Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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Dallas Family Law Blog

Divorce: How Much Will It Cost?

May 6, 2021 By Paula Locke 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

When Parents Do Not Agree on Vaccinating their Children

March 10, 2021 By Paula Locke Smyth

Parents do not agree on vaccinating

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for those ages 16 and up. Trials are being conducted and one source predicts that in the next few months, a vaccine will be available for those ages 3 to 17. This raises a serious question about what to do when parents disagree about whether their child should be vaccinated. The First Step: Look at the Court Order If your child is the … [Read more...]

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

How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Your Divorce?

February 8, 2021 By Paula Locke 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: Children, Communication, Telling Kids

What Is A Child-Centered Divorce?

February 3, 2021 By Paula Locke 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, Children

Most Common Reason People Get A Divorce

December 31, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

reasons for divorce

The divorce rate in the U.S. is shockingly high. There are many reasons that couples cannot maintain their relationship and decide to part ways. Texas law provides for both a no-fault divorce and a divorce based upon fault grounds. A No-Fault Divorce in Texas The Texas Family Code allows for a divorce without regard to fault “if the marriage has become insupportable because of discord or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Common

Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me in My Divorce?

August 26, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Hiring an attorney

If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves.  “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car.  The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Attorney

Post-Divorce Checklist

August 12, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Checklist after divorce

If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves.  “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car.  The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Checklist, post-divorce

How Does Child Custody Really Work?

July 8, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Litigation and Child Support

Child custody is one of the most contentious issues that needs to be resolved during the divorce process.  Two people who are unable to get along, and who have decided it is so unpleasant to live together they simply cannot do it any longer, are expected to work together to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children. If the parents can’t set aside their differences to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Children, custody

Fear and Divorce

June 22, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Fear and Divorce

Individuals going through a divorce often experience fear.  The uncertainty of their future can sometimes be so severe that the individual becomes immobilized and unable to make decisions.  They are going through a huge life change and their daily life as they knew it has ended. Some Specific Fears Divorcing People May Face Where to live.  The concept of home that they have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Fears

COVID-19 and Domestic Violence

June 17, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

mask and ring

According to a recent article published in the journal Psychology Today, there has been a “stark uptick in reports of domestic violence and abuse” during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Those who are suffering from domestic violence need to know why this is occurring, what they can do if they are a victim of domestic abuse, and resources that are available to help them. Domestic violence … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: COVID-19, Domestic Violence

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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

The Dangers of a DIY Divorce

Are you thinking about handling your divorce on your own? It might appear to be a good idea, … [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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  • 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