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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?
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You are here: Home / Archives for Court

The Impact of Illegal Drugs or Alcohol on a Divorce

April 25, 2022 By Paula Lock Smyth

Divorces often bring to light an underlying problem with alcohol or illegal drugs for one or the other spouse. Whether or not it is the main reason for the split, the issue impacts divorce in many ways, particularly in the areas of child custody, visitation and property division. Impact on Child Custody and Visitation  A parent’s illegal drug use or alcohol addiction will impact child … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Addiction, Court, Drugs, Impact, legal issues

Why Would Someone Want to Avoid Going to Court in a Divorce Case?

August 18, 2021 By Paula Lock Smyth

Avoid court in a divorce

Some people who are divorcing believe going to court will solve their problems. They expect to “win” and have all their expectations met. They hope for a Solomon-esq moment when the court does the “right” thing and gives them justice. This is not a realistic expectation. Generally, after a court battle, both parties feel like losers. There are many reasons why going to court is not worth the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: Court

Preparing for Court

March 25, 2020 By Paula Lock 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

How to Communicate with Your Attorney During the Divorce

September 4, 2019 By Paula Lock Smyth

lawyer with phone in hand

It is critical that an attorney and their client have good communication during the divorce process. What clients tell their attorney is confidential so clients can be open and honest without fear of the attorney revealing their secrets. Honesty and No Surprises Critical to the communication process is complete honesty by the client. An attorney cannot properly represent a client who is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Attorney, Communication, Court

How Does the Court Decide Who Gets to Make Decisions Regarding the Children?

April 10, 2019 By Staff - S.R.

children in divorce

The most important decision for parents going through a divorce is what happens to the children. Parents often will be appointed joint managing conservators, which means they will share in the decision about where the children live, where they go to school, how they spend their time during school holidays, and jointly agree to invasive medical or dental procedures. Less frequently, courts may … [Read more...]

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

Will Smoking Pot Have An Impact On My Divorce?

May 31, 2018 By Staff - P.S.

impact of smoking pot on divorce

The short answer is yes. In the state of Texas, marijuana is still an illegal drug. That means the law handles it the same as any other illegal substance. Pot being illegal isn’t the only reason using it will impact your divorce. As more states join the movement of legalizing marijuana, it may leave you wondering if smoking pot will have an impact on your divorce. If you’re headed for divorce or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: Court, Drugs, Impact, legal issues, marijuana

Consent in adoption proceedings

February 19, 2015 By legal staff - W.C.

Some parents may not be able to provide for their children the way they would have dreamed of, and, in order to ensure their children get the very best they possibly can, they make the difficult decision to put their children up for adoption.  Last time on the Dallas Family Law Blog, readers were given a brief overview of who can adopt a child.  But it is equally important to know who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adoption Tagged With: adoptive parent, Court, custody

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

How does the best interests of the child impact child custody?

Child custody issues impact many families, but many parents may not understand how Texas courts make … [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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