Are you fresh out of a divorce and glad to be done with the lengthy process? Don’t exhale just yet. The work may not be completely over. Before you get adjusted to your clean slate, there are a few things you need to do. Use this post-divorce checklist with recommendations from Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices to take care of business. Changes to Property Arrangements Whether it’s multiple … [Read more...]
Archives for 2017
Why I Believe in the Collaborative Divorce Process
Divorce ends an old and begins a new chapter of life. It is often a challenging transition that should be handled with care. Working with attorneys and professionals, clients can resolve divorce matters in a civil manner and with concern for sensitive and difficult life situations. That’s what we at Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices seek to do in the collaborative divorce process. What is the … [Read more...]
How to Prevent Violence While Going Through a Divorce
No one plans for their marriage to end in divorce. It’s a tough time for everyone and emotions can run high. It is often difficult to keep those emotions in check. Sadly, sometimes this results in violence. To be sensitive throughout the process for the good of everyone involved is easier said than done. Here are some actions that you can take to prevent violence in divorce. Be careful about your … [Read more...]
The Pros and Cons of Each Type of Divorce
In a divorce, the issues of child custody, visitation and the division of assets and debts are resolved by one of 3 processes: an agreement of the parties, the collaborative divorce method or through adversarial litigation. There are pros and cons to each type of divorce. Agreement of the Parties – The Kitchen Table Model Most people don’t want their personal life aired out and on display in a … [Read more...]
Two Approaches To Divorce In Texas
In most cases, a divorce in Texas actually consists of two family law issues that are consolidated into a single case. Assuming that there are children and property, the first and most important issue that’s addressed involves the best interests of the children of the parties to the divorce. Don’t Delay After Service In nearly all cases, the petitioner must serve the respondent with a … [Read more...]
Divorce
For most couples, ending a marriage is a complex process that requires them to equitably divide their property, financial assets, debts and parenting responsibilities. When you are going through a process that touches so many important areas of your life, it is critical that you have a knowledgeable counselor by your side. Attorney Paula Lock Smyth has been helping clients navigate divorce for … [Read more...]
Collaborative Divorce
Divorce Doesn’t Have To Be Painful Rarely is doing battle in a courtroom beneficial to a family. Litigation can be a lengthy, expensive process that often results in judges handing down standard property division, custody and visitation orders that don’t fit the unique needs of a family. Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, a Dallas, Texas, family law firm, provides clients an alternative. Paula Lock … [Read more...]
Mediation
For many people, divorce is one of the most difficult transitions of their lives. Not only can untangling finances, property and parenting responsibilities be complex, but traditional litigation can be drawn out, expensive and strain already tense relationships. Divorce mediation offers families an efficient, affordable alternative to litigation. Paula Lock Smyth is a family law mediator based in … [Read more...]
Property Division
Property Division In Divorce During a divorce, many couples are surprised at how difficult it can be to divide not only high-valued assets, such as homes and vehicles, but everyday items, bank accounts, retirement accounts and debts. Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, a Dallas, Texas, family law firm, offers personalized legal advice and aggressive advocacy to individuals who are facing property … [Read more...]
Parenting Rights
Although the Texas statutes that govern child custody and visitation do not discriminate on the basis of a parent’s gender, in many conservative communities mothers are presumed to be more suitable custodial parents in the case of a divorce or separation. That presumption is often untrue and always unfair. North Texas fathers often turn to family law attorney Paula Lock Smyth for unbiased, … [Read more...]