Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

  • 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
You are here: Home / Archives for Blog / Collaborative Divorce

Why Is It Important to Tell Your Divorce Attorney Everything?

August 14, 2025 By Paula Lock Smyth

Your divorce attorney cannot protect you from what they do not know. Being completely honest allows them to prepare for challenges, respond effectively, and support your goals. Even if something feels personal or embarrassing, your attorney needs the full picture to represent you well. This is true whether your case is in court or handled through Collaborative Divorce. Why Your Attorney Needs … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce

Why You Should Avoid Court in Your Divorce

May 21, 2025 By Paula Lock Smyth

Avoid Divorce Court

Taking your divorce case to trial is gambling with your future. You never have enough time to fully explain your circumstances and that of your family and finances to a Judge, let alone how much of your story they will truly understand. A better option is to stay out of court and choose a divorce process where you have more control, Collaborative Divorce. Going to Court Is a Gamble Walking … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce

Can You Divorce with Dignity and Respect?

March 7, 2025 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce with Dignity and Respect

Yes, you can divorce with dignity and respect. The key is avoiding a courtroom battle and choosing a process that fosters cooperation. Collaborative Divorce allows you and your spouse to work together instead of against each other, reducing conflict and helping both of you move forward in a healthier way. The Downside of Litigation Divorces that play out in court often become hostile. Each … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Dignity, Respect

What Are the Different Types of Divorce Lawyers?

February 21, 2025 By Paula Lock Smyth

Different Types of Divorce Lawyers

When you're going through a divorce, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Not all divorce lawyers are the same. They have different backgrounds, levels of experience, and approaches to handling cases. Here is a simple guide to understanding the different types of divorce lawyers. General Practice Attorneys Some lawyers dabble in divorce cases even … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Divorce, Types of Lawyers

What Makes a Gray Divorce Different from Other Divorces?

January 14, 2025 By Paula Lock Smyth

Gray Divorce

Gray divorce refers to older couples who have decided to end their marriage. These divorces are unique because they often involve a long-term marriage and the need to divide substantial assets. If you are considering divorce later in life, it is important to understand how it may differ from divorcing at a younger age. Long-Term Marriages and Dividing Assets Many gray divorces involve … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Gray Divorce

Stupid Things People Fight Over During a Divorce

September 23, 2024 By Paula Lock Smyth

High-Conflict Divorce

When going through a divorce, it's easy to lose perspective and start arguing over things that really don’t matter. What might seem important in the moment can often feel trivial later. People end up squabbling over the smallest details adding unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. These disputes don’t just create tension—they can also increase the cost of your divorce, as every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Children, Collaborative divorce

The Dangers of a DIY Divorce

May 2, 2024 By Paula Lock Smyth

Are you thinking about handling your divorce on your own? It might appear to be a good idea, especially if your situation seems uncomplicated; however, before you go down that road, it is important to understand that a DIY divorce could cause more problems than it solves and cost you more in the end. Do It Yourself Divorce is Not Always a Good Fit A DIY divorce may work for a select few … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Collaborative divorce, DIY Divorces

Managing a High Conflict Divorce

August 16, 2023 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorce and Conflict

Divorce is rarely an easy process, but when one of the parties involved has a high conflict personality, it can become an emotional rollercoaster.  High conflict personalities can create a hostile environment, leading to increased disputes and challenges during the divorce process. Understanding the High Conflict Personality Type A high conflict personality is someone who possesses a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: divorce in Texas, High Conflict

Things to Avoid While Going Through a Divorce

August 4, 2023 By Paula Lock Smyth

divorce

Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging, but it's crucial to approach the process with caution. By avoiding certain behaviors, individuals can help mitigate additional complications and work towards a smoother transition. There are several important things to avoid while going through a divorce. Steer Clear of the Courtroom: It's advisable to explore alternatives to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: collaborative law, divorce in Texas

What is a Contested Divorce?

July 5, 2023 By Paula Lock Smyth

uncontested divorce

When couples find themselves unable to agree on essential matters related to their divorce, it becomes a contested divorce.  In this blog post, we delve into the concept of a contested divorce, exploring disagreements that can lead to such a situation and the different methods available to resolve them, including mediation and collaborative divorce. Understanding a Contested Divorce: A … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce Tagged With: Divorce, Uncontested

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300
Dallas, Texas 75219

Phone: 214-420-1800
Fax: 214-420-1801

Find what you need…

Additional Videos

VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text
VIDEO Title 1 Placeholder Text

Contact Us

From the Blog

Contesting Parenting Plan

Contesting A Parenting Plan

How to handle child custody and support are often the most contentious issues that must be decided … [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.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · by Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices. All rights reserved.

· · ·

Website Design by The Crouch Group

Log in

  • 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