Child custody cases are not only tricky, they also end up having a huge impact on the minds of the parents as well as the children. One needs to handle such cases with sensitivity as well as sensibility.
This is the reason why it is always suggested to engage the services of a reputed child custody lawyer, especially if you haven’t been in such a situation before. A skilled lawyer will be able to look at certain nuances of your case and formulate a plan of action for dealing with it accordingly. Thanks to his knowledge and experience, he will provide you with the guidance needed to steer through a child custody case.
Looking to hire an effective child custody attorney, but don’t know how? The process can seem intimidating and perplexing to those going about it for the first time, and you don’t want to go wrong for sure. After all, this choice could make or mar your chances of ensuring a favourable outcome.
In this post, we tell you how about the essential considerations to take into account before engaging the services of a child custody lawyer.
1. Are You Well Connected?
Make sure you hire a lawyer who is easily reachable. Rest assured, you will be required to make frequent trips to your lawyer’s office, so it makes sense to hire one based in your own city. For example, if you’re a resident of Chicago, you will do well to hire a child custody lawyer in Chicago to ensure the ease of accessibility.
Also, such a lawyer will know all about the laws applicable and be updated on the latest amendments made to them in your state, which will strengthen your case.
This may seem like a trivial matter, but traveling long distances every time you need to see your lawyer can make the already stressful situation even more taxing.
2. Experience Matters
When it comes to practicing law, experience matters a great deal. The last thing you want to do is entrust your child custody case in the hands of an amateur, who wouldn’t be familiar with the ways of the court, and have little or no credibility in the eyes of the judge.
An experienced lawyer can not only better your chances of you winning the case, but also provide you with timely advice and moral support, which are extremely crucial in such cases. Your attorney’s unbiased opinion can go a long way in keeping things real.
3. Dig Deeper
While having considerable experience in dealing with divorce cases is of essence, but that does not automatically qualify an attorney for handling your case. Each case is different and there are several lawyers who are unable to successfully represent their clients in court due to certain irreparable errors.
It is extremely important to steer clear of such lawyers by conducting a thorough background check on them. For this, you can read client reviews and testimonials online. Such reviews can give you a better idea of a particular lawyer’s ability, which can help you decide whether or not you should hire him.
4. Fees
Child custody cases need to be handled with sensitivity and only a competent lawyer would be able to do so successfully. A talented lawyer will always come at cost and you, as a client, cannot afford to lose more money. This is why you should discuss the fee structure of your attorney before hiring him.
Unlike other cases where lawyers work on a contingency fee, divorce and child custody attorneys may ask for an upfront fee, which might not be affordable for everyone.
5. To File or Not to File
Divorce and child custody cases tend to be more emotionally charged than other kinds of cases. An experienced attorney can make all the difference here by turning the case in your favor and providing you with the necessary counseling to help you keep your emotions in check.
Sometimes, a lawsuit may not be necessary. This typically happens when both parents put their egos aside, focus on what is best for their child, and work out mutually agreeable terms and conditions for the custody. Often, the advice of child custody lawyers can also be instrumental in parents deciding to settle the matter internally before going to court.
6. Trust Your Gut
Sometimes you meet certain people and are immediately able to decide whether or not you want to be associated with them, and most of the time, the decision turns out to be the right one. This is the role instincts play in your life. Your instincts can help you decide on your child custody lawyer as well.
Finding the right person for the job is not merely a matter of research. It also depends on how well you can size up his abilities. You should hire a particular lawyer only if you think you can trust him enough to disclose your personal details, and have faith in his ability turn the tables in your favor.
Conclusion
Even though there are no winners in a child custody battle, its ultimate goal should be to ensure that only an arrangement in the best interest of the children prevails. This is what you, as a parent, should consider when picking an attorney to represent you. While the services of a good lawyer come at a price, it cannot be denied that working with an attorney with a history of dealing with such cases and winning them has its own irrefutable advantages. Do pick your lawyer with care to ensure your case is in good hands.