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Crista Marichalar

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Crista Marichalar Branch
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Avvo Rating10
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Licensed for 23 years
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About Crista

With more than 21 years of legal experience, attorney Crista M. Branch has the necessary litigation, mediation and negotiation skills to help you overcome issues concerning custody, paternity and termination, child protective service cases, estate planning, probate, and adoption cases. We honestly and precisely communicate with our clients about the pros and cons of their case, and we guide them through their options to help them make the decisions that optimize their chances for success. 

Practicing civil litigation since 1998 and family law since 2002, Ms. Branch established her firm in 2004 to focus on family law. Your family is important to you, as it is to us, which is why we personally help you through disputes with sensitivity, speed and assurance.  Branch Law Firm has 3 attorneys and a full staff to help with all aspects of a case. 

With recognitions from respected rankings and publications such as Scene in San Antonio Magazine's "San Antonio Best Lawyers In Family Law" and Texas Monthly Magazine's "Texas Rising Star", you can have confidence that from start to finish a seasoned attorney is working hard on your case. 

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Practice areas

OtherAdoptionChild custodyDivorce and separationFamily
  1. Family: 35%

    I handle all types of family law cases, including divorces, child support, custody, termination of parental rights, adoptions (private and CPS), CPS representation for parents and grandparents, modifications and pre marital agreements.

    19 years

  2. Divorce and separation: 25%

    I handle all types of divorce cases, with and without children.

    19 years

  3. Child custody: 25%

    Child custody and modification is a major focus in our practice. WE have handled hundreds of trials in front of judges, mediation and are experienced in jury trials.

    19 years

  4. Adoption: 10%

    WE handle parental right terminations and private adoptions as well as CPS adoptions.

    19 years

  1. Wills and living wills: 5%

    19 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

49316 1569452820

Contact

Branch Law Firm

549 Heimer Rd, STE 200
San Antonio, TX, 78232

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    TXEligible To Practice In Texas 199811/24/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers29
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Texas Rising StarTexas Monthly Magazine2012
    San Antonio's Best Family LawyersScene in San Antonio Magazine2010
    San Antonio's Best Family LawyersSan Antonio Scene Magazine2009
    San Antonio's Best Family LawyersScene in SA Magazine2007
    San Antonio's Best Family LawyersScene in SA Magazine2006
    San Antonio's Best Family LawyersScene in San Antonio Magazine2005
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    AttorneyCrista Marichalar, P.C.2004 - Present
    AssociateLaw Offices of Clyde McCorkmick2002 - 2004
    Associate AttorneyCurney, Garcia, and Farmer1998 - 2002
    AssociateDale & Klein, LLP1997 - 1998
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Texas Family Law FoundationLifetime Member2011 - Present
    Texas Family Law SectionN/A2002 - Present
    San Antonio Family Lawyers AssociationSecretary2002 - Present
    State Bar of TexasN/A1998 - Present
    San Antonio Bar AssociationN/A1998 - Present
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of LawN/A1997
    Incarnate Word CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1994
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    San Antonio Family Law Section LuncheonMediated Settlement Agreements and Informal Settlement Conferences2015
    MINEFIELDS: AVOIDING EXPLOSIONS AS A CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ATTORNEY IN CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASESFlashlight Needed: Get My Discovery2014
    Extreme Family Law MakeoverCase Law Update2013
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Grandparent CustodyGrandparents maintained custody of their grandchildren

    Reviews

    (9)4.5 stars
    5 Star
    		89%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		11%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Crista Marichalar

    Extremely Knowledgeable and Honest

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I hired Crista late in my child custody case, and she has had to clean up a mess that was created by my previous attorney and myself. She has been honest about things since the beginning by telling me upfront what may or may not work. She knows how to cover all bases when things arise in order to get control of the situation and do what is best for my daughter. Crista and her paralegals are really good about returning calls, emails, and keeping me calm as things keep popping up in my case. They seem to really care about what is best for my daughter. Crista remembers every little detail about my case so I don't have to continually give her a summary of what is going on. I know I am not her only client, but she definitely makes me feel like it every time I speak with her and when we are in court. I was worried about hiring another attorney due to my lack of assistance previously, however, Crista has restored my faith in lawyers.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Most trusted and competent Attorney I have ever dealt with

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I have known Crista since college. She was focused and devoted to studying law and becoming a moral and legal expert. She has handled my divorce with great decorum, and made a difficult time much easier for me. Since then she also has handled my grandparents estate which was much more complicated than expected, and drawn up family wills anticipating any scenarios that could create complications. She is personable, empathetic with her clients, but has no hesitation with being aggressive when necessary to get the appropriate rights for her clients. She is absolutely a wonderful attorney and ally.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Dedicated Professional

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Crista Marichalar handled my case for me which involved settling my late father’s estate in the interest of my mother who was his beneficiary. His Will was unfortunately, not written by Mrs . Marichalar. When she and her staff attempted to get the Will probated , the judge found a descrepancy in signatures of one of the witnesses and because of that , the judge delayed the probate. This caused me undue inconvenience in trying to settle my dad’s Estate on behalf of my mom since I was the Executrix of my dad’s estate. Now Ms.Maricharlar had to locate that witness who at the time of the writing of the Will , was working for another law firm. Now , the witness was no longer working for the previous law firm and could not be found. This required much time and dedication on behalf of Ms Marichalar and her staff to try to track down this person , which after much effort , was found. However , after locating the witness , she was not readily agreeing to appearing in court and testifying before the judge , that indeed both signatures were hers evident in the Will and the error was hers. As stated, this turn of events required much time and energy and dedication of service to client for this situation to be resolved in my favor, but with Ms Marichalar’s tenacity and determination to serve her client in a most professional manner , the situation was resolved with the Will probated and my mom’s legal interests were protected and my execution of the responsibilities laid before me could continue. I could never repay my attorney for the service , dedication , determination and professionalism she demonstrated in helping me in a time of grief and despair. Ms. Marichalar would not give up until she saw the situation resolved as only it should be. I feel it important to state as well, Ms. Marichalar was readily available when needed and returned calls when necessary in a timely manner without attaching an additional charge to her services. This does suggest that she is compassionate and a dedicated professional as well as an Attorney worthy of recognition not only by her clients but her peers as well.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Forever Grateful

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I am forever grateful for how quickly and professionally Ms.Branch handled my case. Mine was not an easy one. Lots of things came up surrounding my case that required her immediate assistance and she was there. She handed it. No sweat. And the end results of that were glorious! So many prayers answered and she was a big part of that! No nonsense and was always honest with me about what can and cannot be done. My family and I are whole again. Thanks to her. I recommend her to women with nasty custody suits. I hope she can help them experience the same tears of joy and wave of relief that I did. A long time coming.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Legal Services at Reasonable Cost

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    My wife filed a petition for divorce in January 2016 and I retained Ms. Marichalar to represent me in what ended up as an uncontested divorce. Both spouses in this case were retired and there were no children involved. Ms. Marichalar represented me in all phases of this case, including the initial offer of property split, a petition for mediation, final decree, a power of attorney for conveyance of an automobile, and the deed to the house I acquired (I purchased my wife's interest in our home). She explained Texas law very clearly and walked me through the process, with which I was not at all familiar. I believe that she represented my interests extremely well and did so at very reasonable cost. In addition to a mastery of the law and many years of experience, this attorney has excellent interpersonal skills and has a excellent support staff to assist her. I am very glad that I retained this attorney to represent me. I would not hesitate to do so again if I ever need to.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommend!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Crista Marichalar was hired by recommendation. She was chosen for her excellent service and credentials in her field of study. She listened to my concerns. She was very professional, respectful, and discreet. Ultimately, she was successful. I highly recommend Crista Marichalar for your legal needs!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Smart, experienced and determined

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I hired Ms. Marichalar to help me with my divorce which involved division of assets centered around a complex division of home equity transaction. In addition, during this process my ex-spouse changed attorneys three (3x) times; all in all, my divorce has lasted over two years. During this entire process, Ms. Marichalar remained calm, determined and in control. Because of the multiple changes in my ex-spouse's attorneys, she took over the drafting of the divorce decree as well as the division of the assets. She protected my interests, told me when I being unrealistic (or unreasonable) and managed to keep me calm during a very stressful period in my life. Finally, Ms. Marichalar fees were very reasonable and fair; she took care to keep her hours to a minimum. She maintained a cheerful, confident demeanor and has a very professional staff. I would definitely recommend Ms. Marichalar.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Client Attorney Privilege

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Crista was very professional, and kept her oath on client attorney privilege. I felt Crista was someone who took her job seriously and cared about her work in other words it wasn't all about the money. Crista was fair in all aspects and is definitely someone I would reccommend to anyone in the need of a great lawyer.

    Non-responsive

    2.0 stars

    Posted by

    I wish I had better things to say about my experience with Crista. When my ex-husband filed for divorce in Texas, my NJ attorney recommended Crista. Although Crista is very personable, I felt like I was always chasing her down to have a conversation. Both paralegals in the office were equally as difficult to contact. The divorce has been finalized, yet I have a few open matters which I continue to attempt to resolve. I have had no success in obtaining a phone call from Crista, with my request sent three weeks ago. I felt that because of my professional background, I was left making decisions which should have been looked at more carefully by Crista. The settlement did not receive proper attention to tax implications; I ended up adversely affected by a cash settlement which my ex-husband reworded as "alimony." I believe this was wording Crista should have explained, given me the opportunity to question and potentially negotiate the amount. Crista always seemed overloaded with work, with my case receiving "bottom of the pile" attention.
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    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Attorney endorsements

    (12)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Jaclyn Yvonne Roberson

    Jaclyn Roberson, Family Attorney on Feb 20, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I happily endorse Ms. Branch. She is a pillar of the legal community, having presented at numerous seminars. I would easily trust any of my family in her hands.

    Lawyer Laura Oliveira Duran

    Laura Duran, Family Attorney on Dec 19, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have know Ms Branch for several years and admire her hard work and knowledge in her field. She is very well respected in the community.

    Lawyer Jaclyn Yvonne Roberson

    Jaclyn Roberson, Family Attorney on Feb 20, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I happily endorse Ms. Branch. She is a pillar of the legal community, having presented at numerous seminars. I would easily trust any of my family in her hands.

    Lawyer Laura Oliveira Duran

    Laura Duran, Family Attorney on Dec 19, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have know Ms Branch for several years and admire her hard work and knowledge in her field. She is very well respected in the community.

    Lawyer Jo-Anna Marie Nieves

    Jo-Anna Nieves, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 16, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Crista takes the time to listen to her clients and dig deep into their needs. She is a solid attorney who knows what it means to work hard.

    Lawyer Jaime Dawn Topham

    Jaime Topham, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 17, 2016
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer. Crista is a dedicated professional, passionate about helping her clients achieve their results they need.

    Lawyer Eric Louis Toscano

    Eric Toscano, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 25, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Crista is a passionate and dedicated advocate. In addition to being an exceptional lawyer, she is also a savvy entrepreneur committed to ensuring her clients have the best possible experience. Highly recommended.

    Lawyer Courtney Paige Miller

    Courtney Miller, Unknown Attorney on Sep 24, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Christian K. Lassen II

    Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Dec 21, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Lawyer Alfredo Lozano

    Alfredo Lozano, Family Attorney on Jan 29, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I've known Crista for about 4 years, and when she speaks about her profession, you hear passion - a passion to help her clients. A true advocate for her clients. I endorse this attorney.

    Lawyer Tracie Lynn Wright-Reneau

    Tracie Wright-Reneau, Family Attorney on Sep 18, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Joseph Adrian Esparza

    Joseph Esparza, Family Attorney on Mar 28, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Crista since 1999 and she has always been the consummate professional who does right by her clients. She is an excellent trial lawyer and clients referred to her all sing her praises on the handling of their cases.

    Lawyer Marc Albert Pederson

    Marc Pederson, Family Attorney on Aug 7, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Crista for about 6 years. She is a knowledgeable, professional, and zealous advocate for her clients, and a credit to the legal community. I am proud, therefore, to enthusiastically endorse Crista.

    Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

    Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Oct 26, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

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