Creating Structure: Finding the Right Lawyer for Custody Disputes
As new families form, custody and scheduling can understandably become an area of conflict. We look at finding the right lawyer for custody disputes.
You might be surprised to learn that there are nearly 7 divorces per 1,000 women in the United States each year. While these can be complex enough on their own, they become even more convoluted when determining child custody.
Working with the right lawyer for custody disputes is essential for giving yourself the best chance of achieving your goals. However, not everybody understands how to find the right professional for their situation.
We’ve created a brief guide with the key details you should keep in mind when moving forward. Let’s explore what you need to know.
Their Reputation
Before making your choice, it’s essential to research the attorney’s reputation. This will provide valuable insight into what you can expect from them.
See what other people online have to say about the experience they had. Are people satisfied with the results they got? Did they encounter issues the lawyer couldn’t help them overcome?
The answers to questions like these will help you narrow down your options. Pay attention to how they respond to criticism.
If they get defensive or aggressive toward negative feedback, you should avoid them at all costs. Otherwise, you risk encountering similar behavior if you have problems with them in the future. Keep an eye out for fake reviews, as well.
These are often posted in large batches and contain many identical keywords. Ignore them when making your assessment so you can have an accurate perspective. With enough due diligence, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a reputable attorney who can help.
Pricing
What is their pricing structure like? You often get what you pay for, so it’s never recommended to work with the cheapest employers.
They will be likely to fall short of your goals due to the corners they cut. However, you don’t have to budget for the most expensive options on the market.
There’s a point of diminishing returns regarding what you pay. Instead, choose someone in the middle of the industry’s price range. This will help ensure you meet your needs without overspending.
Different attorneys will also have different pulling structures. Some might charge by the hour, while others charge flat rates. Pay attention to this detail so you can avoid financial surprises.
Keep in mind that attorneys sometimes offer additional services for an extra price. To clarify, they might allow you to contact them outside of conventional business hours but charge you for doing so. The last thing you want is to find out that your bill is much larger than anticipated.
Enthusiasm
Is your prospective attorney enthusiastic about your case? Many people overlook this nuance, but it’s one of the most important to consider.
If the lawyer isn’t passionate about helping you reach your goals, you can’t expect to get the results you want. You can assess their enthusiasm by paying attention to how many questions they ask about your project.
Ideally, you’ll find someone who wants to know as much as possible. If they seem disinterested, explore other options.
Experience
Their overall level of experience plays a large role in the results you’ll get. It’s best to find someone who’s been practicing for at least a decade. This will help ensure they understand the nuances of your situation.
For example, an inexperienced attorney may have never seen a case like yours before due to its circumstances. Inexperienced lawyers aren’t always guaranteed to underperform, but they’ll be less likely to meet your needs.
Knowledge of Litigation
Not everything can be settled peacefully. There’s a chance your case will reach the courtroom.
If your attorney doesn’t have a proven track record in litigation, the outcome could be in the other party’s favor. They should have concrete proof of handling similar cases like yours successfully.
You should also ask them about the potential outcomes. For instance, you might lose custody of your children and have minimal visitation rights if they aren’t successful.
Area of Concentration
Some lawyers specialize in family law, while others claim they can help with your situation. Only work with attorneys who focus on this area of law.
While unspecialized attorneys might be able to help with certain case details, they aren’t the ideal choice for gaining custody of your children. For instance, they won’t be able to handle things like writing a custody agreement, establishing a parenting plan, or coordinating a visitation arrangement. The good news is specialized attorneys are easy to find, as they proudly advertise this attribute.
Accessibility your attorney should be easy to get in touch with when you have questions or concerns. Getting left in the dark during your case can be frustrating and lead to unnecessary stress. It’s unrealistic to expect your lawyer to respond to you 24/7.
However, they should promptly return texts, phone calls, and emails about your case. Depending on what you ask them, they may charge extra for a response. Stay aware of this detail so you can keep your bill to a minimum.
Case Delegation
Some attorneys delegate cases to other members of their firm. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but it can make it more difficult for you to receive the love of service you expect.
A common situation is where you meet with one attorney but have another work on your case. This can create a scenario where someone you’ve never interacted with handles your project.
There’s a chance the person that ends up with your case doesn’t handle it appropriately. Always ask your prospective lawyer if they will be the one you work with. This can eliminate a large number of issues before they arise.
Common Issues with Child Custody
There’s no shortage of problems that can manifest with child custody. Understanding these can help you better prepare for the future. Listed below are some of the most notable.
Relocation
In many situations, child custody will involve relocation. The other parent may not approve of their child moving to a certain area.
The children themselves might also have a preference regarding where they live. Relocation becomes even more complicated if one party lives in another state. Working with the right family lawyer can help you overcome this obstacle.
Joint Custody Details
Joint custody isn’t always a 50/50 deal. One parent could have custody of the children longer than the other.
There may also be disagreement over the days of the week when parents can see their children. These disagreements can easily cause a divorce to become much more complicated. Without the right lawyer working for you, it’s unlikely you’ll achieve a satisfactory custody agreement.
Unsafe Behavior
There are many situations where one parent’s behavior becomes a liability regarding child custody. For instance, come out your former spouse could neglect to care for your child.
Addiction issues can also lead to child endangerment. The main conflict in situations like these is that it can be difficult to secure custody of your child even with the other parents’ unsafe behavior. Reputable attorneys will know how to navigate these conflicts and come up with a solution.
Child Support
After a divorce, one parent will likely need to provide child support to the other. It’s not uncommon for major conflicts to arise over this topic.
To clarify, the other party could request far more in child support and then they need to properly care for the child. Without a robust legal defense, you’ll likely be ordered by a judge to pay this amount. Problems like these can lead to financial ruin and prevent you from achieving personal goals, advancing your career, etc.
Your lawyer will argue for the appropriate amount in child support payments. There’s even a chance they can get you out of paying child support altogether. This will vary depending on your situation, but it’s always worth consulting with an attorney.
Protection Order Violation
Judges sometimes establish protection orders to keep one spouse away from the other and their children. For example, a judge could enact a no-contact order that prevents one party from contacting or being in the presence of another.
If these orders are violated, they can be used as evidence during a custody dispute. In context, someone could claim their spouse is unfit to receive full custody due to them violating protection orders during the divorce.
The Child’s Best Interests
There are many situations where living with one parent is a superior option compared to living with the other. This often comes into play when one parent has more money or lives near a better school. Judges will use details like these to determine custody.
Find the Right Lawyer for Custody disputes
With the right lawyer for custody disputes on each side, you’ll have the greatest chance of success during your divorce. From here, you can avoid many issues you may have otherwise encountered. Just be sure you research the professional you choose.
Blattner Family Law Group strives to help you protect what matters most. Our team of experienced professionals will assess your situation and determine the best course of action.
We also develop customized plans for each client to help you get the results you need. You’ll learn more about the benefits of working with us when you schedule a consultation today.