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Who Pays the Bills While a Divorce is Pending?
By Paula Lock Smyth• September 24, 2026What Happens to Your Bills When You Separate? One of the first financial questions during a divorce is who will pay the mortgage, utilities, car payments, credit cards, and everyday expenses. Texas does not have a formal legal separation, so simply separating does not automatically end your financial responsibilities. If you and your spouse continue…Life After Divorce Begins with Letting Go
By Paula Lock Smyth• August 21, 2026Why Letting Go Matters After Divorce When your marriage ends, it is natural to feel hurt, betrayed, or disappointed. Those emotions are real, but holding onto them long after the divorce is finalized keeps you tied to a chapter of your life that has ended. Too many couples spend more time in the divorce process…Red Flags That Indicate Divorce Is in the Future
By Paula Lock Smyth• July 31, 2026If you notice communication breaking down, secrecy increasing, or your spouse’s behavior changing in unusual ways, these may be warning signs for your marriage. Recognizing these signs early gives you an opportunity to seek help, improve communication, and possibly repair the relationship before divorce becomes the only option. Red Flag # 1 – Communication Starts…Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a War
By Paula Lock Smyth• June 8, 2026You do not have to fight your way through a divorce. A Collaborative Divorce gives you the chance to resolve issues with dignity, protect your finances, and preserve important relationships. Rethinking What Divorce Looks Like When you think about divorce, it is easy to picture conflict, courtrooms, and constant tension. That image of divorce is…The Reality of the “We Have Everything Worked Out” Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• March 12, 2026Many couples begin the divorce process believing they have already agreed on everything that needs to be decided for their divorce.There are many important decisions about children, property and finances that have not yet been discussed. Those details must be resolved before the divorce is finalized. Everything is Worked Out in Our Divorce Except… When…What You Should Know Before Moving Out During a Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• February 9, 2026Moving out of the marital home during a divorce can affect parenting time, finances, and daily life, but it does not mean you give up your rights to your home or your children. Before making that decision, it helps to understand how housing, expenses, parenting schedules, and finances are treated and why speaking with an…Why Marriages Fail
By Paula Lock Smyth• December 29, 2025Many marriages fail because expectations are never discussed, finances are avoided, and time together fades as responsibilities grow. When couples stop planning and working toward shared goals, distance builds. How divorce is handled can also affect families long after the marriage ends. When Expectations Are Never Discussed One of the most common reasons marriages fail…Why Preserving a Relationship with Your Ex Matters
By Paula Lock Smyth• December 1, 2025You may want distance from your former spouse, but maintaining a functional relationship supports your children’s well-being long after the divorce is final. A cooperative approach helps lower tension, makes co-parenting easier, and keeps the focus on raising happy and healthy kids instead of fueling conflict. Why You Still Need a Functional Relationship with Your…Is Divorce Worse Than Death?
By Paula Lock Smyth• November 3, 2025Divorce can feel like a death because it ends not only a marriage but also the life you once knew. You may lose your partner, your connection with your children, and even your financial stability. While you cannot change the past, you can choose how to move forward. Collaborative Divorce offers a healthier, more respectful…Why Is It Important to Tell Your Divorce Attorney Everything?
By Paula Lock Smyth• August 14, 2025Your divorce attorney cannot protect you from what they do not know. Being completely honest allows them to prepare for challenges, respond effectively, and support your goals. Even if something feels personal or embarrassing, your attorney needs the full picture to represent you well. This is true whether your case is in court or handled…Why You Should Avoid Court in Your Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• May 21, 2025Taking your divorce case to trial is gambling with your future. You never have enough time to fully explain your circumstances and that of your family and finances to a Judge, let alone how much of your story they will truly understand. A better option is to stay out of court and choose a divorce…Pets and Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• April 17, 2025If you and your spouse are getting divorced and have a pet, you already know how emotional the situation can become. Pets are more than property. They’re family. But under Texas law, pets are technically considered property. That means the court isn’t required to give you a custody or visitation schedule for your furry friend….
