Custody cases are among the most emotionally-charged cases in court. Before you decide to hire a custody lawyer, here are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself:
Do you really need one?
Mediation services might help you and the other party reconcile. This can easily prevent a long, drawn-out custody battle that could put your kids right in the middle. If you and your former spouse or partner can come to an agreement, you could avoid experiencing a custody battle.
Is the case all that complicated?
Not all cases require the assistance of a lawyer. However, if you aren’t sure about representing yourself in court and you want to give yourself the best possible chance of winning child custody, hiring a lawyer is a necessary move.
Does your case cross jurisdictions?
Inter-jurisdictional cases involve parents who live in different states or countries. If this applies to you and your former spouse/partner, the rule of thumb to follow is to hire a lawyer. Laws in different states or countries can make the entire process all the more complicated. You’ll need to hire a lawyer to understand the legalese and ensure you cover all your bases.
Are you having trouble seeing your kids?
If your ex is blocking you from seeing your kids, hiring a lawyer is the best course of action to take. An experienced lawyer will know what to do.
What’s the lawyer’s reputation?
Make sure you engage the services of a custody lawyer with a reputation in the field for delivering the best results, says The Spruce. A record of successfully settling cases is a good indication. Peer-awarded recognition also tells you that your case is in the right hands. By hiring correctly, you have a much better chance of winning back your children.