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Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

  • 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?
    • Do’s and Don’ts of Custody / Visitation
    • Child Support FAQs
    • How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce?
    • Is There Such a Thing as Legal Separation?
  • Blog
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You are here: Home / Archives for Blog / Divorce

The Impact of Illegal Drugs or Alcohol on a Divorce  

April 25, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorces often bring to light an underlying problem with alcohol or illegal drugs for one or the other spouse. Whether or not it is the main reason for the split, the issue impacts divorce in many ways, particularly in the areas of child custody, visitation and property division. Impact on Child Custody and Visitation  A parent’s illegal drug use or alcohol addiction will impact child … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Alcohol, Divorce, Illegal Drugs

How to Reduce the Cost of Divorce  

February 16, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

Reduce 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...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Costs, Reducing Cost

Dealing with Divorce and the Holidays: Part 2

November 15, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce and Holidays with children

The holiday season often presents problems with divorced parents. If they are unable to put aside their differences and either be together with their children or work out an agreement, they will need to follow the court’s standard possession schedule for the holidays.  The Court’s Standard Holiday Possession Order Courts divide Christmas school vacation for the children into two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Children, Holiday Season

Dealing with Divorce and the Holidays: Part 1

November 9, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Dealing with Divorce

Holidays are upon us and many parents who are divorced or going through the divorce process do not feel as merry and bright as presented in songs of the season. Parents, who are often reeling emotionally from their breakup, are now charged with the task of making this a fun time for their children. This is part one of our suggestions for how you can enjoy the holiday season and develop new … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Holidays

How Fast Can Someone Get a Divorce in Texas?

October 20, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Fast Divorce in Texas

According to Texas law, you must wait a minimum of 60 days after the divorce petition is filed before the divorce can be finalized. The likely purpose of the waiting period is to give the parties time to reflect and see if there is any possibility of reconciliation. A problem that arises is that sometimes, the parties think something magical happens on Day 61 and that the divorce is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Time Frame

Can I Date During My Divorce?

August 24, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce and Dating

Clients who are going through a divorce often ask if it is okay to date during the divorce. The answer is a resounding “No!” Although it is frustrating not to be able to get on with your life and do what you want to do, there are many reasons why you should not date during the divorce process. Legal Reason Not to Date During Your Divorce Texas law allows for a no-fault divorce. This means … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Dating

Why Would Someone Want to Avoid Going to Court in a Divorce Case?

August 18, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Avoid court in a divorce

Some people who are divorcing believe going to court will solve their problems. They expect to “win” and have all their expectations met. They hope for a Solomon-esq moment when the court does the “right” thing and gives them justice. This is not a realistic expectation. Generally, after a court battle, both parties feel like losers. There are many reasons why going to court is not worth the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Court

Divorce: How Much Will It Cost?

May 6, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce and 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...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Divorce Costs

How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Your Divorce?

February 8, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce and Telling Kids

Possibly the worst thing about getting a divorce is telling the children. There is no perfect time to tell them but of course they need to be told by the parents as soon as possible so they do not hear this emotionally upsetting news from someone else. Parents Should Tell the Children Together If possible, the parents should put their differences aside and meet together with the children to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Telling Kids

What Is A Child-Centered Divorce?

February 3, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Child Centered Divorce

A divorce can be so contentious that the parents, who are focused on themselves, lose sight of the needs of their kids. A child-centered divorce is one in which the children’s best interests are the primary concern of the parents. Putting the Children in the Middle When parents cannot agree on custody and the division of time each of them will spend with the children, the Judge will decide … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Child-Centered

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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

How is alimony determined in a Texas divorce?

When a Texas couple divorces, one of the most complicated and often contentious issues that will be … [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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