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…
Fathers in Dallas County should take heart in the fact that Texas statutes do not discriminate on the basis of a parent’s gender with regard to the issues of child custody and visitation. Still, it is an unfortunate fact that some people presume that mothers are more suitable custodial parents than fathers. Although in some…
The most basic aspects of the law can sometimes be the most complicated and confusing. Such is the case with the establishment of paternity in Texas. It is important to establish paternity for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which the best interests of the child, and the parents knowing who the biological…
Last week’s blog discussed how unmarried fathers in Texas can assert their rights with regards to their children. As mentioned previously, there are various ways to establish paternity and the benefits include the ability to visit or share custody of children. One of the biggest parental benefit that comes with establishing paternity is the right…
There are certain legal rights and obligations that arise from having children that married couples in Texas take for granted, the most common being the existence of father’s rights over his child. However, it is not the same for unmarried couples — fathers have to establish their paternity in Texas. Father’s rights can be established…
There is a presumption that a child born to a married couple in Texas must be the father’s biological child. However, if a child is born out of wedlock, it may be necessary for the father to prove he is the biological father either through formally and lawfully acknowledging paternity or undergoing a DNA test….
There are situations in Texas when parents might have been under the impression that one particular man was the biological father of the child when he was, in fact, not. A man who thinks he is not the biological father of a child when he was previously ordered to pay child support may seek to…
For parents in Texas, the notion of paternity might seem like it simply refers to a child’s father, but there is more to it than that. Understanding this can provide protections and rights to the father as well as paternity leave and shared parenting. Obviously, paternity refers to fatherhood. If, however, the couple is not…
When a child is born to a married couple in Texas, the couple is legally considered the parents of the child – the husband is legally considered the father of the child unless a court has determined he is not the father. But what happens when the couple is not married, as is the case…
When a couple decides to end their marriage in Texas, they are only intending to end their legal relationship with one another, not with their children. However, this often does not end up happening — even though there is no discrimination on the basis of gender in custody agreements in Texas, mothers are sometimes deemed…
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Paula Lock Smyth, Attorney
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219
Phone: 214-420-1800
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Shana SwintTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If we could give Paula and Courtney 10 STARS, we would. We required something custody-related and required it in VERY short order, and Paula and Courtney turned our documents for the court around NEXT DAY. Not only were they knowledgeable, but they were friendly and courteous and respectful of our situation and our timeline. Gold star service, 100%, and we look forward to continuing our attorney-client relationship for any future family legal matters.Posted on Google
Amber RamirezGrateful for the guidance provided by Paula and Courtney throughout my divorce process. From the very beginning, they were professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about family law. What could have been an overwhelming and stressful situation was handled with patience, clarity, and genuine care. Together, they made a difficult life event much more manageable. I’m grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion during such an important time. I would absolutely recommend this team to anyone needing experienced and supportive representation in family law matters.Posted on Google
travis gilliamThere comes a moment when you need someone to speak for you. I ended up in a predicament where I felt completely overwhelmed and confused. Paula was the best decision I could’ve possibly made. I spoke with Courtney, her paralegal, when I initially called her legal practice. She was well-organized, professional, and able to quickly grasp the situation. Paula and Courtney persisted in asking insightful questions about my circumstances throughout the process, which would eventually result in a well-considered defense. I had to go to court after Paula helped me navigate the mediation, which regrettably did not settle the matter. With the documentation provided, Paula was able to generate a strategy for the hearing that was straightforward and organized. I greatly benefited from her professionalism and knowledge of courtroom procedures during the actual hearing. Paula was able to represent me professionally while maintaining my composure and mental clarity. She won my case thanks to her successful strategy. If you're searching for a qualified attorney, I suggest Paula lock Smyth.Posted on Google
Matthew WhiteHands-down, they were very easy to work with. Courtney really made this whole experience easy for me and was very knowledgeable, she constantly kept me updated as soon has she had new info for me. 10/10 I would recommend calling them for your legal problems. I truly wish I could give them more than 5 stars.Posted on Google
Melissa MunozPaula and Courtney did an amazing job in helping me with my divorce! I found them through my job benefits and reading the reviews I went with them. They got me divorced so fast and didn't have to show up to court. I would recommend them to anyone!!!Posted on Google
Keri DPaula and her paralegal Courtney have been nothing short of incredible. They have walked with me through one of the most difficult and emotional times of my life with compassion, strength, and unwavering support. Paula is honest, knowledgeable, and has been a true advocate for myself and my kids. She never tells you just what you want to hear. She tells you what you need to hear, and she does it with care and clarity. Courtney has been equally amazing. She is always responsive, organized, and supportive. Together, they made me feel heard, informed, and genuinely cared for. I never felt like just another case to them. They took the time to understand my situation and went above and beyond to protect what mattered most. If you are looking for a family law team who will not only fight for you but truly care about your well being and future, I cannot recommend Paula and Courtney enough. I am forever grateful for what they have each done for me and my children.Posted on Google
Erika EscobedoGoing through a divorce process can be very hard. I want to thank Paula and Courtney for their thorough guidance and patience. If you are looking for an attorney I highly recommend contacting them. Thank you Paula and Courtney once again!Posted on Google
Vanessa GeorgeGoing through any transitional period can be hard, but Paula and Courtney made the divorce process smooth and easy (uncontested, with kids). I initially found Paula via a work benefit website, read her reviews, and spoke with her to discuss the process. She was clear, concise, and direct, which I appreciated. She and Courtney have been very quick and helpful with their replies to my questions. The experience has been efficient and pretty stress-free, which I greatly appreciate in an otherwise stressful time! Thanks ladies! ETA: Courtney was so sweet to call me after hours and update me that the decree had been signed. She knew I was anxiously awaiting the news, and I appreciate her taking that time to give me the news when she did. They've been great!
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