Business Details
12 Years
experience
Expert Family & Estate Law Services in San Antonio
At Bineham & Gillen, we pride ourselves on delivering swift, fair, and compassionate legal solutions in family law and estate planning. Since merging our firms in 2014, our combined experience spanning over three decades has positioned us as trusted advocates in Helotes and Bexar County. Our approach focuses on personalized client attention, strategic problem-solving, and transparent communication. We specialize in complex areas such as divorce, child custody, military divorce, and estate planning, ensuring tailored solutions for each client's unique circumstances.Backed by a deep understanding of Texas law, we prioritize smart decision-making over adversarial tactics, aiming to protect your interests while minimizing stress. Our proven track record in contentious cases and commitment to ethical practice solidify our reputation as respected legal advisors in the community.
Services
Family Law
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Military Divorce
LGBTQ+ Divorce
Legal Mediation
Prenuptial Agreements
Estate Planning
Wills
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of combined experience in family law and estate planning
- Personalized client attention with no cookie-cutter tactics
- Respected attorneys with proven success in complex cases
- Strategic approach prioritizing smart solutions over adversarial battles
- Compassionate representation focused on your family's future
What people say
Outstanding legal services
Compassionate attorneys
Aggressive approach won our case
Highly recommend
Kept informed throughout
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, child custody, and domestic relations cases. We provide assertive representation tailored to your circumstances, focusing on equitable outcomes for finances, child support, and visitation rights. With deep local court experience, we guide clients through Texas-specific legal challenges with strategic advocacy.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. Our attorneys ensure asset protection and legacy preservation through personalized strategies. We handle probate and guardianship cases while minimizing tax implications, helping families secure their future needs with legally sound documentation.
Military Divorce
Specialized representation for military personnel and spouses navigating divorce. We address unique considerations like retirement benefits, federal protections, and jurisdictional challenges. Our team's understanding of military culture ensures proper handling of housing, healthcare, and custody matters affecting service members and their families.
Child Custody
We advocate for parental rights in custody disputes and modifications. Our attorneys explain court evaluation factors, help establish visitation schedules, and enforce agreements through legal channels. We prepare clients for custody proceedings while prioritizing children's best interests during complex family transitions.
Legal Mediation
We facilitate non-adversarial mediation for divorce and custody matters. This alternative to court proceedings helps couples negotiate terms regarding property division, child support, and parenting plans. Our mediators maintain impartiality while ensuring legally valid agreements that reduce emotional and financial strain.
People
James F. Gillen, Jr.
Attorney
James Gillen combines law and nursing expertise, holding degrees from St. Mary's University School of Law and a nursing background. With 18 years of legal experience, he focuses on family law and estate planning. A former Marine, he serves on legal boards and provides strategic representation for complex divorce cases and estate matters.
William Doug Bineham
Attorney
William Bineham brings extensive family law experience as current prosecutor for the City of Natalia. His practice emphasizes divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and protective order cases. With decades of combined legal experience, he focuses on achieving practical solutions for clients' family law challenges.
Questions
What types of divorce cases do you handle?
We manage all divorce scenarios including military, international, LGBT, and uncontested divorces. Our experience covers complex financial divisions, child custody battles, and spousal support negotiations under Texas law.
How does Texas handle property division in divorce?
Texas follows community property principles. We help distinguish marital vs. separate property, divide assets fairly, and address debt distribution during divorce proceedings involving Texas residency requirements.
Can a military spouse receive retirement benefits?
Military spouses may qualify under the 20/20/20 rule for retirement benefits. We guide clients through federal requirements for service members' pensions and post-divorce benefit retention.
How do courts determine child custody arrangements?
Courts evaluate child/parent health, primary caregiver status, domestic abuse history, and children's preferences after age 12. We help establish custody plans protecting parental rights and children's best interests.
What estate planning documents should everyone have?
Essential documents include wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and financial/medical powers of attorney. Our attorneys create comprehensive plans addressing asset distribution, guardianship, and incapacitation contingencies.
Can child custody agreements be modified?
Yes, modifications occur when schedules change or parenting needs evolve. We assist clients in court proceedings for custody adjustments while prioritizing children's welfare and legal compliance.
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