7 Signs You Need to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
Are you in a custody battle with your ex and want to know if you'd benefit from receiving the help of a trusted child custody lawyer? Are you having issues understanding your options for child custody agreements?
Did you know that almost 90% of child custody cases get settled without the ruling of a judge? Going through the extensive court battle to get the best custody arrangement for your children is exhausting and costly. Instead, you can employ the help of a reputable child custody attorney to help you navigate through your available options.
If you are wondering if you need to employ the help of a child custody attorney to help your family, please continue reading below. We will go over the seven signs indicating that you need an attorney's help and who you can reach out to for more information.
- Your Ex-spouse Has a Child Custody Lawyer
If your ex-spouse has a child custody lawyer protecting their interests, you may want to hire one for yourself. Although you don't need a lawyer, it helps to have one on your side who can read you your rights. You also don't want to go up against another lawyer on your own.
Hiring an attorney puts you at the same level as your ex, and you will have a lawyer on your side working to gather evidence and prepare documents. Obtaining the help of a child custody attorney will increase your chances of a fair judgment.
- There Are Significant Changes
Are there some significant changes that happened in your custody case? For example, are there any criminal convictions, or has someone lapsed from a former substance addiction? If any changes could impact the custody case, it is best to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
In the event that there is something violent, such as a violation of a restraining order, this could impact child custody options. The court does not take any threats of violence lightly, and it is best to have an attorney on your side to navigate that matter on your behalf.
- You Received a Notice About a Custody Hearing
If you've suddenly received a notice that you have to attend a custody hearing, you should consider hiring a child custody lawyer immediately. Knowing your child custody options before you go to the hearing puts you in a better position.
- Your Ex Is Denying Visitation
Until the court makes the final decision on custody matters, neither you nor your ex can deny visitation. If you and your ex have difficulty agreeing on when each parent gets time with the children, it is best to bring a child custody attorney on board to help mediate. They can provide you with the right resources to ensure each party can reach an agreement before the final court judgment.
- Your Children Are in Danger
If you feel as if your children are in danger or their needs aren't being met, it is best to hire a lawyer to help intervene. Your lawyer will ensure the safety of your child until the court grants you custody.
- You Have a History of Drug or Alcohol Abuse
If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, your ex may bring this up in court to make it look like you are an unfit parent. Your ex may try to bring up evidence to prove your substance abuse which could stand in court.
To counter that information, you want to bring forth evidence that proves you are a responsible person and that your past does not hinder your ability to parent. If you've taken the initiative to get treatment, you can use those certificates to prove that you're improving yourself for yourself and your children.
You can also get blood tests done to show that you are clean. It is very important that you work with a reputable attorney to help create the best strategy to show the court that you are fit to take care of your children.
- You and Your Ex-spouse Live In Different States
If you and your ex live in two different states, this could affect your case. There are now two different jurisdictions at play, meaning each of them has its own laws that may play a factor in the matter.
Most states have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, but if you aren't sure if your state adopted it, make sure you reach out to your lawyer. Under this act, you must file the custody claim in the child's home state. This means that if a child lived in your state for at least six months before the custody case, you must file the claim in your state.
How To Find the Right Child Custody Lawyer
When looking for a child custody lawyer, ensure you find someone who practices family law. Once you find a lawyer you're interested in, reach out to them for a consultation.
During the initial meeting, ask the lawyer questions and pay attention to how you feel in their office. Do you feel comfortable? Are they accommodating to your needs?
Child Custody Attorneys Near Me
In an ideal world, both parents would agree on what to do for child support and custody. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for most.
If you find yourself in a predicament where you and your ex are fighting over custody or who has to pay what, you may want to reach out to a reputable child custody lawyer. They will make sure you get what you deserve in the custody agreement, and they can answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you need help with your custody case, contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.