Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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Dallas Family Law Blog

The Importance of a Prenup

February 9, 2022 By Paula Locke 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 Locke 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 Locke 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 Locke 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 Locke 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

When Divorced Parents Disagree Over Their Children’s COVID Vaccinations

October 4, 2021 By Paula Locke Smyth

Divorce and COVID Vaccine

Now that children aged 12 and over are approved for COVID vaccinations, some divorced parents, or those in the process of divorce, disagree about whether they want their children to be vaccinated. Parents may feel they are at an impasse and unsure of how to resolve their differences over this important issue. Parents often do not realize that a vaccination, which involves puncturing the skin, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children, conflict, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines, Divorced Parents, Parents, Parents who don’t agree

Can I Date During My Divorce?

August 24, 2021 By Paula Locke 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 Locke 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

Contesting A Parenting Plan

June 2, 2021 By Paula Locke Smyth

Contesting Parenting Plan

How to handle child custody and support are often the most contentious issues that must be decided during the divorce process. Some parents are able to work together to put together their own parenting agreement. When they cannot do this, the court will order a parenting plan for them to follow. When a parent is disputing custody of their child, in most courts, the Judge will appoint … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Parenting Plan

What Is A Parenting Plan?

May 11, 2021 By Paula Locke Smyth

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...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Parenting Plan

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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

Establishing paternity to facilitate adoption

Last week’s blog discussed how unmarried fathers in Texas can assert their rights with regards to … [Read More...]

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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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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  • 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?
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