Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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You are here: Home / Archives for 2023

Archives for 2023

Can A Child Choose Who To Live With?

March 17, 2023 By Paula Locke Smyth

Child Choose Which Parent

Child custody and visitation, referred to in Texas as conservatorship and possession, are almost always sensitive subjects. Children may feel tossed about and as though they have no voice if their parents are arguing over their custody. According to the Texas Family Code, at age 12, a child is mature enough to express to the Judge their preference concerning which parent will have primary … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Child Custody, Family Court, Visitation

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Standard Possession Schedule?  

March 1, 2023 By Paula Locke Smyth

Possession Schedule

When parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will hear evidence from both sides, and establish a parenting plan which establishes child custody, visitation and child support. Although there is a presumption that the Standard Possession Order (“SPO”) should be in place for all children 3 years of age or older, there are exceptions schedule depending on the unique circumstances of each … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Child Visitation, Family Law, Standard Possession Schedule

What Is a Standard Possession Schedule?

February 3, 2023 By Paula Locke Smyth

Standard Possession Schedule

In Texas, when parents divorce, one parent is commonly the one who provides the children with their primary residence. The other parent has a possession schedule. This schedule defines the time that the children will be with the parent who is not the one providing the primary residence. Amicable parents can agree on their own possession schedule for the court to approve. Many parents follow the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Child Custody, Family Law, Standard Possession Schedule, Texas

Common Divorce Misconception: Fathers Never Get Custody of Their Children

January 6, 2023 By Paula Locke Smyth

Custody and Fathers

Many people still think that courts prefer to award primary custody of the children to the mother. Although that may have been true decades ago, that is not the reality today. Traditionally, at the time when mothers stayed at home and took care of the children while the man of the house advanced his career, that may have been a natural solution when the couple split up. Now, it may be a … [Read more...]

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

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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

Hope for couples seeking a peaceful end to their marriage

The divorce process can be difficult, emotionally and financially draining and combative. Even in … [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