A parenting plan is just what it sounds like: A plan put together by the parents or the court about how the parents of minor children will interact with each other in a way that will be in the best interest of the children. It includes terms for conservatorship, access to the children, child support and healthcare. Elements of a Co-Parenting Plan A co-parenting plan includes terms … [Read more...]
Divorce: How Much Will It Cost?
One of the most common questions I get is, “How much will my divorce cost?” For anything except the most simple case, there is no way to predict the cost of a divorce. It depends on the type of divorce process the couple chooses to pursue, if the opponent has an attorney or is representing themselves, the methods used by the opposing attorney, the court that the case is filed in, the … [Read more...]
How Do You Explain to Clients About Mediation, Litigation and Collaborative?
When a marriage breaks down, the parties know is they want a divorce, but they are unaware of the different methods available to them to make that happen. At Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, we begin our representation by explaining to our clients what their options are and how mediation, litigation, and the collaborative divorce process work. Litigation Litigation is the traditional … [Read more...]
Divorce and the Holidays
Holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, are meant to be joyous and happy. But for those parents going through a divorce, these holidays present a special challenge. It is best for the children if the parents can communicate with each other and, as much as possible, maintain family traditions for the children. If parents cannot come to an agreement, they must comply with the … [Read more...]
The #1 Way to Save Money in a Divorce
There are inevitably some expenses associated with getting a divorce, but there are ways to save money. The #1 way to save money during the divorce is to be absolutely straightforward and honest with your attorney. Why it Matters to Be Scrupulously Honest with Your Attorney You may sincerely believe that it is not necessary to give certain information to your attorney. The truth … [Read more...]
Can Someone Be Too Angry For A Collaborative Divorce?
A collaborative divorce is a process where the parties to the divorce work as a team with their attorneys and various professionals, such as a tax consultant, a child psychologist, a mental health professional, and others, to resolve their issues without court intervention. It is particularly beneficial to couples with children and helps them make parenting plans agreed to by both parents. One … [Read more...]
Your Spouse Just Told You They Want a Divorce. Now What?
No matter how upsetting it may be to have your spouse tell you he or she wants a divorce, the best advice is for you to remain as calm as possible. Anything you say may haunt you later if your divorce becomes contentious and your spouse tries to use it against you. The first few days after you hear the news, consider doing the following. Keep your emotions in check. See a counselor, trusted … [Read more...]
How Does the Court Decide Who Gets to Make Decisions Regarding the Children?
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...]
Can You Be Friends with Your Ex After Divorce?
You may think that being friends after divorce with your ex is impossible. There was a time not too long ago when such an idea was scoffed at. By the time the litigation process was over, the exes, who had battled each other in court, carried emotions with them after the process was over that often made it almost impossible for them to even be civil to each other. Now, as more and more couples … [Read more...]
How To Talk To Your Spouse About Divorce
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...]