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Understanding Texas Divorce Residency Requirements
By Paula Lock Smyth• December 5, 2023Residency laws are pivotal in Texas divorce proceedings. They outline the prerequisites you must meet before beginning a divorce in Texas and determine which jurisdiction within the state is appropriate for filing. Understanding and adhering to these residency requirements is of utmost importance when considering divorce in Texas, as it can have a substantial impact…Mediation in Texas: The Pros and Cons
By Paula Lock Smyth• September 11, 2023As an experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the dynamics of mediation firsthand, both as a Mediator and as an attorney representing a party to the mediation. Mediation is a powerful tool in resolving legal disputes, offering both advantages and potential pitfalls. The Pros of Mediation The pros of mediation…Managing a High Conflict Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• August 16, 2023Divorce is rarely an easy process, but when one of the parties involved has a high conflict personality, it can become an emotional rollercoaster. High conflict personalities can create a hostile environment, leading to increased disputes and challenges during the divorce process. Understanding the High Conflict Personality Type A high conflict personality is someone who…Things to Avoid While Going Through a Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• August 4, 2023Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging, but it’s crucial to approach the process with caution. By avoiding certain behaviors, individuals can help mitigate additional complications and work towards a smoother transition. There are several important things to avoid while going through a divorce. Steer Clear of the Courtroom: It’s advisable to explore alternatives…What is a Contested Divorce?
By Paula Lock Smyth• July 5, 2023When couples find themselves unable to agree on essential matters related to their divorce, it becomes a contested divorce. In this blog post, we delve into the concept of a contested divorce, exploring disagreements that can lead to such a situation and the different methods available to resolve them, including mediation and collaborative divorce. Understanding…What is a No-Fault Divorce and Why is it Important?
By Paula Lock Smyth• June 26, 2023A no-fault divorce refers to the Texas Family Code grounds for divorce. In a no-fault divorce, a court can grant the dissolution of a marriage without blaming either party for the failure of the marriage. No-fault divorce acknowledges that the marriage is insupportable (i.e. irretrievably broken down) and that there is no chance of reconciliation….Why Is There a 60-Day Waiting Period To Get Divorced In Texas?
By Paula Lock Smyth• June 19, 2023As a family law attorney in Texas, I often am asked about the waiting period for divorce. Many clients are frustrated by the idea that they can’t simply walk into a courtroom and have their divorce finalized on the spot. However, there are good reasons for the waiting period, which is mandated by Texas law….Managing Emotions During a Divorce
By Paula Lock Smyth• June 14, 2023Managing your emotions during your divorce can be an extremely challenging task. Divorce is an emotional time and can cause intense feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, and fear. It is crucial to manage and control these emotions during the divorce process because unmanaged emotions can lead to poor decision-making and possibly impede the divorce process….What Do People Need to Know About Getting a Divorce in Dallas?
By Paula Lock Smyth• May 12, 2023Every jurisdiction has its own rules for how the family law court system works. Dallas County is no different. It is a large county, which means there are many courts assigned to family law matters. There is some specific information relevant to Dallas County that you may find helpful. Dallas County has Specialized Family Law…Divorce: Fear of Missing Out
By Paula Lock Smyth• April 6, 2023Beginning the divorce process is often intimidating. Emotions run high even if both parties agree that a divorce is going to happen. Often, one spouse wants the divorce and the other one is uncertain or does not want the divorce. Decisions must be made about property division, where will the children live, how can each…Can A Child Choose Who To Live With?
By Paula Lock Smyth• March 17, 2023Child 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…What Happens When You Don’t Have a Standard Possession Schedule?
By Paula Lock Smyth• March 1, 2023When 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…
