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 11 - 15 of 41 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by Carolina | December 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Most prepared and Cares for her clients

I cane to this firm after having 3 people recommend Ms. Whitley. She was the attorney on my cousin's very difficult case and regardless of obstacles, she won the case for them with a portion of the court costs to be recovered. Based on that, I contacted their office and was scheduled for an appointme...nt within 24 hours! I had already been through my 1st custody case in 2010 and gone through 3 attorneys that time. This round, I was being sued for custody after filing with OAG for increase and my case had started in 2016!. Ms. Dallas met with me and reviewed my info and said she had to meet with Ms. Whitley but looked like we could go forward. Now let me tell you from experience, attorney's charge between $200-$350/hr but Ms. Whitley was totally worth every penny! Her firm has great staff, most appointments are within 72 hours of your call to the office and everyone is knowledgeable and helpful. Lonnie is the Paralegal I was privileged to work with. Lonnie kept me informed and made sure I was prepared for trial. We were set for hearing within 6 months of my hiring Ms. Whitley! I had waited 2.5 years previously! On the day of our hearing, Ms. Whitley gave me instructions on where to go, where to wait and Lonnie kept me updated. When we went into the courtroom, Ms. Whitley was well prepared. We were set for a 3-4 day trial but opposing counsel threw out a settlement after the 1st day, which we declined but on 2nd day, requested a recess after Ms. Whitley basically made her look like an inexperienced law student and they quickly offered a settlement which we negotiated. Basically, I compromised very little and outcome was in our favor. I am thankful for Ms. Whitley and the staff who guided me and cared for me during this difficult case. Watching her in the courtroom was reassuring as it was evident that she was prepared to win my case. Reminded me of a Ford trying to outperform a Mercedes! As far as cost, Ms. Whitley is on the higher end but you get what you pay for. Her experience and knowledge has cost her and so it's very fair pricing when you consider the quality of her work and the quality of her staff. I've read some of the negative reviews on here and none of them seem to be valid because Ms. Whitley has expectations of her client to provide all pertinent information with reasonable amount of time for her to prepare so if you do your homework then she's just as dedicated to your case as you are. As for calls being returned, their time costs you money so you bet they'll call back and several others that I personally know that are or were clients have reported always being informed up to date on their cases. That was also my experience even as to being texted to come to the courtroom so that I didn't have to sit in the hallway with my ex and the entourage. Ms. Whitley's firm also is LGTQB friendly and very understanding when it comes to the issues we face in the courts and puts our rights first. She definitely knows the law! I will never hire anyone else since many of my attorney friends also have reported not liking to go up against her in the courtroom. My thanks to her staff for treating me like a family member.

Posted by Lori and Carmelo | November 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Happy Heart ❤️

Our family recently reached out to Mrs. Whitley’s law firm mind you we’ve never had to seek much less hire a attorney. We called to ask general questions expecting to have to wait weeks to see her and much to our surprise she was able and very willing to see us the same day. After going over details... of our case she was 100% on board to help us. She assured us that we would be able to get all of this matter taken care of and she was right. In the end of this journey we walked away with exactly what we wanted. Along the way we were in constant contact with the office and everyone at the firm was always willing to listen and answer our sometimes redicoulous questions without making us feel like we were clueless. Mrs. Whitley was outstanding she new the law and we never felt like she wasn’t doing her very best for us. My family will forever be grateful to Mrs. Whitley and her entire team for getting us through one of the most heart wrenching times of our lives. She is now and will forever be part of our family. The Valdez Family

Posted by Kam | November 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Forever thankful to the Whitley team.

July my life was turned upside down my soon to be ex told me I’d have no contact with our daughter, and that I was not her father and I had no rights to her. I had no clue where to start or how to make sure that didn’t happen. I am a trans father my daughter was conceived through IUI, so I had one op...tion. Find a attorney that not only supported LGBT but one that would fight like no other for my rights as a father. I was pointed in the direction of Ms. Whitley and her team. The day I called the firm a calming voice answers and we go through all that has happened. With no pause I was invited that same day for a consultation. The moment I stepped foot in that office I felt a sense of relief the atmosphere, the lay out, the staff. Everything! we maybe waited 10 if that. Once I was in with Ms.Whitley and all was on the table with my case she went into depth on her history as an attorney as a person and as a mother. I had never felt more comfortable. The way she spoke in nothing but high spirit so positive and reassuring tones. I felt so confident. I felt relief I felt assured we were going to win this case. The work started right then and there. I left knowing my family and I would be able to sleep a little easier that night. Her team was in constant contact with me via email text and phone. I loved knowing I could send a quick email and I’d have a response in minutes. I also likes how all the invoicing was done a breakdown of all that is being done and where you money is going. Because we all know money is important and to be able to see how it’s being used was helpful and honest. The day of court came around and I was put in the hot seat with a case that wasn’t in my favor due to being in a small rural town and lgbt isn’t quite understood or even accepted. And if you need someone to educate Ms. Whitely is the person you need. I learned a few things that day as well. The judge walked in that court room with her mind set so we were gonna have to work hard. And we did just that! Visitation was established, by that time it had been well over a month since I had seen my daughter. After our almost 6 hour court hearing we had good news. I was gonna get visitation and the judge ruled “standing”. Which isn’t good enough in any situation I believe. So Whitley was ready to take it to appeals and we were gonna win this. She wasn’t backing down she knew the law and knew I had rights. But luckily we didn’t have to go that far and we ended up settling. I got all that I asked for I get my child often and it has been the biggest blessing. All thanks to an amazing team. I will forever be grateful to the Whitely law firm and her partner. If you are looking for someone who is fair firm and consistent Ms. Whitley is right for you.

Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Deanna Won my case...VICTORY!!! She went above and beyond to get my desired outcome!!!!!

I finally found the light at the end of the tunnel with the help of Deanna! She is a GOD SEND. My divorce took me 2 years of ups and downs. I was so devastated and so lost in the beginning, unsure, not knowing where to turn. I am so grateful to have Deanna and her legal team represent me in my case. ...My case was not a simple divorce case. She was able to maneuver confidently in the courtroom while giving me peace. She comes up with creative strategies that helped me. I know she made some suggestions to me pertaining to my case that I didn’t understand at the time why she was recommending it, but boy am I glad I listened to her. Before I decided to hire Deanna, I have gone through a vigorous process of interviewing a dozen of attorneys. None of the attorneys that I have interviewed could give me the assurance that I would get the best representation. It wasn’t until I made a consultation with Deanna to discuss my case that I knew I made the right choice. I listened to my heart and I knew she was the right attorney to represent my children and I. The divorce itself was so painful; Deanna is a well-seasoned attorney who has practice family law for a very long time. I honestly took a leap of faith with her. One thing I can say is that Deanna and her legal team really does care for their clients on a personal level. I was treated with dignity and respect even when I was an emotional wreck. In fact, I got everything I wanted in my divorce with the help of Deanna. I am so grateful for this! I will say that yes the firm gets really busy so some of the steps that I took to help my case: - Get organized!!!! - I put all documents in a document protectors and in a binder - I also put sticky notes of events to explain documents - I made 2 copies. One for me, the other for attorney to ensure we both had corresponding documents - I had a character list of all parties involved. I.e.: Karol=my mom etc. - I had a timeline of all the significant events that occurred & typed it out on word DOC. If new situations occurred I revised word doc and resubmitted. Timeline is ex: Summer 2017… Spring 2017. This happened… I am very happy with my decision. If you need a strong attorney who will go above and beyond for you and actually cares about you call the Whitley Law Firm, you will not regret it! This firm is awesome, I feel like they are family!!! -

Posted by Nick | April 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Unprecedented step to reunite a father and daughter...Uniquely done!

I am a transgender man who had lost all faith in the judicial system when I lost my daughter to the biological mother. The first lawyer I hired failed to prove a retroactive common law (same-sex) marriage existed. Thus, I lost all hope of ever seeing my daughter again. Everyone I turned to for advice... would tell me it was a time-sensitive matter and impossible to prove. I surely believed my world would end without ever having any rights to see my daughter. Just then, a good friend told me to seek out The Whitley Law Firm. As soon as I heard the voice answer on the other end of the line, I felt a sense of relief at how they asked questions that I had never been asked before. The reassuring and the thoroughness gave me the desire to fight full blast. Ms. Whitley sat with me and told me with such confidence that she was going to reunite me with my baby girl. After speaking with more of the law team members, I was very confident about just sitting back and letting them do their job. I have and continue to be treated with respect and my questions are always answered. The paralegal assigned to my case was always immediately available to assist me and I felt like a part of the family. Ms. Whitley went into court and fought for me with experience, knowledge, wit, facts and a lot of determination to win my case for me in order to reunite me with my daughter estranged from me for over a year. There are no words to fully thank and describe what this win has done for my daughter and I.

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

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Avvo Rating Levels
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