Besides the usual stress of raising a child, many separated parents often face a wide range of complicated situations that require the help of a child custody lawyer.
Some of the most common situations where a lawyer would be of great help include issues such as child support, visitation rights, and other custody-related matters.
A child custody lawyer will not only help you get through the legal complexities of a divorce but also ensure that your child’s interests are best taken care of.
Many divorcing parents can work together amicably and reach a conclusive agreement regarding the future of their children. However, there are situations where you need the sound advice and representation of an experienced custody lawyer.
Here are five reasons why it makes sense to hire a custody lawyer.
1. When Your Child’s Welfare is at Risk
When you have a strong reason to believe that your child’s welfare is at risk because of the living conditions or the environment the child is exposed to in the other parent’s home, you can contact an experienced custody lawyer to help you determine the best course of action.
The lawyer will work with you to improve the current custody arrangement in the interests of your child.
The lawyer can even request from the court for emergency and other forms of relief that protect children in a dangerous situation.
2. When Your Ex Already Has a Lawyer
If your ex already has a lawyer, you should also seek legal representation as well to level the playing field.
In most child custody cases, each parent always comes with a lawyer to consult with and seek legal advice in the negotiation process.
If one parent is represented and the other one is not, the represented parent definitely has an advantage in the negotiations.
You need a lawyer to help you avoid mistakes that the other party could use to get more favorable terms in the child custody case.
3. When the Situation Becomes More Complex
Child custody is more complex than you think.
It includes issues to do with physical custody, where the parent can stay with the child at any time and legal custody where only one parent has the authority to make decisions about the child’s life.
Negotiating and agreeing on custodial rights can be a complex issue to handle on your own. You need the help of an experienced custody lawyer when your case becomes more complicated.
4. When You Need an Expert Negotiator
Negotiation is a critical aspect of every child custody case.
You can of course negotiate on your own without the help of a lawyer. However, keep in mind that negotiation is a learned skill that gets better with experience.
A good child custody lawyer is more experienced in the art of negotiation and can negotiate on your behalf to provide you with the best possible results.
5. For Your Peace of Mind
Divorce is a stressful process, to say the least. It is more exhausting when you have to fight for child custody.
You can at least eliminate some of the stress involved in the case by hiring a lawyer who will manage everything on your behalf.
Final Words
There are many reasons why it makes sense to hire a custody lawyer.
The experienced attorney will identify the most important issues in your case and develop a plan that puts into consideration your specific concerns and interests.