questions to ask when finding a lawyer for child custody

by Prof. Ibrahim Feeney 8 min read

  • What are the parties’ income and assets (for purposes of child support and your fees)?
  • How did you hear about our firm?
  • How many children? Ages?
  • Were parents ever married?
  • Is there currently a custody order in place?
  • What is the current custodial arrangement?
  • Any special needs to be aware of?
  • Has there ever been domestic violence?
  • Is there currently a case filed?
  • Are you looking to hire an attorney?

8 Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer About Child Custody
  • Which Laws Pertain to My Case? ...
  • What Will the Court Take Into Consideration? ...
  • Will Mothers Automatically Get Custody? ...
  • How Will Visitation Work? ...
  • How Does Child Support Work? ...
  • How to File for Custody? ...
  • Do I Need a Lawyer? ...
  • Do You Have to Pay Child Support?
Jul 17, 2020

Full Answer

How to find a good child custody attorney?

How would you describe your personality or style as an attorney? Assessment of Your Child Custody Case. Get the lawyer's assessment of your case. Relevant questions to ask include: What is your opinion and assessment of my child custody case? What kind of resolution can I expect? What potential problems could affect the outcome of my case? Will we have to go to trial? …

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Aug 16, 2017 · Here are five questions to ask a potential child custody attorney, before you hire them. 1. Can You Make a Child Custody Agreement out of Court? Most of us don't like the idea of leaving it to a judge to sort out family issues. And some of …

How much does it cost for a custody lawyer?

The court may consider factors specific to the child, such as the child’s age, sex and development. The court may also consider how close the child’s bond is to each parent and to siblings. If the child is old enough, his or her preferences may be considered by the court. Courts also look at the lifestyle of each parent to determine which ...

What questions do lawyers ask their clients?

May 18, 2020 · Top Ten Child Custody Questions Choose a Legal Category: Family Law Real Estate and Property Law Criminal Law Personal Injury Employment Defective Products Bankruptcy & Finances Intellectual Property Insurance Government Immigration Wills, Trusts & Estates Business and Commercial Law Tax What are the Top Ten Child Custody Questions?

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What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
Jan 29, 2017

How much is a custody lawyer in California?

Generally, child custody attorneys can charge flat fees anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. These flat fees will likely be smaller depending on how much mediation is required and the number of court appearances necessary. If finances are an issue, one should consider searching for a pro bono lawyer.Jun 15, 2021

How is child custody determined in California?

California law does not show preference to any one parent in a custody case. Custody decisions are to be made based on the child's best interests. That being said, mothers are historically granted custody more often than fathers, since they are often the caretakers of the children more so than the fathers.Oct 15, 2019

Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases California?

Pursuant to Family Code 2030 et seq., California Family Courts are authorized to make an order requiring any party to litigation to pay a reasonable portion of the opposing party's attorney's fees, so that the latter can maintain or defend a proceeding.

How long does a custody battle take?

There is no standard time frame and it can take between 6 to 12 months to achieve a final order. In most cases, it will take around six to eight weeks from when you first apply for the preliminary court hearing (step 4 above) to take place.Jan 13, 2021

What do judges look for in child custody cases California?

In California, the judges are ultimately concerned with one thing: the child's best interest. Best interest means that family courts will seek a custody arrangement that meets that standard. That said, it's essential to understand what the courts are looking for in a fit parent.Jan 1, 2021

What is the most common child custody arrangement?

The most common joint custody arrangements include the 2-2-3 plan and the 2-2-5 plan. Both involve spending alternate sets of days with either parent. Also common is the alternate week plan, where the child spends one week with a parent and the next week with the other.Nov 16, 2020

How a mother can lose a custody battle?

A mother who is proven to have physically and or psychologically abused her children is highly likely to lose custody of her children. Examples of physical abuse include hitting, kicking, scratching, biting, burning, physical torture, sexual abuse, or any other type of injury inflicted on the child by the mother.