My Practice

Experienced Guidance Through Life’s Most Important Legal Decisions

Some of life’s most important decisions involve your family, your future, and the people you care about most. Whether you are considering divorce, creating an estate plan, or administering the estate of a loved one, you deserve clear legal guidance that helps you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.

At Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices, every client receives personalized attention and thoughtful legal representation. No two people, families, or legal matters are exactly alike, so every case begins by understanding your concerns, discussing your goals, and developing an approach that reflects your unique circumstances.

What Can You Expect?

Choosing an attorney is an important decision. You want someone who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, explain the legal process, and help you understand your options before important decisions are made.

Throughout your case, you can expect honest communication, practical advice, and straightforward answers. The goal is to help you understand what lies ahead, evaluate your options, and make decisions that are right for you and your family.

Helping Families Through Change

Family law matters often involve decisions that affect your children, your finances, and your future. Whether you are considering divorce, addressing child custody issues, modifying an existing court order, or resolving another family law matter, experienced legal guidance can help you move forward with greater confidence.

Every family law case is different. Some matters are resolved through negotiation, Collaborative Divorce, or Mediation, while others require litigation. Rather than recommending the same approach for every client, we work closely with you to evaluate the available options and determine the process that best fits your circumstances and goals.

Whenever possible, the focus is on reaching practical solutions outside of the courtroom. When Litigation becomes necessary, your case is prepared thoroughly and presented with careful attention to the facts, the law, and the outcome you hope to achieve.

Estate Planning for the Future

Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to make important decisions before unexpected events occur. A well-prepared estate plan can protect your family, preserve your assets, and provide clear instructions for the future.

Whether you need a Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, or another Estate Planning document, you will receive guidance tailored to your individual needs and goals. Existing estate plans should also be reviewed after significant life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or changes in financial circumstances.

Guidance During Probate

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the Probate process can add uncertainty during an already difficult time. Understanding your responsibilities and the legal process can help reduce unnecessary stress and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you are serving as an executor, administering an estate, or facing a Probate dispute, you can expect practical guidance, responsive communication, and experienced legal representation throughout the process.

Experience You Can Rely On

For more than 30 years, Paula Lock Smyth has helped individuals and families make informed decisions involving Family Law, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Estate Administration. That experience provides valuable perspective when evaluating options, identifying potential concerns, and developing solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

The goal is simple: to provide experienced legal representation, practical guidance, and the information you need to make confident decisions about your future.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you need assistance with a Family Law matter, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, or Probate, Paula Lock Smyth is ready to help. Contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of legal matters does Paula Lock Smyth handle?

Paula represents clients in a wide range of Family Law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, Collaborative Divorce, Mediation, litigation, adoption, modifications, and enforcement actions. She also assists clients with Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Estate Administration.

Will my case have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many Family Law matters can be resolved through negotiation, Collaborative Divorce, or Mediation. When court proceedings become necessary, you will receive experienced representation throughout the litigation process.

Why is it important to have an estate plan?

An estate plan allows you to make decisions about your property, finances, healthcare, and loved ones before unexpected events occur. It also provides guidance for your family and can help reduce uncertainty in the future.

What should I expect during my initial consultation?

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. Together, you will discuss the issues involved, the options available, and the next steps so you can determine the best path forward.

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What People are Saying

Shana Swint

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.

Amber Ramirez

Grateful 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.

travis gilliam

There 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.

Matthew White

Hands-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.

Melissa Munoz

Paula 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!!!

Keri D

Paula 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.

Erika Escobedo

Going 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!

Vanessa George

Going 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!