Deanna Lynn Whitley

PRO

Deanna Lynn Whitley

4.4
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at San Antonio, TX
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Appeals, Criminal Defense

2206 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX

About Deanna

Biography

Top Rated Divorce Lawyer determined to get YOU results. 30 years of Litigation Experience! Immediate Response!

Simple Divorce or complex Child Custody matter, we will handle your case quickly and fairly.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 75%

75%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Appeals 3%

3%
Criminal Defense 2%

2%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 33 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1992

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

The Whitley Law Firm, P.C.

2206 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX, 78203

whitleylawfirmpc.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Deanna online.

Deanna Lynn Whitley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

61 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 20 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Robert | October 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The Right Choice

When I made the decision to divorce my ex-wife I knew I'd need a child custody lawyer because my children were my priority. Yes, I could have searched for just a Divorce Lawyer but I knew my ex would fight me tooth and nail to leave the state in order to separate me from them. I needed a child custod...y lawyer who would fight for a father wanting to be equally in his children’s lives. I reached out to several lawyers leaving messages and that’s when a member of Ms. Whitley’s team called me. She easily convinced me to meet with her boss and after the initial sit down I knew Ms. Whitley was the right choice for my life changing event. I explained to Ms. Whitley exactly what I wanted because I had thought the whole process through for quite a while. I just wanted equal rights to my children and she whole heartedly agreed that I deserved exactly that. That being said, divorce isn’t easy and mine was no walk in the park. My ex fought with me as I expected and almost left the state, but Ms. Whitley quickly helped me file the initial paperwork preventing me from losing my children for good. My divorce took place a few months after our initial court filing but my ex drug the whole process out for months on end sending us back to court over and over again. However, Ms. Whitley, her associate and team stood by me through the whole process and I can finally say it’s over. It took time and took money, that’s how divorce works….. But I received exactly what I expected and what I wanted….I have my children 50/50. Thank you Whitley Law Firm.

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

A WIN! On an extremely complicated and unique case. Out of state client. FL/TX. USAF Veteran

My case was extremely unique and complicated. A lawyer prior to Ms. Whitley rushed me off the phone not even allowing me to fully explain my case, stating that it was way too complicated for him to even get into. That same day I called The Whitley Law Firm, P.C. and spoke with them about my case, my ...information was taken down and given to Cait. Cait listened, calmed me and assured me that my case could and would be handled. She also shared a story which made me feel that I wasn’t alone and that I could trust Ms. Whitley and her team. I’m a Christian, and prayed hard for God to lead me to an attorney that would know the law, not take advantage of me, and help me get through this battle and win. He led me to this Firm. Once forwarded to Ms. Whitley, she called and was just as calming and assuring as Cait; she listened to me, brought comfort to me at such a traumatic time and quickly jumped into action on my case. Throughout the entire ordeal she was polite, respectful, honest and trustworthy, not only to me but to my family. Ms. Whitley knows the law, she is thorough, tough and though small, she is mighty! Being in court four times (because of the many games my ex-husbands lawyers played) we walked away with a WIN every time. Ms. Whitley ended up getting my son back to me quickly, was able to get all the crazy attempts made by my ex-husband and his lawyer thrown out, getting me a settlement of documented primary custody of my son, everything in my favor and getting my child support in the works to be fixed and put back under FL jurisdiction. I am very happy and thankful for her services. If you’re lost, overwhelmed, scared, confused and don’t know what to do. Trust in The Whitley Law Firm, and let her fight your battle; No matter how complicated, call. Last but not least anything worth it is not cheap, they are extremely worth it and will work with you, just call. (I reiterate call, because being in that situation, seeing CALL would be the push I needed.) The quick background to my complicated case: My son and I live in FL and have since he was 18 months old, as a family with his father up until he was four. The father of my son currently lives in TX. My son had long distance summer visitations with his father yearly. The father of my son decided (because TX was suing him for back child support) to withhold him, and stated he was not sending him back to FL. Trying to say that he was the primary parent and that he decides the residence of my son. The previous Divorce Decree was fraudulently gained in TX, although the father lived married in FL, although there was a FL support order (that his decree changed the amount cutting the support order in half and giving TX power over the support order-which is illegal), and although my son had always lived with me and he himself put the child would continue to live with me in the decree; this case should have never left FL. He placed in small print in the back of the decree that he decides my son’s residence, which in TX gives him "Primary" custody. Primary wouldn’t be granted to a person that has never had the child full time, a person that PAYS child support, and a person that receives long distance visitation of summers only. In a nutshell my case should have never been pulled to TX, yet it was and the decree was signed by a TX judge without me present 2013, this decree had many fraudulent levels and the DOA informed me that I really needed a lawyer to fix the discrepancies, now 2015-2016. The father of my son had also remarried, therefore throwing out the old decree would have caused more complications. All in all my ex-husband had a group of fraudulent lawyers that were wolves, that didn't know the law, and wanted to avoid the real problem of them committing fraud between two jurisdictions, in addition to lying under oath and fooling a judge into signing a fraudulent decree. The entire story will need a book to explain. Ms. Whitley and her team really took care of me and we won!

Posted by Bridget | April 29, 2015 | Family

Above and Beyond

As a perspective client I was leery of attorneys after previous experience. The staff at The Whitley Law Firm immediately made me feel like a person instead of just a client. After my initial consultation and retainer were taken care of they were on the ball. They were very thorough and attentive to ...my needs and desires in my case. They listened and recommended the best course of action, took every step with care, caution and sincere concern. After 5 years of being in the dark with my case they shone the brightest light and gave me the confidence needed to get the results I thought were out of my reach. I researched many attorneys before choosing the Whitley Law Firm and I am glad I did because they went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that I achieved the results I desired in my case. Being in a different state would usually be a daunting feeling for a client but for me it was very straightforward because of the abundance of communication that they provided. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a tough as nails attorney willing to fight for you and the best interest of your child(ren). Deanna, Shelley, Cait, Lonie and the whole staff made my experience a great one. I appreciate all of their hard work in my case and could nbt be happier with the result in my favor. They are creative, have a great rapport fellow colleagues and take an active interest in their cases all while maintaining a high standard of professionalism throughout the whole process.

Posted by Veronica | April 24, 2014 | Child Custody

Grandparents win custody of grandchildren

My experience in the past with attorneys left me believing they were not trustworthy and a waste of money. When I met Deanna I quickly changed my attitude. She met with me on a Sunday because I had less than 2 weeks to appear in court to battle out with my granddaughter's father for custody. We lo...st that day in court the judge ruled against me but Deanna didn't give up. She fought to the end and I didn't lose custody of my granddaughter. As anyone knows it is very hard for grandparents to fight for custody of their grandchildren but Deanna was very knowledgeable in this field and I would highly recommend her to anybody for any family legal issues.

Posted by Lisa | February 11, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Genius and Attentive representation. My life changed the moment I made contact with her firm.

My experience was life changing once I fired my old lawyer and hired Deanna and her trusty (and tough) assistant Cait. I can't say the fear from my estranged and abusive husband went away but I knew I had a smart, effective and attentive lawyer that was going to work hard for me and my baby to keep m...e safe. On January 29th my divorce was finalized with sole management of my baby. The relief is unexplainable. Retaining Deanna enabled me to re-gain control of my life and look beyond the immediate. Her assistant Cait is wonderful; she was always there for me 24/7. I could count on her. She always gave me the right advice. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to my case. I could tell that they understood exactly how important this case was for my safety as well as the safety of my child. I trusted Deanna and Cait and they came through for me when I needed it most. Deanna is an excellent lawyer and wonderful person. I would recommend her to anybody I know who needs an excellent and effective lawyer in the San Antonio area.

See All Client Reviews

Deanna Lynn Whitley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Deanna
Dallas Elizabeth Olsen headshot
Dallas Olsen

Family lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"She is a zealous advocate who seeks the optimal outcome for all of her clients. Her success in and out of court is supported by her years of trial experience and vast understanding of the law."

Robert Steven Wilson headshot
Robert Wilson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna Whitley is a tough sharp and creative attorney. She represents her clients vigorously and her word is her bond."

Laura D. Heard headshot
Laura Heard

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marc Albert Pederson headshot
Marc Pederson

Child custody lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I was Deanna Whitley's opposing counsel on a couple of very difficult child custody and support matters. Deanna is a creative and knowledgeable attorney who fights zealously for her clients, yet maintains a professional demeanor that makes her a credit to her profession. I am, therefore, proud to enthusiastically endorse Deanna Whitley, a very reputable member of the San Antonio legal community."

Case J. Darwin headshot
Case Darwin

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent divorce lawyer. I routinely refer clients to her on family-law matters."

Shellie Renee Reyes headshot
Shellie Reyes

Appeals lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brenton Daniel Vincenzes headshot
Brenton Vincenzes

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jamie Lynn Heggy Graham headshot
Jamie Graham

Family lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Caring and smart, she's a formidable opponent that really cares about kids. We need more lawyers like her."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Justine M. Daly headshot
Justine Daly

Family lawyer

Jamie Lynn Heggy Graham headshot
Jamie Graham

Family lawyer

Kay Martinez headshot
Kay Martinez

Family lawyer

Matthew David Stern headshot
Matthew Stern

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

2012

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

2011

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

2010

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

2010

The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

2008

Best Lawyer in San Antonio: Family Law, Scene in SA Magazine

Work Experience

1992 - 1994

Associate Attorney, Nicholas & Barrera

Associations

2016 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar College

Member

2008 - Present

Collaborative Law Institute of Texas

Member

2008 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2008 - Present

International Collaborative Law Institute

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, School Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Juvenile Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Criminal Justice Section

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Member

1992 - Present

San Antonio Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

In the Interest of NIVS & MCVS, Minor Children

In the Matter of the Marriage of ALFL and KLL, and In the Interest of KAFL, a Child

In re Davila, 04-13-00103-CV, 2013 WL 1192617 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Mar. 22, 2013, no pet.)

Writ of Mandamus Conditionally Granted

Griffith v. Griffith, 341 S.W.3d 43 (Tex. App. - San Antonio, 2011).

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

St. Marys University School of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence

1989

Texas A&M University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Extreme Family Makeover XIII

It's No Longer Taboo: Same Sex Marriage & Divorce in Texas - Lesh Case Panel

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution