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What You Should Expect from a Great Child Custody Attorney

By March 16, 2018 No Comments
Family Law

A divorce is an extremely stressful and emotional event that most couples want to move past as fast as possible. Unfortunately, the process takes time, especially if child custody is an issue.

When children are involved in a divorce, the situation automatically becomes more sensitive. There’s also a possibility of volatility between the couple. It’s important that someone’s there who can keep you grounded and also protect your rights.

That’s where a child custody attorney comes in.

A qualified attorney can help establish a successful resolution to a custody case. They can also help ensure your spouse doesn’t come away with an unfair custody agreement.

If you and your spouse have decided to divorce and you have children, you need high-quality representation. Keep reading to learn what to expect out of a great child custody attorney.

Experience

This is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a good family lawyer. An experienced attorney will have worked cases similar to yours, so they know what type of approach will garner the best result.

They know that a custody battle has the potential of turning ugly and can help to keep the proceedings on track. They’re there to counsel you so you remain focused on what’s important instead of letting your emotions dictate the decision-making process.

Keep in mind that every case is a little different and no lawyer can predict exactly how things will play out. However, an experienced child custody attorney will be able to give you a good estimate of how long the case will take along with an idea of the outcome.

When hiring a lawyer, it’s important to know that just because someone practices family law, it doesn’t mean they’re skilled in custody proceedings.

You need someone who has specific knowledge and experience in child custody law. This means the ability to help you determine custody payment amounts and parenting plans.

The Best Interest of You and Your Child

In a custody case, the future well-being of the child and parent is the most important element. An expert child custody attorney understands this and works to come to an amicable resolution.

They do this by using both their knowledge of family law along with the ability to counsel and guide you through marital issues.

If you’re now involved with someone else or considering remarrying, an attorney can help determine the best approach to your custody issue with your former spouse. They can also help you remain focused on your child’s well-being if you’re becoming too emotional with regard to the divorce settlement.

Many times, a parent lets their anger get in the way of what’s best for their children. Years later, they regret how they acted during the divorce. A good lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes.

They’ll Guide You Through the Process

A great family lawyer knows how complicated the custody process can be. Their job is to guide you through the legal process, regardless of what twists and turns the case takes.

Your attorney will take care of all required paperwork and meet all court deadlines. This means filing all required court documents and making sure there are no loose ends.

A good attorney is also able to handle things like parenting agreements and any modifications that pop up. They can also represent you in temporary orders and distribution of you and your spouse’s assets.

Basically, a great child custody attorney brings a wide range of knowledge and skills to help you navigate the legal process, regardless of what unforeseen issues arise.

Good Communication

It’s critical that you and your lawyer have a good line of communication throughout your case. This is especially important in custody cases.

A good attorney knows this and makes it a priority to establish a comfortable relationship that fosters healthy communication between clients. This allows them to fully understand your goals and intentions with regard to your children.

They’ll also have the means and ability to communicate with other attorneys, judges, and even your spouse. Remember, your attorney needs to see the big picture in order to properly represent you. It’s essential they communicate on a professional level with everyone involved.

Your lawyer will also be a person you can come to for counsel on marital and parenting issues that affect your case. They’ll make it a point to provide an open environment in which you can express your concerns.

Compassion for Your Situation

Along with open communication, your attorney will be compassionate with regard to you and your child’s needs. This is extremely important in any family law case.

Any good child custody attorney must understand the emotional weight of these cases. They’ll not only provide legal expertise but will also be there as a compassionate support system during the ordeal.

While attorneys aren’t therapists, they can provide a certain amount of security for you. They’re emotionally removed from your situation, but fully understand the stress you’re under.

Many family law attorneys have children of their own and may have even gone through a divorce themselves. They also see the impact that divorce and child custody have on families on a daily basis.

Negotiation Skills

Great negotiation skills are a major benefit of hiring an experienced custody attorney. Working together with you, your spouse, and the opposing counsel is necessary. Your lawyer knows this and will have developed these skills over time.

A good family lawyer also understands they must approach these negotiations with an unbiased perspective. They’ll be able to advocate for you without allowing emotions to affect the discussion.

This is important, as many times emotions can become a liability when trying to reach a resolution in custody matters.

Find the Right Child Custody Attorney

If you’re facing a child custody battle, you need the best legal representation possible. You may feel inclined to hire the first attorney you find in your area. But it’s important to do a little research before making a choice.

You want to ensure your legal counsel has all the attributes discussed above. This will ensure the best interests of you and your child are always a top priority.

We provide experienced family law and child custody representation in North Texas. Contact us today to set up an appointment.