Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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Dallas Family Law Blog

Co-Parenting During the COVID-19 Crisis

May 27, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

two parents one child

Some parents may have worked out their difficulties and found co-parenting working for them before COVID-19.  With the pressure of keeping children safe from infection, parents may find that they have very different approaches.  One parent may strictly follow established rules of social distancing, not allowing group activities, requiring their children to wear masks, and follow other … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Co-Parenting, COVID-19

What is Co-Parenting?

May 13, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

couple and kids

Divorcing parents are concerned about child custody and visitation. They worry about how their relationship with their child or children will be affected. The couple may fight with each other about what they each think is in the best interest of the child. Courts encourage the parents to work together in co-parenting their children and to come up with a parenting plan that will work for them … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody, Divorce Tagged With: Co-Parenting, Parenting Plan

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

April 22, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

divorce costs over time

Many family lawyers offer free consultations or charge clients a reduced fee for their initial consultations. If you are looking to find out how much your divorce will cost, the answer you will usually get is “it depends.” This is not a dodge -- there are many factors that can impact the cost of a divorce, not the least of which is if your case is agreed or if it involves minor children. Try to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Divorce Costs, factors

Too Much Time at Home with Your Spouse?

April 15, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

too much time at home with your spouse

The coronavirus pandemic is putting a lot of pressure on everybody, including families that are spending substantially more time than usual with each other. Stuck together 24/7 for weeks on end, even spouses in rock-solid marriages are feeling some marital pressure. You may love your spouse, but that doesn’t mean you want to interact with them all-day, every day. For most couples, marital … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: COVID-19

Novel Coronavirus and Job Loss

April 3, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Novel Coronavirus and Job Loss

The Novel Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in businesses closing and many people losing their jobs.  The unemployment rate has skyrocketed and may continue to climb.  This leaves many parents who pay court-ordered child support in a difficult spot. If you have court-ordered child support payments withheld from your paycheck, there are some things you need to know about how that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: COVID-19

Preparing for Court

March 25, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

Preparing for Court

Many people are confused about what it means to go to court.  Some think it is an informal legal process where a discussion takes place, a decision is made, and the divorce is final.  In fact, there may be several court hearings throughout the case in an attempt to resolve the issues.  Whether it is the first court hearing to get temporary court orders, or a hearing where the Judge … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Court

Divorce Mistakes: Texting and Social Media

February 25, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

older woman with two phones

Texting while divorcing, or posting on FB, Twitter or other social media platform, are all things you should not do while in the middle of a divorce.  Airing your thoughts, frustrations, and misery on social platforms can come back to haunt you later.  Anything you put out there can and will be used against you in court. Texts and Social Media Posts are Easily Misinterpreted As for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Communication, Mistakes, social media

Why Is It Important to Have A Child-Centered Divorce?

February 19, 2020 By Paula Locke Smyth

child-centered

When people divorce, their children may hear their parents arguing and feel like it is somehow their fault.  They wonder what will happen to them.  At our law office, we help parents step back from their own emotional issues and work to have a child-centered divorce. Child-Centered Divorce Using the Collaborative Process A collaborative divorce is a way that a couple can part ways … [Read more...]

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

How to Tell Children About Divorce

December 17, 2019 By Paula Locke Smyth

child heart broken after divorce

Telling children that you are divorcing is one of the hardest parts of the divorce process.  In almost every case, the children think it is somehow their fault, or at least believe they are partially to blame.  One child may think, “If I had only made the team…” or “If I had only gotten better grades…” then my parents would have stayed together.  It is important to let the children … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Children, Communication, Telling Kids

Being Thankful, Even During Divorce

November 25, 2019 By Paula Locke Smyth

Thanksgiving

How can someone be thankful, even during a divorce? What a great question. My answer is influenced by the fact that I have a strong faith. Many times, clients come to me because they too have faith and are looking for guidance in a situation that they never thought they’d be in. Fundamentally, I don’t believe in divorce. However, I also believe that sometimes there are situations where it is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce

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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

Examining conservatorship in Texas

Conservatorships are the rights and responsibilities of the parent toward the child. The parent who … [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