Are you searching for a child custody lawyer to help you through your divorce? Here are a few essential tips on how to find the right lawyer.
In the US, there are over 56,000 family and divorce law businesses. This makes choosing the right child custody lawyer difficult. You aren’t to blame if you feel confused about what your options are.
Before you hire a child custody lawyer, there are several key factors you should take into consideration. By keeping these tips in mind during the hiring process, you’ll ensure you get the best lawyer for the best price.
Consider these seven tips before choosing your child custody lawyer in Maryland.
1. Do They Have Previous Case Experience?
Custody battles are often technically difficult. That’s why you need a lawyer who has proficient experience in dealing with them. By understanding the law surrounding custody you’ll have a leg up as your case is being built.
Having previous case experience also means your lawyer is ready and waiting to speak up for you in court. You can rest assured that you’ll have a confident, knowledgeable, public speaker who can help you win your custody battle.
With the right case experience, your lawyer will also be able to defend you against anything unexpected that arises. Custody cases occasionally turn hostile between the parties involved, so it is best to hire a lawyer that is ready for anything.
2. Have You Sought Out References?
A good custody lawyer should be happy for you to check their references. They’ll provide reference contact details and reviews upon request.
By checking out your lawyer’s references, you get a sense of how they work. You’ll find out about their communication skills, their professionalism, and their experience.
Speaking with the right references can also help you predict if your lawyer can win your custody case. Here are some questions you can ask potential references:
“Was the lawyer always punctual?”
“Did they always listen to your concerns?”
“Were they empathetic to your situation?”
“Did they explain any technical jargon to you in detail?”
“Do you feel they did everything possible to win your case?”
3. Are They Empathetic?
A custody case is usually emotionally draining for every party involved. That’s why finding an empathetic lawyer makes such a difference. Your lawyer should treat your situation with compassion and respect to allow them to handle it sensitively.
Your lawyer should also treat your case with the individuality it deserves. No two custody battles are the same. You must be able to rely on your lawyer to acknowledge the differences in your case from the ones they have encountered before.
4. Do They Know the Jurisdiction Laws?
Child custody laws vary between different areas, including states. For example, Maryland law allows children over 16 to apply for a custody change. Other states place a huge deal of importance on shared custody, as this is often seen as the most beneficial option.
A lawyer who knows and understands the jurisdiction laws in your area will be the most helpful to your case. Having sound knowledge of these laws can help them predict what demands will be made of you throughout the process. This enables them to prepare for every scenario and to make decisions that offer the most security for the child.
5. Are They Good Communicators?
Communication is one of the most important qualities of a good lawyer. With all the legal jargon and technical words used throughout a custody case, you must always know what’s going on. A good lawyer will talk you through every step of the process so that you never feel out of the loop.
Your child custody lawyer should also actively listen to anything you ask them. You will have questions during your case that you should feel confident asking. If your lawyer doesn’t have the answer right away, they should make it a priority to find out anything you want to know.
Keep in mind just how much time you will have to spend with your child custody lawyer. It’s very important that you feel comfortable discussing your case openly with them. You don’t have to be best friends, but you should feel that your lawyer respects you and wants to do everything they can to help you win.
6. Do They Make Things Accessible?
Your lawyer should be local to you, or as close to you as possible. If they’re within reasonable driving distance, you’ll be able to attend important in-person meetings. While phone calls and video chats are beneficial, sometimes you just need to be there to get a feel for what’s going on.
Your lawyer should also consider any accessibility issues you have. This could include not having access to your own vehicle, having an illness that keeps you housebound, or using a wheelchair. The lawyer you choose should make allowances for these circumstances, particularly if you have to attend a meeting with the other people involved in the custody case.
7. Have You Considered the Price?
While lawyers do often come with substantial price tags, you shouldn’t ever pay more than you need to. The right lawyer will offer reasonable fees and make it abundantly clear exactly what services you’re paying for.
Discuss your financial situation with your prospective lawyer before making any decision. Some will have payment plan options or other fee waivers they can offer you to help ease any financial strain.
Being open about your finances is another part of the open communication you should have with your lawyer. If you aren’t comfortable discussing money with them before you decide to hire them, then they may not be the right one for you!
Find the Right Child Custody Lawyer For You
Finding the right child custody lawyer in Maryland shouldn’t add any more stress to this tough process. Your lawyer should always put you first by ensuring they communicate well, make everything accessible, and show you the compassion you need.
Taking into account price and experience helps make sure your lawyer is an expert. Always ask for their credentials and references to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
To find the right child custody lawyer for your needs, contact us today.