Do you need help with hiring a child custody lawyer? Read about some common reasons for working with an attorney for child custody.
Around thirty percent of child custody agreements are made without the interventions of the courts or a mediator.
If you’re part of the other seventy percent, you’ll want to ensure your rights are protected. That means you should get a lawyer involved.
But, why is getting a child custody lawyer helpful for your legal needs? Let’s go through the top reasons you might need a child custody lawyer.
1. You’ve Just Started the Divorce Process
It’s pretty simple: if you and your spouse or partner are in the process of getting a divorce and have children together, it’s a good idea for each of you to hire a child custody attorney.
In the divorce process, child custody is often one of the most difficult issues to resolve. A child custody lawyer can help navigate the legal system and advocate for the best interests of the child.
They can assist in creating a parenting plan, negotiating with the other parent or their attorney, and representing their client in court. It is important to find a lawyer who is experienced and knowledgeable in child custody laws in your state.
2. Contested Custody Situations
If you’re seeking primary custody of your children and your spouse or partner is contesting it, you definitely need a child custody lawyer ASAP.
Your spouse or partner is asking for joint custody but you believe that it is not in your children’s best interest.
The same is true if Your spouse or partner has filed for sole custody of your children or has requested a change in the current custody arrangement.
This can involve disputes over physical custody (where the child will live) and legal custody (who will make decisions about the child’s welfare). Contested custody cases can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or a court trial.
In making a custody determination, the court will consider the best interests of the child, which can include factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s stability and safety, and the child’s physical and emotional needs.
Or, you may have simple parenting disagreements. You and your spouse or partner have not been able to agree on a parenting plan for your children. A lawyer can help you manage your differences and come up with a compromise.
4. Safety Concerns
You have concerns about your children’s safety or well-being when they are with your spouse or partner.
These could include concerns about physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence. They may also have concerns about the ability of a parent to provide a safe and stable home environment for the child. If you have these concerns, a child custody attorney can help you remedy the situation.
They may ask that supervised visitation be ordered for the parent who poses a risk. The lawyer may also seek a restraining order or other legal remedies to protect the child from harm.
5. Moving Is in the Mix
If You or your former partner is planning to move out of state with the child(ren), you need a child custody lawyer. This is especially true if your agreement has been contentious in the past.
If you’re the one who plans to move, the lawyer may also be able to help you obtain permission from the court to move away with the child.
In some cases, usually in cases where the parents have joint custody, the lawyer may also help negotiate a new custody agreement that takes the move into account.
If you’re already in different locations, that’s another good reason to bring in a child custody lawyer. For example, your former partner may not be a U.S. national and may have had to return to their country of citizenship for whatever reason.
That can make working out a child custody agreement very difficult, even if your relationship is amicable. A child custody lawyer can help you come up with an agreement that works for both of you – and more importantly, one that your children are happy with.
These circumstances can also mean that different jurisdictions are involved in your custody case. This can make it near-impossible for you to manage all the different legal systems involved without a lawyer to help you understand what the situation is and what needs to be done.
6. Your Former Partner Has a Lawyer
If your former spouse has already brought a child custody lawyer in, you need to get one on board ASAP. The sooner that they’re up-to-date with your case, the sooner that they’ll be able to help you.
No matter what, do not go into legal proceedings without a lawyer when your former partner has one. That’s a recipe for disaster.
7. There Are Special Circumstances
There are particular circumstances that may make your needs more complex. You may have one child with particular medical needs which means they need a different custody agreement than the rest of your children.
The same thing could be true if you yourself have special circumstances. If you have a history of addiction, particularly if it’s been legally documented, it’s time to lawyer up.
Your ex-partner may use your history against you, particularly if your breakup wasn’t pretty. You’ll need to prove that you’ve overcome your addiction and that you’re a present and responsible parent to your children.
Hire a Child Custody Lawyer Today
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to hire a child custody lawyer.
Are you looking for options in your area? When you’re considering child custody lawyers in Towson. Blattner Family Law Group is some of the best of the best. Contact us today to get started.