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...]
Dallas Family Law Blog
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Divorce Mistakes: Texting and Social Media
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...]
Why Is It Important to Have A Child-Centered Divorce?
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...]
How to Tell Children About 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...]
Being Thankful, Even During Divorce
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...]
How Do You Explain to Clients About Mediation, Litigation and Collaborative?
When a marriage breaks down, the parties know is they want a divorce, but they are unaware of the different methods available to them to make that happen. At Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, we begin our representation by explaining to our clients what their options are and how mediation, litigation, and the collaborative divorce process work. Litigation Litigation is the traditional … [Read more...]