Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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You are here: Home / Archives for 2014

Archives for 2014

Property division rules in Texas

December 26, 2014 By Crouch Group

There are lots of difficult decisions that must be made when a couple decides to end their marriage. After child custody matters, perhaps the most important is deciding how to divide property amongst the divorcing couple. However, the couple’s choice is not the only deciding factor-where a couple decides to divorce is also important. Some states follow the equitable distribution rules whereas some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: alimony, emotions, factors, property division, spousal support, Texas

How can a collaborative law divorce benefit Texans?

December 11, 2014 By Crouch Group

When Dallas couples think of divorce, their minds may flash to acrimonious courtroom scenes that leave emotions and wallets in tatters. However, a divorce does not always have to leave parties feeling bitter and resentful towards each other. A collaborative law divorce provides an alternative by helping the parties involved reach a settlement that helps ensure everyone is able to live the best … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: collaborative law, Texas

We can help with your child custody issues

November 28, 2014 By Crouch Group

As mentioned in the previous post on our Dallas family law blog, dealing with child custody issues is a difficult matter regardless of the time of year. Even though parenting is often seen as a fundamental human right, various circumstances lead to couples ending their relationship with each other and jeopardizing their right to parent. However, with the right counsel, it is possible to protect … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: Children, custody, emotions, legal issues, relocation

Dealing with child custody during the holidays

November 14, 2014 By Crouch Group

father and daughter at Christmas

Divorcing couples have a lot of decisions to make and these decisions are often tougher if there are children involved. From deciding who makes the day-to-day decisions to determining whom the child will spend weekends and holidays with, child custody arrangements can be difficult to create and come to terms with. With the holiday season coming up, one or the other parent will have custody of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: Children, custody, Holidays

TX property division: alimony issue in heated billionaire divorce

October 30, 2014 By Crouch Group

Although many couples initially wish to end their marriage amicably, that does not mean that disagreements will not come up. Sometimes, these disagreements can become so heated that they lead to a particularly contentious divorce. Texas residents may be interested to hear that the divorce between billionaire and hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin and his wife has turned bitter. Griffin’s wife … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Divorce Tagged With: alimony, divorce in Texas, prenuptial agreements, property division, spousal support, Texas

What steps must be taken to adopt a child in Texas?

October 17, 2014 By Crouch Group

Adoption can be a wonderful way for both parents and children to create a loving family, all while providing the child with all the attention and support they need as they grow up. Potential adoptive parents, however, may have questions as to the steps they will need to take during the adoption process. The following information is for general informational purposes only, but should give you a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adoption Tagged With: adoptive parent, Children, Texas

Divorced couples may want to consider a ‘pet parenting plan’

October 3, 2014 By Crouch Group

Many Texas couples going through a divorce will have to sort out things like child custody matters, property division and alimony payments. But, what happens when both spouses are unwilling to part with the family pet? Couples who own a pet may want to consider a "pet parenting plan" after divorce. Legally, pets are considered property, and the court cannot determine a "custody" ruling for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: alimony, property division, visitation plans

Approaching a lawyer can help in child custody agreements

September 18, 2014 By Crouch Group

Couples going through a divorce in Texas have to make many important and difficult decisions, one of which is determining who will have custody of children and where children will live. Even though there is a presumption of parents working out a plan to co-parent their children and make important decisions regarding their children’s future together, this is not the way every situation plays out, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Divorce Tagged With: Attorney, Children, custody, emotions

How does the best interests of the child impact child custody?

September 3, 2014 By Crouch Group

Child custody issues impact many families, but many parents may not understand how Texas courts make child custody decisions.  Courts may evaluate each parent’s capacity to care for the child under the circumstances, but the focus of their decision isn’t on the parents so much as on the child.  In general, child custody decisions are based on a legal standard known as “the best interests … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child Custody Tagged With: best interests of the child, child custody dispute, Children, custody, factors, Impact

Tips for keeping Texas finances down in divorce post 50

August 22, 2014 By Crouch Group

Divorce is emotionally exhausting at any stage of Texas residents’ lives, but as they grow older and cross 50, it may be financially exhausting as well.  Where only one in 10 divorcees was over 50-years-old, 20-years ago, last year, a survey revealed a startling one out of four people who divorced now were over 50.  As people live longer and are more financially independent, they are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Divorce Tagged With: divorce in Texas, Over 50, Texas

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Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

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From the Blog

Child Choose Which Parent

Can A Child Choose Who To Live With?

Child custody and visitation, referred to in Texas as conservatorship and possession, are almost … [Read More...]

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

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The contents of this website does not imply legal advise or counsel and does not establish an attorney/client relationship. Please contact us for information on our policies regarding any relationship with clients, potential clients, or non-clients of our firm.

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  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    ▼
    • My Practice
    • Professional History
    • Memberships, Activities, Recognition
  • Practice Areas
    ▼
    • Divorce
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Mediation
    • Parenting Rights
    • Probate, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
  • FAQs
    ▼
    • Just Been Served Papers? Now What?
    • Child Support FAQs
    • How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce?
    • Is There Such a Thing as Legal Separation?
  • Blog
  • Contact Us