If you are unsure about whether or not you need to hire a child custody attorney, it’s important to consider a number of factors before deciding to represent themselves. If you anticipate entering into child custody litigation with the other parent of your children, you may benefit from representation by a proven legal professional. We invite you to call us and schedule a complimentary consultation with a child custody attorney from our firm. You will not be under any obligation to hire us and you may gain a greater understanding of your legal options.
Here are four indicators that you may benefit from hiring a child custody attorney:
1. The other parent has hired a child custody attorney. Even if you two are on the best of terms, the fact that they hired an attorney shows they are serious about holding their position and are ready for a legal battle. Not hiring your own child custody attorney will put you at a disadvantage, particularly in the courtroom in front of the Judge. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, look into free legal aid that may be available in your area.
2. Your circumstances are complicated, and may possibly get even more complicated. Child custody disagreements typically follow a breakup, and that can mean raw emotions are at risk of causing friction and animosity. As a result, it’s not unusual for one or both parties to change their mind and then change it again. The other parent may have initially agreed to a child custody arrangement but has since backpedaled. A child custody arrangement is a legally binding agreement, and as such, should be treated that way. Protect yourself by getting everything in writing and in such a way that it will hold up in court should it come to that. Our child custody attorney can handle the arrangements for you, thereby protecting your and your children’s best interests.
3. Your lifestyle or your former partner has recently made a major lifestyle change. For instance, if you have moved out of state, one of you has remarried, or you are now earning significantly more income, a child custody attorney can help make sure that you are not taken advantage of simply because the other parent wants to see you suffer.
4. You believe that your children may be in danger from the other parent. If they are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you hire a child custody attorney, they can make a case to the court that you should have full custody, or another type of arrangement that you feel will protect the children. Accusing a parent of being a danger to their children is a very serious thing to do, and so to protect yourself legally, consult a legal professional.