Dealing with child custody issues can be fraught. While everyone wants the best for their child, the meaning and understanding of that phrase often vary substantially between parents. Good custody lawyers can help smooth the process.
Do I need an aggressive child custody attorney?
Probably not. Aggressive child custody attorneys often work to achieve what one parent wants, not what’s in the best interest of the child. Consider reevaluating your priorities if you honestly think that hiring an attorney to defame your co-parent comes anywhere close to acting in the best interests of your child.
What’s the benefit of hiring an attorney for custody rights?
Divorce and child custody law can be complex and challenging to navigate, even when all parties are on the same page. The best divorce and custody lawyer will ease communion between parties and make sure that there are no unpleasant surprises, making it easier for everyone to move through the process amicably.
How can I find a child custody law firm near me?
State bar associations often have lists of attorneys admitted to practice law in that jurisdiction. Many have subsections for members who practice a specific type of law, such as family law. Find a few names and then schedule a few get-to-know-you appointments to determine if there’s a “click.”
Updated 3/3/21
When a marriage is coming to its end, there can be a mental block preventing people from hiring an attorney when they should. Especially because divorce is really difficult on children so parents who are starting the divorce process need to consult a family lawyer. Some states have programs to appoint child custody attorneys or guardians for children when there are custody and child support disputes. When you ask a lawyer about child custody arrangements a custody lawyer may start by putting the interests of the child first.
Child custody attorneys will review the current custody arrangement if there is one and if there is any child custody assistance from the non-custodial parent. An aggressive child custody attorney will work to be sure that the custodial parent is granted all they need to provide a safe, loving homes for the child or children. While it may not be possible to ask a family lawyer free, many courts will provide resources on their websites for people trying to divorce without the assistance of counsel. It is important to work with an attorney to ensure that the financial and custodial arrangements are fair to both parents and the children.
Many couples initially believe that their divorce will be amicable and smooth. They believe that they can leave their emotions out of the legal process and have an otherwise, easy divorce. However, this is rarely the case. A lot of couples do not consider the many factors involved in the divorce process. Essentially, you have to consider every single item you have possession of and then split it evenly. This process is tricky enough and when you throw children into the mix, it gets even trickier and more emotional ridden. It is important to work with custody lawyers for the following reasons.
To reduce emotional decision making
Sometimes, it can be difficult to consider the best interest of the child. There are strong emotions involved in a divorce. Usually, at least one partner feels rejected and then when accusations of poor parenting are added, the emotions begin to take over. For this reason, a judge is often attributed to deciding the custody of the children. When you hire an attorney at the beginning of the divorce process, you have a better chance at keeping emotions out of it.
To keep the child?s best interests as the main priority
Of course, you want to spend as much time as possible with your child. But, is it really in the child?s best interest to force them to commute out of state every single weekend? Does your child want to spend the holidays with their school friend, but you require that they come stay with you? There are many factors involved in creating a custody agreement that works for everyone, including the children. Too many couples consider their own preferences but forget to include the child in the decision making process. Working with custody lawyers allows you to take a step back and consider what really the best arrangement for the children is.
Enforce a previously agreed child custody agreement
There are some parents that refuse to follow court orders regarding custody agreements. When you work with custody lawyers from the beginning, you will find it easier to dispute these problems. If there is a court order stating that you get holidays with your children and yet, your spouse will not release them, you have a legal right. You and your attorneys can file for legal action, ensuring that you get to spend your allocated time with your children. If you never had a prior legal agreement, it can be difficult to require time.
Decide on a fair child support amount
Child support is a fee that is paid to the primary custodial parent to help with raising the child or children. There are often many disagreements as to what is a fair amount. It can be relatively impossible to come to an agreement outside of court and without divorce attorneys present. The expected amounts are often much different, making it difficult to come to an agreement without a divorce lawyer. With more than 1 million children involved in divorce proceedings every year, judges are very familiar with calculating a fair amount.
To handle other unique custody situations
Every marriage is different and thus, every divorce is different. When a unique situation arises in a divorce proceeding, it often requires consultation with custody lawyers or the judge. In America, there is one divorce approximately every 36 seconds. That is nearly 2,400 divorces per day, 16,800 divorces per week, and 876,000 divorces a year. Each of the individual and unique situations that arise requires new legal consultation to create a new precedence.
Divorce is an everyday occurrence in the United States. In fact, researchers estimate that 40 to 50% of all first marriages, and 60% of second marriages, will end in divorce. This often leaves children confused and some type of custody arrangement needs to be decided. It is in the best interest of everyone involved to have a custody lawyer on the case.