A family case is about more than court papers. People going through a divorce, a custody fight or a guardianship often need safety help, financial help, counseling or simply good information at the same time. This page describes the kinds of community resources available to families in New Braunfels, Comal County and the surrounding area, so you know where to start.
We describe these resources by category on purpose. Local programs change their names, phone numbers and services over time. When in doubt, the statewide sources below can point you to current local options.
If You Are in Danger
Your safety comes first.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. It is free, confidential and available around the clock. Advocates can help with safety planning and connect you with shelters and services near New Braunfels.
- Texas Abuse Hotline. Run by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, it takes reports of abuse or neglect of children, older adults and adults with disabilities.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 if you or someone in your family is in emotional crisis.
Protective Orders
A protective order is a civil court order that can require an abusive person to stay away from you, your home, your work and your children. In Texas, a victim can ask a private attorney to file, file on their own, or ask the county or district attorney’s office for help. A temporary ex parte order generally lasts up to 20 days and can be extended. Learn more on our protective orders page.
Legal Help in Comal County and Beyond
Legal Aid
Nonprofit legal aid organizations serve low-income Texans in family cases, including divorces involving family violence, custody and protective orders. They have income guidelines and limited capacity, so apply early. TexasLawHelp.org lists providers by county.
Lawyer Referral
If you do not qualify for legal aid, lawyer referral services, including those run by bar associations, can connect you with a private attorney. Many lawyers, including our firm, offer a free first consultation.
Texas Law Help
TexasLawHelp.org is a free statewide site with plain-language articles, court forms, instructions and a legal aid directory. It is a good place to learn the basics. Our page on filing fees and forms explains the pros and cons of using the forms.
Self-Help at the Courthouse
Clerks’ offices can explain procedures, fees and filing methods, but they cannot give legal advice. Some counties and law libraries offer self-help resources or computer access. Ask the clerk in your county what is available.
Child Support Help: The OAG Child Support Division
The Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division handles many child support cases in Texas. It can help:
- Locate a parent
- Establish paternity, including through genetic testing
- Establish child support and medical support orders
- Process payments through the state disbursement system
- Enforce support through wage withholding, license suspension and other tools
- Review orders for possible modification
The OAG represents the State of Texas, not either parent. It does not handle custody or visitation disputes beyond what is part of a support case. If you need help with possession schedules or conservatorship, you may need your own lawyer. See our page on attorney general child support cases.
Help for Veterans and Military Families
Military families are part of the community around New Braunfels, especially toward Schertz, Cibolo and Joint Base San Antonio.
- Texas Veterans Commission. This state agency helps veterans and their families with benefits claims, employment, education and other services, and it offers legal resources for veterans. Check its website for current programs.
- Military legal assistance offices. Active-duty members and many dependents can get free legal advice from the legal assistance office on their installation. These offices generally do not represent people in Texas court, but they can explain the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military retirement and other issues.
- Family readiness and installation support programs. These can help with counseling, financial planning and deployment-related family stress.
Our page on military divorce covers how service affects a Texas case.
Parenting and Co-Parenting Classes
Some Texas courts require divorcing parents to complete a parenting or co-parenting course, and judges may order one in any custody case. Even when no class is required, many parents find one useful.
What to look for:
- Court acceptance. If a class is required, confirm which courses your court accepts.
- Format. Many courses are offered online and can be completed at your own pace; in-person and group classes are also available in the region.
- Content. Good courses cover how conflict affects children, communication between households and age-appropriate expectations.
- Certificate. Save your certificate of completion and file it if the court requires.
Other helpful supports include family counseling, children’s counseling and co-parenting communication apps that keep messages and schedules in one place. Our co-parenting guide offers practical tips.
Help for Aging Parents and Adults with Disabilities
Families considering guardianship often need help first with care, benefits and planning. Useful categories include:
- Area agencies on aging, which can connect older adults and caregivers with local services
- Disability service organizations and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities
- Adult Protective Services, part of DFPS, for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older adult or adult with a disability
- Social Security, which can appoint a representative payee to manage benefits
Our page on guardianship in Comal County explains when court involvement is needed.
General Help Lines
- 2-1-1 Texas. Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local help with food, housing, utilities, counseling and other needs.
- Texas Health and Human Services. Information about health coverage, food benefits and other assistance programs.
Talk With a New Braunfels Family Law Attorney
Community resources and legal help often work best together. If you are not sure which kind of help you need, a conversation with a family lawyer can sort it out. New Braunfels Family Law offers free consultations by phone, video or in person for families across Comal County and nearby counties. Call (830) 302-4071. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am in danger right now?
Call 911. For confidential support and safety planning at any hour, you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. A protective order may also be available; see our protective orders page.
Can I get a free lawyer for my family case?
Legal aid organizations provide free help to people who meet income and case-type guidelines, but demand is high and they cannot take every case. TexasLawHelp.org lists legal aid providers by county. Our firm also offers a free consultation.
Can the Attorney General help me with child support?
Yes. The Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division can help establish paternity, set support, collect payments and enforce orders. It represents the State of Texas, not either parent personally.
Where can I find a co-parenting class?
Ask the court or clerk whether a specific course is required. Many approved courses are offered online, and some are offered in person in the region. Keep your completion certificate to file with the court.
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. General information only, not legal advice.