San Antonio Child Custody Attorney
Standing Up for Your Children and Your Parental Rights in Bexar County
Custody Disputes Require an Attorney Who Takes Them Seriously
Few legal matters carry higher stakes than determining where your children will live, how much time you’ll spend with them, and who has the authority to make decisions about their upbringing. At the Gilbert Law Office, Matthew Gilbert brings a steady hand and genuine commitment to every child custody case he handles in Bexar County and the greater San Antonio area.
Texas law distinguishes between conservatorship (the legal right to make decisions for your child) and possession and access (your physical time with your child). Whether you’re going through an initial custody order as part of a divorce, seeking to modify an existing arrangement that no longer works, or dealing with a co-parent who isn’t honoring the terms of your court order, Matthew Gilbert is here to help you navigate the process clearly and confidently.
Your relationship with your children is worth protecting. Contact the Gilbert Law Office today to schedule a consultation with a San Antonio child custody attorney who will listen to your situation and help you pursue the outcome your family deserves.
What Sets the Gilbert Law Office Apart
Why San Antonio Parents Trust Matthew Gilbert with Their Custody Cases
Reliability
Experience
Compassion
Tenacity
Understanding Child Custody in Texas
Texas family courts decide custody matters based on one guiding principle: the best interest of the child. That sounds straightforward, but in practice it involves a careful look at many factors — the stability of each parent’s home, the child’s existing relationships and routines, each parent’s ability to communicate and co-parent, and in some cases, the child’s own preferences.
Texas uses the term managing conservatorship to describe who holds the legal authority to make important decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. In most cases, courts start from the assumption that joint managing conservatorship — shared decision-making authority between both parents — is in the child’s best interest. However, if one parent has a history of family violence, substance abuse, or other concerning behavior, the court may award sole managing conservatorship to the other parent.
Possession and access is the term Texas uses for the physical schedule — when each parent has the child in their home. The Standard Possession Order, which gives the non-primary parent alternating weekends and certain weekday evenings, is a common starting point, but courts can and do deviate from it when the circumstances call for something different.
Whether you’re entering your first custody order or returning to court because your circumstances have changed, having a knowledgeable San Antonio family law attorney in your corner can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Custody Situations the Gilbert Law Office Handles
Every family’s situation is different. Matthew Gilbert handles a wide range of custody-related matters for San Antonio and Bexar County clients, including:
Initial Custody Orders — Whether you’re divorcing or were never married to the other parent, establishing a clear, enforceable custody arrangement from the start is critical. A well-crafted order protects your rights and reduces the likelihood of future conflicts.
Custody Modifications — Life changes. A job relocation, a change in a child’s needs, or a shift in one parent’s living situation can all be grounds for revisiting an existing order. Texas requires a showing of “material and substantial change in circumstances” to modify custody, and Matthew can help you evaluate whether your situation qualifies.
Enforcement Actions — When the other parent refuses to follow the court-ordered schedule or withholds access to your child, you have legal options. The Gilbert Law Office can help you pursue enforcement and hold the other party accountable.
Custody and Child Support — Custody and child support are closely related. Changes to one often affect the other, and it helps to work with an attorney who understands both sides of the equation.
Military Custody Considerations — As a veteran himself, Matthew Gilbert has a particular understanding of the unique custody challenges that come with military service — including deployment, relocation, and navigating military family law issues.
Quick Consultation
Ready to talk through your custody situation? Request a complimentary case consultation by filling out the form below.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What’s the difference between sole and joint custody in Texas?
Texas law refers to custody as conservatorship. Joint managing conservatorship means both parents share rights and duties for the child, while sole managing conservatorship gives one parent primary decision-making authority. Joint conservatorship is the more common outcome, but the specific rights awarded can vary case by case.
Can a custody order be modified after it’s finalized?
Yes. Texas allows modifications when there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, such as a parent relocating, a change in the child’s needs, or safety concerns. We can help determine whether your situation qualifies.
What can I do if the other parent violates our custody order?
If the other parent refuses to follow the court-ordered schedule or withholds access to your child, you have legal options. The Gilbert Law Office can help you pursue enforcement and hold the other party accountable.
How does military service affect a custody case?
Families connected to the military face unique custody challenges tied to deployment schedules, potential relocation, and federal law requirements. Matthew Gilbert is a veteran and has direct experience handling military custody and divorce matters.
How much does a child custody attorney cost in San Antonio?
Costs vary depending on whether the case is contested and how complex the underlying issues are. We offer a free consultation to review your situation and provide clear, upfront guidance on fees before you commit to representation.
The Gilbert Law Office serves clients throughout San Antonio and Bexar County from our conveniently located office on Bandera Road in San Antonio. We also serve families in the Boerne and Kendall County area from our Dominion/Boerne office. Wherever you are in the area, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.