how to pick a child custody lawyer

by D'angelo Orn 8 min read

How to Choose the Best Child Custody Lawyer

  • Seek Out a Specialist. Check local listings for law firms that specialize in child custody and family law. Child custody cases are a very specific type of legal proceeding.
  • Do Your Homework. Once you’ve obtained a list of attorneys that specialize in child custody cases, do some quick research on each of the law firms.
  • Set Up Meetings. Once you’ve made your short list of potential lawyers, call around to each firm and set up an informative meeting to discuss your case.
  • Make Your Decision. Now that you’ve interviewed multiple attorneys specializing in child custody, review your notes on each meeting and compare your likes and dislikes with each firm.

Important references to obtain on child custody attorneys include:
  1. Asking friends and family members.
  2. Seeking advice from court clerks at the court office.
  3. Inquiring of other parents, strangers included, who currently have cases at the child support office.
  4. The state bar association can pass on referrals.
Sep 17, 2020

How do I find a good child custody attorney?

Important references to obtain on child custody attorneys include: Inquiring of other parents, strangers included, who currently have cases at the child support office It's important for single parents to interview a potential child custody attorney before hiring them. Some questions to ask are surrounding:

Where can I find a pro bono attorney for child custody?

The county family court will maintain a network of pro bono attorneys to assist with child custody cases. There are several resources that a parent may use to check an attorney's reputation, including:

How can a court-appointed Attorney help a single parent?

A court-appointed attorney will serve to represent the single parent, in the same way as a paid attorney. The county family court will maintain a network of pro bono attorneys to assist with child custody cases. There are several resources that a parent may use to check an attorney's reputation, including:

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What is malicious mother syndrome?

When this syndrome occurs, a divorced or divorcing parent seeks to punish the other parent, sometimes going far enough as to harm or deprive their children in order to make the other parent look bad. Though most commonly called malicious mother syndrome, both mothers and fathers can be capable of such actions.

How do I choose custody?

How Courts Make Custody Decisionsthe child's age, sex, and mental and physical health.each parent's mental and physical health.each parent's lifestyle and other social factors,the emotional bond between each parent and child, as well as each parent's ability to give the child guidance.More items...

What are the 3 types of custody?

There are three forms of joint custody, which are:Physical joint custody. When the child spends significant amounts of time with both parents.Legal joint custody. Where both parents make decisions over a child's upbringing.Joint physical and legal custody.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child's age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child's needs.

References

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The best resource for parents who are seeking information on a good child custody attorney is to seek references from other people. Important references to obtain on child custody attorneys include: 1. Asking friends and family members 2. Seeking advice from court clerks at the court office 3. Inquiring of other parents, stranger…
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Interview

  • It's important for single parents to interview a potential child custody attorney before hiring them. Some questions to ask are surrounding: 1. Personality and Style - A single parent wants to ensure that an attorney's personality and style matches his or her own. It doesn't have to be exactly the same, but a single parent should find the attorney to be approachable, as there will be a lot of qu…
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Pro Bono

  • If a single parent cannot afford a paid attorney, he or she may qualify for a court-appointed attorney. A court-appointed attorney will serve to represent the single parent, in the same way as a paid attorney.
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Resources to Investigate The Attorney's Reputation

  • There are several resources that a parent may use to check an attorney's reputation, including: 1. Checking the attorney directory in your state. The attorney directory will let a parent know if an attorney is in good standing with the state bar or if their attorney's license has been suspended and if so, the reasons for suspension status. Most states require attorneys to reveal that inform…
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Fire A Child Custody Attorney Who Isn't Meeting Your Needs

  • Don't worry about making a mistake. If the agreement between you and your attorney is no longer effective or does not meet your needs, release the attorney from his or her duties and begin a new search for a new child custody attorney. For more information about finding good attorneys, parents should refer to additional resources on child custody lawyers or a parent can speak wit…
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