How to Determine if You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer:
A custody lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in family law and specifically in issues related to child custody. A custody lawyer can help you negotiate a custody arrangement with the other parent of your child or children, or represent you in a custody case if one should arise.
If you are going through a divorce or are otherwise involved in a custody dispute, you should strongly consider retaining Carpenter & Associates to handle all of your child custody matters.
Can You Afford to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
There’s no getting around it. Hiring a custody lawyer is going to cost money. When deciding whether or not to make the jump, have a solid understanding of the anticipated costs before signing on the bottom line. This will include interviewing different attorneys, getting detailed fee estimates, and understanding exactly how they bill for extra hours or unanticipated expenses.
How Complex Is Your Case?
This may be slightly difficult to assess on your own, but generally speaking, your case is considered complex if any of the following items can apply:
- Interstate custody or living arrangements will be required.
- The child has a medical condition requiring specific treatment, a controlled living environment, strict medication administration, etc.
- Your soon-to-be-ex spouse is an unfit parent, or leads a lifestyle that would cause harm to your child if they were exposed.
- You and your spouse have wildly different opinions about parenting style
You Have a Gut Feeling.
This one isn’t particularly scientific, but as divorces proceed, you may begin to sense your spouse may be reacting in a negative way. In some instances, your spouse may even try to obtain custody to “get back at you” for proceeding with the divorce. Heed your inner instincts when you begin to see the signs. Then hire an experienced attorney to help protect yourself and your child throughout the court proceedings. You know this person better than anyone, so don’t ignore it when the panicked voice in your head sounds the alarm.
7 Major Signs You Need to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer:
You believe your kids are in danger. When you feel that your kid’s safety is at stake, you will certainly need qualified legal representation.
Your ex prevents you from seeing the child. If your ex illegally tries to terminate your contact with the child or cancels the meetings at the last moment, you must search for lawyers who handle child custody cases very well, as these particular cases tend to be very complicated.
Your case has become a complicated one. Sometimes your ex will battle you in court in a very unhealthy way, such as proving that you are not fit enough to have custody of the child. This is a major indication that you need to see a child custody lawyer.
Your ex has hired a custody lawyer. In this case, unless you hire the same for yourself, you will not be prepared for the court hearing. You need an attorney who has significant knowledge of the law to advocate for you in court.
Diverse jurisdictions. Dealing with a custody case when your ex lives in a different state is a hard task to manage alone. The rules and regulations of diverse jurisdictions are difficult to navigate through, and a child custody attorney is necessary in these situations.
Your ex wants sole custody of your child. If you only have one child, it is almost guaranteed that your ex will give a tough fight to win sole custody.
You get a notice about a custody hearing. Consider hiring a custody lawyer once you suddenly receive a notice that you have a court hearing. Do not wait until the last minute, as you need your attorney to show up ready to fight.
Child custody cases are indeed complicated but hiring a good lawyer can make your situation better.
Hire Carpenter & Associates’ Child Custody Lawyers today!
Call for a free consultation: (972) 455-8700