Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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You are here: Home / Archives for 2020

Archives for 2020

Most Common Reason People Get A Divorce

December 31, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

reasons for divorce

The divorce rate in the U.S. is shockingly high. There are many reasons that couples cannot maintain their relationship and decide to part ways. Texas law provides for both a no-fault divorce and a divorce based upon fault grounds. A No-Fault Divorce in Texas The Texas Family Code allows for a divorce without regard to fault “if the marriage has become insupportable because of discord or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Common

Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me in My Divorce?

August 26, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Hiring an attorney

If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves.  “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car.  The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Attorney

Post-Divorce Checklist

August 12, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Checklist after divorce

If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves.  “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car.  The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Checklist, post-divorce

How Does Child Custody Really Work?

July 8, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Litigation and Child Support

Child custody is one of the most contentious issues that needs to be resolved during the divorce process.  Two people who are unable to get along, and who have decided it is so unpleasant to live together they simply cannot do it any longer, are expected to work together to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children. If the parents can’t set aside their differences to … [Read more...]

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

Fear and Divorce

June 22, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Fear and Divorce

Individuals going through a divorce often experience fear.  The uncertainty of their future can sometimes be so severe that the individual becomes immobilized and unable to make decisions.  They are going through a huge life change and their daily life as they knew it has ended. Some Specific Fears Divorcing People May Face Where to live.  The concept of home that they have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Fears

COVID-19 and Domestic Violence

June 17, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

mask and ring

According to a recent article published in the journal Psychology Today, there has been a “stark uptick in reports of domestic violence and abuse” during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Those who are suffering from domestic violence need to know why this is occurring, what they can do if they are a victim of domestic abuse, and resources that are available to help them. Domestic violence … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: COVID-19, Domestic Violence

Co-Parenting During the COVID-19 Crisis

May 27, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

two parents one child

Some parents may have worked out their difficulties and found co-parenting working for them before COVID-19.  With the pressure of keeping children safe from infection, parents may find that they have very different approaches.  One parent may strictly follow established rules of social distancing, not allowing group activities, requiring their children to wear masks, and follow other … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Co-Parenting, COVID-19

What is Co-Parenting?

May 13, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

couple and kids

Divorcing parents are concerned about child custody and visitation. They worry about how their relationship with their child or children will be affected. The couple may fight with each other about what they each think is in the best interest of the child. Courts encourage the parents to work together in co-parenting their children and to come up with a parenting plan that will work for them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: Co-Parenting, Parenting Plan

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

April 22, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

divorce costs over time

Many family lawyers offer free consultations or charge clients a reduced fee for their initial consultations. If you are looking to find out how much your divorce will cost, the answer you will usually get is “it depends.” This is not a dodge -- there are many factors that can impact the cost of a divorce, not the least of which is if your case is agreed or if it involves minor children. Try to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Divorce Costs, factors

Too Much Time at Home with Your Spouse?

April 15, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

too much time at home with your spouse

The coronavirus pandemic is putting a lot of pressure on everybody, including families that are spending substantially more time than usual with each other. Stuck together 24/7 for weeks on end, even spouses in rock-solid marriages are feeling some marital pressure. You may love your spouse, but that doesn’t mean you want to interact with them all-day, every day. For most couples, marital … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: COVID-19

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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

What laws apply to property division in a divorce?

Understanding the way property is divided is very important in a divorce. This is often the most … [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