background checks and affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. This is one of the biggest reasons to fight charges aggressively from the very beginning.
Personal Injury
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We handle car accident claims, animal attack cases, and slip-and-fall injuries, among other personal injury matters throughout the San Antonio area.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Texas?
Texas generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the date of injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an incident.
What should I do after a car accident?
Seek medical attention, document the scene if it’s safe to do so, exchange information with other parties, and avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
