There are many advantages to including neutral experts in the Collaborative Divorce process. Collaborative Divorce is not an adversarial process and one of its stated purposes is to keep the spouses out of court. With the help of their attorneys and neutral professionals who assist in educating and guiding them, the couple can move forward in their new life as single people without hostility and … [Read more...]
How to Reduce the Cost of Divorce
When a couple decides to pursue a divorce, they always want to know how much it is going to cost. There is no definitive answer since each case is unique. It is generally not even possible to quote a “ballpark figure” since the costs depend on how much conflict there is and how many issues can be settled out of court. The more conflicts there are, and the more times one party insists on a court … [Read more...]
What Do Kids Want from Their Parents During a Divorce?
Children of all ages are generally upset when they find out their parents are getting a divorce. This is true even when they have heard their parents arguing and there is tension in the home. They do not want to experience the disruption of their family life as they know it. A few exceptions may be if there have been issues of a parent’s addiction or domestic violence. In those cases, children … [Read more...]
What Is A Parenting Plan?
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...]