Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

  • 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
You are here: Home / Archives for Staff - S.R.

How Does the Court Decide Who Gets to Make Decisions Regarding the Children?

April 10, 2019 By Staff - S.R.

children in divorce

The most important decision for parents going through a divorce is what happens to the children. Parents often will be appointed joint managing conservators, which means they will share in the decision about where the children live, where they go to school, how they spend their time during school holidays, and jointly agree to invasive medical or dental procedures. Less frequently, courts may … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: Children, Court

Divorce Mistakes That Can Cost You

March 27, 2019 By Staff - S.R.

divorce mistakes

Some couples think they can do their own divorce without lawyers. This is called a pro se divorce, which means the party represents themselves. Often, they later discover they have made a costly mistake, particularly if there are children involved, there are un-divided assets or they had retirement benefits. For those people with uncomplicated property or no children, pro se divorce can work, but … [Read more...]

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

Rich Tones Chorus – Making Beautiful Music!

February 14, 2019 By Staff - S.R.

Rich-Tones

When I am not in the office or courtroom practicing law, one of my hobbies is singing with the Rich-Tone Chorus. About 100 women make up our Sweet Adelines Chorus where we sing four-part, a cappella harmony. Sweet Adelines continues to positively impact women’s lives and helps them find their voices, build confidence, enhance their vocal abilities, improve leadership and management qualities, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Rich-Tone Chorus

Tips for Handling Valentine’s Day in the Midst of Divorce

February 11, 2019 By Staff - S.R.

Paula Lock Smyth Valentines

Valentine’s Day can be particularly difficult for those going through a divorce. For many divorcing couples, Valentine’s Day may also be the day of their wedding. With the focus all around on romantic love while they are in the midst of divorce, they may feel they failed at love. But, it does not have to be that way. One divorced writer says she actually enjoys the holiday more now that she is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Holidays

How To Talk To Your Spouse About Divorce

October 8, 2018 By Staff - S.R.

divorce talk with spouse

Talking to your spouse about divorce can be difficult. This is true even when both of you have been struggling with your marriage and may have concerns over whether or not it will last. When the time comes to actually tell your spouse that you want a divorce, how you handle it depends on quite a few factors. We want to help if we can. Here are some helpful suggestions we have learned in our 25 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: Communication

The Pros and Cons of Each Type of Divorce

September 11, 2017 By Staff - S.R.

reasons for 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...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce

Two Approaches To Divorce In Texas

August 18, 2017 By Staff - S.R.

two approaches to divorce

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...]

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

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

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

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

Find what you need…

Additional Videos

VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text

Contact Us

From the Blog

Study shows that divorce filings peak post-summer

As summer vacations come to an end and couples in Texas get back their routines, some couples may … [Read More...]

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

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

Disclaimer
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.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · by Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices. All rights reserved.

· · ·

Website Design by The Crouch Group

Log in

  • 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