Child custody is the most important area to work out during a divorce. It defines the time and shapes the new relationship you’ll form with your children. If you’re not the primary caregiver, you may be wondering where that leaves you concerning spending time with the kids during the summer. Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices has a few tips for how summer child custody works. How is Summer Child … [Read more...]
Dallas Family Law Blog
Paula Lock Smyth’s Passion for Singing Leads Her to The Rich-Tones
I grew up in a musical home. My early memories are of mom playing the organ and singing the latest hits, while I tried to harmonize. As a child, I was a member of The Singing Angels, a non-profit in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to youth development through artistic achievement in the performing arts. Growing up, I sang with my school and church choirs but as an adult, I had no outlet for my passion … [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...]
Father’s Rights in Child Custody
There was a time when father’s rights and custody were almost unheard of. The legal system showed favoritism toward mothers unless there was abuse involved or the mother was “unfit.” After practicing for several decades, I’ve seen decisions shift to favor co-parenting arrangements. A combination of family code revisions, cultural changes and more open-minded judges on the bench have contributed to … [Read more...]
Mother’s Rights in Child Custody
Do Mother’s Rights Differ from Father’s in Child Custody Cases? Most people assume mother’s rights hold more weight in child custody cases. This is partly true because the courts did favor mothers in the past. There’s also an assumption that mothers are better parents because of their role as nurturer. The reality is that the law has evolved to allow parents equal rights in custody cases; … [Read more...]
Children’s Rights in a Divorce
Adults dealing with their own issues can overlook how divorce affects the children. Actions meant to protect themselves from (or retaliate against) their former partner could damage the child. That’s why there’s a such thing as children’s rights in a divorce. From my experience at Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices with divorce and child custody cases, following are my insights into children’s … [Read more...]
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce?
Going through a divorce can be an emotional time. Although it may be something you didn’t plan, you do want closure if the marriage has ended. It’s not easy to move forward while you’re still going through the process, but it helps to know when the divorce will be final. Hopefully, I can help you understand how long it takes to get a divorce and what goes on in the process. How long does a … [Read more...]
6 Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media and Divorce
Social media isn’t a tool to vent when you’re going through a divorce. You’re under a lot of scrutiny throughout that process, particularly with a divorce that’s contested or involves a custody battle or property dispute. It’s wise to take a break from social media during the divorce. If you must stay connected, follow my Dos and Don’ts of Social Media and Divorce. When it comes to social media … [Read more...]
What To Expect When Filing For Divorce
Divorce comes with many life changes. It can be challenging if you haven’t braced yourself for those changes or if you don’t know what to expect. While dealing with clients at Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, I’ve frequently been asked several common questions about what to expect when filing for divorce. Where do we start? The process starts with my asking the client how they want to proceed. I … [Read more...]