$ 100-500 per hour
Laura D. Heard
also known as South TX Family Law, formerly Laura D. Heard Law Firm Inc., The LDH Law Firm Inc.
About Laura
Biography
My entire legal career has been based in San Antonio, Texas, where I am a lifelong resident. I am the owner of South TX Family Law Group. From San Antonio, I have been privileged to represent clients in courts all across the State of Texas. I graduated in the top 10% of my law school class and have been practicing law for more than 35 years in Texas. I graduated "with Honors" from Baylor University and "with Distinction" from St. Mary's Law School in San Antonio. I was a briefing attorney for the 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio, and I was twice named as one of the top appellate lawyers and a top Family Lawyer in "Scene in San Antonio" magazine. I am a strong advocate for children, and have represented children for 21 years in cases involving child protective services. I participated twice in a 20-mile walk to help prevent child abuse. I also represent many elderly people in wills, guardianships, probate and estate planning. Most of all, I am diligent to provide excellent legal advice. My motto is "Justice Flows from Truth, Compassion, Wisdom, and Persistence."(tm) I work hard to provide compassionate, efficient service to all my clients, always working within the bounds of the law. I am a published author, speaker, mediator, and small business owner. I am also a mother, a grandmother, a pet owner, an avid Spurs basketball and Baylor Bear football fan. My book available on Amazon is entitled "Divorce and Estate Planning in Texas: How to Plan Ahead for the Unexpected and Save Your Family's Future."
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 38 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
South TX Family Law, formerly Laura D. Heard Law Firm Inc.
14607 San Pedro Ave #205, San Antonio, TX, 78232
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Laura D. Heard's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Disappointment.
After my consultation with Laura I decided to hire her to help me with my childs custody case. I was unable to get ahold of her the majority of the time, and when I did visit with her I felt like she was numb to my situation, almost like I was talking to a wall. She never showed any compassion or sym...
Laura Heard
Replied last April 13, 2016In 2015 my office had an unusual year. I moved the office for the first time in 15 years and shortly after settling into the new place, it flooded. Due to flooding, my office moved three times in 2015. I feel terrible that someone thought I was unsympathetic to their custody battle, and my only explanation is that the circumstances of that year had me preoccupied or exhausted. I am glad that the person who wrote this also stated I answered their questions, so they cannot truly say that nothing was accomplished if I spent time answering their questions. I am sorry that I could not meet their emotional needs. Sometimes I have to tell people things that they don’t want to hear. Sometimes the law does not afford the remedy that people would like to have. Many of my clients have said that they appreciate my attentiveness, caring, and calmness. In this one instance, someone was able to find another attorney that they liked better. I truly wish that I could please everyone, but that is just not always possible.
Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2014 | Probate
My Review
Laura and her team helped me settle the estate of my mother. She was available and did an excellent job for me. Laura and team are professional but friendly and made me feel confident and in safe hands.
Laura Heard
Replied last November 01, 2022The affirmation in your review inspires me. I am grateful that you took the time to leave this comment. I strive to make all my clients feel safe and protected while I advocate for their best interests. Probate Court can be intimidating due to several reasons such as the strange terminology and the lack of customer assistance at the courthouse. My familiarity with the process comes after 35 years of practice and I am happy to help.
Posted by Diane | December 04, 2014 | Estate Planning
Family Law
Attorney Laura Heard helped me and my husband with estate issues. Laura met with us at our convenience. She filed the necessary papers for us at the courthouse and kept us informed as she completed legal issues on our behalf. I highly recommend Laura in the area of wills, estate issues, and family...
Laura Heard
Replied last December 04, 2014Thank you, Diane! I make it a point to keep my clients informed about every aspect of their case, and I am pleased that you were happy with the services I provided.
Laura D. Heard's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Laura Heard for about 30 years, and I endorse Laura; She is smart, insightful, creative, and tenacious. You cannot go wrong with Laura."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a good lawyer, and she has good common sense."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2022
10 Best Family Law Attorneys in Texas (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2022
Superb Rating in Family Law and Probate, AVVO
2022
A+ Accredited Business (2018 thru 2022), Better Business Bureau
2021
Top Family Lawyer in San Antonio, Scene in SA Magazine
2020
10 Best Law Firms, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Outstanding Lawyer in San Antonio, San Antonio Business Journal
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
San Antonio Best Lawyers, Scene in SA Magazine
1986
American Jurisprudence Awards,Domestic Relations,
1986
American Jurisprudence Award, Agency and Partnership Law,
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Attorney/Owner, The L.D.Heard Law Firm Inc.
2016 - 2017
MEDIATOR, Family Law Certified, L.D.Heard Law Firm Inc.
1996 - 2006
Adjunct Professor, Wayland Baptist University
1988 - 1992
Attorney, Soules and Wallace
1987 - 1988
Briefing Attorney, 4th Court of Appeals, San Antonio
Associations
San Antonio Bar Association
Member
San Antonio Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
San Antonio Bar Association, Elder Law Section
Member
San Antonio Bar Association, Appellate Practice Section
Member
1987 - 1988
Texas Women LawyersBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Blackthorne v. Blackthorne
TDPRS v. McFarland
McFarland children were adopted
Education
1987
St Mary's University of San Antonio School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1983
Baylor University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1995
People's Law School - San Antonio Bar
Consumer Law
Publications
2022
Book (232 pages) by Laura D. Heard
Divorce and Estate Planning in Texas - How to Plan Ahead for the Unexpected and Save Your Family's Future, by Laura D. Heard
2007
NBI seminar, Probate: Beyond the Basics
“Ethical Issues in Probate Practice: Establishing and Following Ethical Best Practices,” by Laura D. Heard
2006
NBI seminar, Building Your Civil Trial Skills
“How to Handle Post-Trial Issues,” by Laura D. Heard,
1991
Docket Call in Civil Court, CLE seminar at St. Mary’s School of Law
Co-author: Discovery by the Book, by Luther H. Soules III and Laura D. Heard
1988
29 SO. TEX. LAW REVIEW 413
Acknowledged in: "The Will Execution Ceremony – History, Significance, and Strategies," by Gerry W. Beyer, with acknowledgment for assistance to Laura D. Heard
1987
West’s Texas Forms, Probate and Administration of Estates, vol. 12A, by Leopold and Beyer (West Publishing Co.)
Acknowledged for research in: West’s Texas Forms, Probate and Administration of Estates, vol. 12A, by Leopold and Beyer; acknowledgment at page v.
1987
Texas Wills and Estates, Cases and Materials, by Gerry W. Beyer. (Butterworth Legal Publishers)
Acknowledged for research in:Texas Wills and Estates, Cases and Materials, by Gerry W. Beyer; acknowledgment at page vii.
1986
17 ST. MARY’S LAW JOURNAL 927
A Time to Be Born, A Time to Die: Alternative Reproduction and Texas Probate Law, by Laura D. Heard
1986
18 St. Mary’s Law Journal 661
Education –House Bill 72 – Teacher Competency Testing Is a Valid Exercise of State Legislative Police Power, Recent Development: Texas State Teacher’s Ass’n v. State, 711 S.W.2d 421 (Tex. App.–Austin 1986, no writ),
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
In a divorce what if you get your name on someone else's ck account during div
14 Jan 2022
Q&A
What happens if you pass away and don’t have a will?
14 Jan 2022
Q&A
Child custody and child support?
14 Jan 2022