When you and your spouse decide to divorce, the issue of who will have custody of the children will arise. It is advisable you involve a child custody lawyer. The lawyer will represent you in court, they will also offer you legal advice. The child custody lawyer you have settled for will play an important role in the outcome of your child custody case.
There are numerous child custody lawyers that you can select from. It is important that you take your time when choosing a child custody lawyer so that you can pick the right choice. Below are steps that can be of great help in choosing a child custody lawyer.
The best place to start when looking for a child custody lawyer is asking for referrals from friends or relatives that have used one in the past. Ask them if they had a good experience with the lawyer they used. Alternatively, you can get recommendations from the bar association, or court clerks.
It is recommended that you also interview the child custody lawyer that you are prospecting. During the interview, check if the lawyer’s personality suits yours. Check how comfortable you feel around the lawyer, and if they are approachable.
Also, it is important that you ask the lawyer how many child custody cases like yours they have handled in the past. The more cases they have handled and won in the past, the better.
Dealing with a child custody lawyer that is based locally is recommended. It will be easier to regularly meet up with the lawyer. Also, you will save on time and money on transport. The internet is a great place to start in finding child custody lawyers based locally.
Before you hire a child custody lawyer, it is important that you check their fee structure. Check if the lawyer charges on the basis of the retainer or per hour. Go for a lawyer that you can comfortably afford their fees. If you have a problem raising the fee, look for pro-bono lawyers.
Experience also plays an important role when choosing a child custody lawyer. Dealing with an experienced lawyer increases your chances of getting full custody of the children. Also, an experienced lawyer understands the laws in your state that relate to child custody better. When interviewing the different child custody lawyers, ensure you ask them about their experience.
The reputation of the child custody lawyer also matters. It is important you start by checking with the bar association if there are any disciplinary cases against the lawyer. Also, check online third party reviews that have been done on the lawyer.
In addition, it is recommended you talk to some of the clients the lawyer has offered child custody cases in the past. This will give you a chance to ask them, about their experience with the lawyer, and the professionalism of the lawyer.
Also, ensure the lawyer has a current license from the state to practice.
The tips above can be of great help when looking for a child custody lawyer.