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...]
Is It Worthwhile to Apologize in the Middle of Divorce?
Most people think of an apology as a way of working out problems prior to divorce. Is it really necessary or effective to apologize in the middle of a divorce? The answer could depend on whether it’s wise to admit fault, the reason for the apology, and the type of process in which your divorce is being handled. Look at the circumstances of your divorce and decide if and when an apology is … [Read more...]
How Do You Manage Anger In The Divorce Process?
Being able to manage anger during a divorce could make a world of difference in how the parties handle their divorce. Divorce is almost always an emotional process. A divorce means changing to a new way of living--maybe even getting a new address. Separating from your spouse also possibly means less frequent involvement with your children. The anger during a divorce can stem from many factors: … [Read more...]
Will Smoking Pot Have An Impact On My Divorce?
The short answer is yes. In the state of Texas, marijuana is still an illegal drug. That means the law handles it the same as any other illegal substance. Pot being illegal isn’t the only reason using it will impact your divorce. As more states join the movement of legalizing marijuana, it may leave you wondering if smoking pot will have an impact on your divorce. If you’re headed for divorce or … [Read more...]
When is it Too Late to Save a Marriage?
Nearly half of all American couples give up on their marriage. According to the American Psychological Association, 90 percent of people marry by age 50. Out of those marriages, 40 to 50 percent end in divorce.* One question is when is it too late to salvage a marriage if one or both of the spouses wanted to do so? Attorney Paula Lock Smyth has advised clients on what steps … [Read more...]
This Post-Divorce Checklist is Guaranteed to Help You After Court
Are you fresh out of a divorce and glad to be done with the lengthy process? Don’t exhale just yet. The work may not be completely over. Before you get adjusted to your clean slate, there are a few things you need to do. Use this post-divorce checklist with recommendations from Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices to take care of business. Changes to Property Arrangements Whether it’s multiple … [Read more...]