Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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Dallas Family Law Blog

Pets and Divorce

April 17, 2025 By Paula Locke Smyth

If 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. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Your Pet Is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Divorce, Pets

Can You Divorce with Dignity and Respect?

March 7, 2025 By Paula Locke Smyth

Yes, you can divorce with dignity and respect. The key is avoiding a courtroom battle and choosing a process that fosters cooperation. Collaborative Divorce allows you and your spouse to work together instead of against each other, reducing conflict and helping both of you move forward in a healthier way. The Downside of Litigation Divorces that play out in court often become hostile. Each … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Dignity, Respect

What Are the Different Types of Divorce Lawyers?

February 21, 2025 By Paula Locke Smyth

When you're going through a divorce, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Not all divorce lawyers are the same. They have different backgrounds, levels of experience, and approaches to handling cases. Here is a simple guide to understanding the different types of divorce lawyers. General Practice Attorneys Some lawyers dabble in divorce cases even … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Divorce, Types of Lawyers

What Makes a Gray Divorce Different from Other Divorces?

January 14, 2025 By Paula Locke Smyth

Gray divorce refers to older couples who have decided to end their marriage. These divorces are unique because they often involve a long-term marriage and the need to divide substantial assets. If you are considering divorce later in life, it is important to understand how it may differ from divorcing at a younger age. Long-Term Marriages and Dividing Assets Many gray divorces involve … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Gray Divorce

Are Prenups Worth It?

January 10, 2025 By Paula Locke Smyth

Prenups

You might wonder if a prenuptial agreement is necessary. The answer is often yes. Prenups aren’t about expecting the worst—they’re about preparing for your future. Here are three key reasons to consider getting a prenup before you say, “I do.” 1. Identify and Protect Your Separate Property A prenup clearly outlines what belongs to each of you before the marriage. Most people come into a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Prenups, prenuptial agreements

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Evaluation

November 7, 2024 By Paula Locke Smyth

If you are facing a child custody evaluation, there are steps you can take to prepare effectively. These evaluations are conducted by trained professionals to assess the best interests of your child. Your cooperation and honesty during this process can significantly influence the outcome. Below are some tips to help you navigate this evaluation with confidence. Stay Calm The first thing to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child Custody Tagged With: Children, custody

Stupid Things People Fight Over During a Divorce

September 23, 2024 By Paula Locke Smyth

When going through a divorce, it's easy to lose perspective and start arguing over things that really don’t matter. What might seem important in the moment can often feel trivial later. People end up squabbling over the smallest details adding unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. These disputes don’t just create tension—they can also increase the cost of your divorce, as every … [Read more...]

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

What is a Post-Marital Agreement?

September 12, 2024 By Paula Locke Smyth

A post-marital agreement is a legal contract that you and your spouse enter into after you’re married. It outlines how your property and assets will be divided if you decide to divorce. Think of it as a safety net that ensures clarity in the event of a split. When is a Post-Marital Agreement Right for You? There are a few situations where a post-marital agreement might be a good … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Post-Marital Agreement

The Dangers of a DIY Divorce

May 2, 2024 By Paula Locke Smyth

Are you thinking about handling your divorce on your own? It might appear to be a good idea, especially if your situation seems uncomplicated; however, before you go down that road, it is important to understand that a DIY divorce could cause more problems than it solves and cost you more in the end.   Do It Yourself Divorce is Not Always a Good Fit A DIY divorce may work for a select … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Collaborative divorce, DIY Divorces

What Documents Do I Need To Keep After My Divorce?

March 4, 2024 By Paula Locke Smyth

Keep documents

Now that your divorce is finalized, it's time to focus on your future. One important aspect often overlooked is organizing and keeping essential documents from your divorce proceedings. These documents are more than just pieces of paper: they hold vital information about your rights, duties and agreements. In this guide, we'll break down the must-keep documents and why they are important as you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: divorce in Texas, Documents

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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

lawyer with phone in hand

How to Communicate with Your Attorney During the Divorce

It is critical that an attorney and their client have good communication during the divorce process. … [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.

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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