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?
    • Child Support FAQs
    • How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce?
    • Is There Such a Thing as Legal Separation?
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Archives for Blog / Divorce

The Costs of a High Conflict Divorce

February 23, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

High Conflict

A high conflict divorce is one where at least one of the parties in the case is difficult to deal with or at least one of the attorneys seems to enjoy stirring up the pot. Whichever it is, it can substantially increase the cost of the divorce. How a High Conflict Divorce Increases the Cost The main way a high conflict divorce increases the cost is by increasing the number of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: conflict, Divorce Costs, Litigation

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: Divorce Costs

The Importance of a Prenup

February 9, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

Prenup Importance

Prenups are often misunderstood. Most people think of a premarital agreement, aka prenup, as a roadmap for divorce. Instead, a prenup should be viewed as an agreement, entered into in advance of any conflict, that clarifies how the married couple will deal with their finances while they are married. It also can provide for security in the unfortunate event of the marriage ending in divorce or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Importance, prenuptial agreements

What Do Kids Want from Their Parents During a Divorce?

January 19, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

Kids and Parents 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...]

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

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, Holidays

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: divorce in Texas, factors, Texas, 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

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, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: collaborative law, Divorce Costs, Litigation

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 12
  • Next Page »

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

Find what you need…

Additional Videos

VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text

Contact Us

From the Blog

Can You Divorce with Dignity and Respect?

Yes, you can divorce with dignity and respect. The key is avoiding a courtroom battle and choosing a … [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.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · by Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices. All rights reserved.

· · ·

Website Design by The Crouch Group

Log in

  • 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