Paula Lock Smyth

Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorney

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You are here: Home / Archives for divorce

Most Common Reason People Get A Divorce

December 31, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

Reasons for divorce

The divorce rate in the U.S. is shockingly high. There are many reasons that couples cannot maintain their relationship and decide to part ways. Texas law provides for both a no-fault divorce and a divorce based upon fault grounds. A No-Fault Divorce in Texas The Texas Family Code allows for a divorce without regard to fault “if the marriage has become … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: common reason for divorce, divorce

Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me in My Divorce?

August 26, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

Hiring an attorney

If you and your spouse have no children and own no property together, you may be able to do your divorce yourselves.  “No property” means you literally own nothing as a couple, not even a car.  The “pro se” forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are relatively easy to fill out in this type of divorce. Child Custody Issues There are many issues that need to be resolved between … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: divorce, Hiring Attorney

Fear and Divorce

June 22, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

Individuals going through a divorce often experience fear.  The uncertainty of their future can sometimes be so severe that the individual becomes immobilized and unable to make decisions.  They are going through a huge life change and their daily life as they knew it has ended. Some Specific Fears Divorcing People May Face Where to live.  The concept of home that they have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: divorce, fear

What is Co-Parenting?

May 13, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

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...]

Filed Under: Blog, Child Custody Tagged With: Co-Parenting, divorce

Divorce Mistakes: Texting and Social Media

February 25, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

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...]

Filed Under: Blog, Divorce Tagged With: divorce, Texting

Why Is It Important to Have A Child-Centered Divorce?

February 19, 2020 By Paula Lock Smyth

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...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Child-Centered, divorce

Being Thankful, Even During Divorce

November 25, 2019 By Paula Lock Smyth

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...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Being Thankful, divorce

Divorce and the Holidays

October 17, 2019 By Paula Lock Smyth

Holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, are meant to be joyous and happy.  But for those parents going through a divorce, these holidays present a special challenge.  It is best for the children if the parents can communicate with each other and, as much as possible, maintain family traditions for the children.  If parents cannot come to an agreement, they must comply with the … [Read more...]

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

Addiction and Divorce

August 19, 2019 By Paula Lock Smyth

Sadly, in divorce situations, it is common for one spouse or the other to have some type of addiction to either a substance or a behavior. Addiction and divorce are difficult issues for the courts and the parties to resolve. Different approaches are used depending on which spouse is the client. Representing the Non-Addicted Spouse Often, one of the first things that needs to be done is to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: divorce, Drug Addiction

How Is A Divorce Different If It’s A Common Law Marriage Versus A Traditional Marriage?

August 13, 2019 By Paula Lock Smyth

The phrase “common law marriage” is often used to describe a couple who has lived together for some time. When they decide to end their relationship, the question comes up about how their parting will legally proceed. Will they participate in a traditional divorce or are there other considerations that will affect the “divorce” process? First it must be proven to the court that there was a common … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Common Law Marriage, divorce, Traditional Marriage

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Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

3333 Lee Parkway Suite 600
Dallas, Texas 75219

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

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From the Blog

How are location services used for Texas child custody cases?

In Texas, there are times when a parent must be located. For that, there is a program that the state … [Read More...]

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices

3333 Lee Parkway Suite 600
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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  • 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?
    • Do’s and Don’ts of Custody / Visitation
    • Child Support FAQs
    • How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce?
    • Is There Such a Thing as Legal Separation?
  • Blog
  • Contact Us