Law Office of Chris Schmiedeke, PC

06/08/2026

If divorce is even a possibility, start preparing now.

Not because you are starting a fight, but because gathering information is easier before emotions, deadlines, and court paperwork start piling up.

Start with your finances. Document your parenting responsibilities. Understand your monthly expenses.

A little preparation goes a long way.

Read our latest blog for full divorce preparation checklist 👉 https://www.chrislawyer.com/the-divorce-checklist-working-moms-wish-they-started-30-days-earlier/

Thinking about divorce? This Texas divorce preparation checklist helps working moms get organized, protect their finances, document parenting responsibilities, and prepare for what comes next.

06/07/2026

Guess which one we do? 😏

We’re one of the only Dallas firms offering option B for contested divorces. So if you want an agreed upon price at the start, no clock running, and no surprise bills; contact us for your free consultation.

06/07/2026

You think you have a good plan and system going, then the kids start extracurricular activities.

Those extracurricular schedules can make co-parenting much more complicated than many parents expect.

Soccer starts. Dance lessons get added. Weekend tournaments fill the calendar.

Children benefit when parents plan for real life, not just possession periods. (Read that again to really soak it in).

When creating a parenting plan, it helps to think through transportation, activity schedules, and how both parents will stay involved as children get older and become busier.

The more these conversations happen upfront, the fewer surprises there tend to be later.

A good parenting plan should work during a busy school year, not just on an empty calendar.

If you’re considering divorce and have questions about parenting plans or custody schedules, we’re here to help.

06/04/2026

Who do predictable routines matter so much for children during divorce?

Children can handle a lot of change. What they struggle with most though is uncertainty.

In our experience, kids do better when they know what comes next. Which house they will be at. Who is picking them up. What their weekly schedule looks like.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is consistency.

A predictable routine helps children feel safe during a time when many other parts of life may feel uncertain. It also reduces misunderstandings between parents and helps everyone stay focused on what matters most.

Children adjust far better when routines are predictable, communication is clear, and the adults create structure before conflict escalates.

A good parenting plan is not just a legal document. It is often the framework that helps a family move forward with less stress and fewer surprises.

Need help creating a plan that works for you AND your kids? We can help.

06/03/2026

Relating a little too well to this one? Trust us, you’re not alone.

A lot of people don’t wake up one day and decide they want a divorce. They wake up one day and realize they’ve been having the same fight for the 100th time.

Sometimes “prioritizing your peace” is really just admitting you’re exhausted from trying to solve the same problem over and over again.

If you’re stuck having the same fight, it may be time to learn what your options actually are.

06/02/2026

In case you haven’t seen, we charge a flat fee for all divorce cases whether that’s agreed or contested. This definitely isn’t the normal among law firms, but we have 30+ years of experience, so we know what a case is going to take, and we’re comfortable setting that dollar amount before we start. You agree to that number, then we begin.

That’s what our June newsletter is all about, so feel free to read up to learn more.

If you have questions about your specific case, contact us for a free consultation.

06/01/2026

Divorce is never easy, but it sure can be a lot harder if you make it that way! Social media, a revenge mentality, and taking bad advice from friends (even if they mean well!) can make divorce significantly more difficult. How so? Let’s talk about it 👇🏼

1) Social Media
That angry post might feel good in the moment, but screenshots last forever. We’ve seen people post about their ex, show off a new relationship, or complain about custody arrangements, only to have it become evidence later. If you’re going through a divorce, assume a judge could eventually see what you post.

2) Revenge
Trying to “teach your spouse a lesson” usually backfires. Draining bank accounts, withholding the kids, damaging property, or refusing to cooperate often leads to more conflict, more legal fees, and a longer divorce process.

3) Bad Advice from Friends
Friends mean well, but their advice is often based on what happened in their divorce, not yours. Every situation is different. “My friend got the house,” or “My cousin didn’t have to pay support,” doesn’t mean the same outcome applies to your case.

4) All of the Above (if you guessed this one, you’re correct!)
A lot of divorces become more expensive, more stressful, and take longer because of these three things. Staying calm, getting good legal advice (please let us help you if you’re in the Dallas, Texas, area), and thinking long-term usually leads to better results.

We don’t claim to make divorce easy, but we do simplify it here. If you’re interested in learning more, we offer free consultation calls and a flat fee price that you agree on before we ever bill you!

06/01/2026

Fairness for adults is NOT equal to functionality for kids. That’s what you’re not hearing.

And functionality for kids should always be top priority when figuring out custody, especially among blended families.

Read through all of these and sit with them. Then go read our entire blog post about this. It’s so important. And if your custody schedule isn’t working anymore? Let’s fix it. We want it to work in the real world, not just in paper.

05/30/2026

Think your divorce can be finalized in 60 days?

Not so fast.

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period before most divorces can be finalized. And day 60 is the earliest possible finish line, not a guarantee.

The couples who use those 60 days wisely often save time, money, and stress. The ones who just try to wait it out usually find themselves dealing with delays.

If you’re considering divorce in Texas, you should understand how the waiting period actually works and how to utilize it to avoid frustration and make better decisions from the start.

Read the full blog 👉

If you're filing for divorce in Dallas, one of the first questions you may ask is: "Do I really have to wait 60 days?" Short answer: Yes. Read more here.

05/28/2026

Ask yourself this during a divorce: would you want a judge to hear/see this? If the answer is no… don’t tell ‘em! 🤫

Talking too much can really hurt you during a divorce. Whether it’s angry texts/paragraphs, vague posts on social media, the “receipts”, venting to mutual friends, or making videos about it all.

In divorce, emotions are high. But what you say in the moment can follow you for a LONG time.

Screenshots get shared.
Texts get printed.
Posts get brought into court.

Sometimes the best move is simple: keep it zipped. 🤐