How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Child Custody Case
Finding a family law attorney for your child custody case can add even more stress to an already difficult and emotional time. But looking for a qualified and experienced family law attorney doesn’t have to be a headache if you take the right steps.
When you’re trying to find a family lawyer, your best resources will be the people around you. Personal references are the most reliable tools for searching for services of any kind, and it’s no different for law. Ask friends or family members about their experiences, or talk to court clerks at the court office to see if they know any good lawyers. Depending on what state you live in, certain courts may have an attorney network for you to refer to.
You can also ask other parents, even strangers, about the lawyers they’re employing for their child custody cases. If you can’t find other parents to ask, you can consider contacting the state bar association, which often passes on referrals to good lawyers.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of possible candidates, meet the best ones for interviews. A lawyer’s experience with family law cases is important, especially since visitation rights, child support and child custody can be difficult issues to tackle. Family law covers child custody, divorce, adoption and child abuse among many other things.
Believe it or not, personality can be just as important as experience. If you don’t get along with your lawyer or at least find them approachable, it may be difficult to know where your case stands going forward. Find someone who will explain things clearly and let you ask questions.
Ask about the lawyer’s fee structure and see if the lawyer is willing to give you a free consultation on your case before you decide to hire them. If money is an issue, you may qualify for a pro bono attorney appointed by the county family court to assist you in your case.
If you’re unsure about an attorney after an interview, you can check attorney directories to find out if the lawyer is properly licensed and in good standing with the state bar,
Remember, you can always fire an attorney if they don’t meet your needs. Your child custody case is important. Don’t settle for someone who won’t fight hard for you and your children.
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