Good Reasons to Hire a Lawyer in a Child Custody Case

If you’re going through a divorce and petitioning a local court for custody of your child or children, one of the first considerations you’re probably going to make is whether or not to hire a lawyer. You can represent yourself, but child custody cases can be complicated, even messy, and there are plenty of good reasons to hire a child custody lawyer.

Changing Circumstances

In an ideal scenario, child custody cases are hashed out easily and quickly and both parties can go their separate ways. But even the most simple cases can turn complicated quickly and circumstances change. When that happens, a family law attorney can be there to help.

What are some changing circumstances? These might include instances where one parent is planning to relocate. It can also include cases where there’s credible evidence of child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. It also may include circumstances where a parent has refused to cooperate in the proceedings.

You Don’t Know Much About Law

Trying to navigate a child custody case on your own can be like stepping through a minefield. By hiring a family law attorney , you’ll have someone in your corner who can help you keep track of paperwork, deadlines, and even court dates.

The bottom line is that lawyers know their stuff. A divorce lawyer knows everything there is to know about divorce. A tax attorney knows all there is to know about taxes. A family law attorney knows all there is to know about child custody and other issues involving families. Because they know so much, they can be both an expert and an advocate. Perhaps most important, they can give you peace of mind because they’re keeping your best interests in mind.

Interference

If you’re in a messy custody battle where your ex is trying to interfere with your ability to see and have a relationship with your child or children, hiring a lawyer is a good idea. This can be a tricky road to navigate and a lawyer can help direct you through all of it.

You’ll definitely want to document specific instances where your ex has threatened to limit your visiting time. You’ll also want to keep track of your communications -- texts, emails, or calls -- between your ex and yourself to show your lawyer.

Your Ex Gets a Lawyer

If your ex has already sought out lawyering services in your custody case, you may want to lawyer up as well. Even if you have a lawyer on retainer, seeing that your ex has a lawyer may make you uncomfortable. Even if your custody case isn’t at all contentious, the last thing you want is to have the case turn sour because you didn’t have legal counsel by your side.

Explore Your Options

In 2016, the median age was 27.4 for women and 29.5 for men in their first marriages. However, no matter what age you get married at, divorces and subsequent custody battles can be messy and drag out. Regardless of how your case may end up, a lawyer can help you navigate any and all obstacles and go to bat for you. Most of them also provide a free consultation, so you can discuss your case and find a lawyer you’re comfortable with.