what questions should i ask my lawyer about child custody

by Yesenia O'Hara 8 min read

Questions to ask about a child custody attorney's legal education and professional experience include:

  • Where did you attend college and law school?
  • How long have you been practicing law?
  • Are you a member of any bar associations and professional organizations? If so, which ones?
  • On average, how many child custody cases do you handle annually?
  • Do you frequently handle custody cases similar to mine?
  • What experience do you have using mediation in child custody cases?

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

What to consider before hiring lawyers for child custody?

• Child’s relationships • Mental and physical health of all family members • Each parent’s likelihood to honor visitation rights • Each parent’s record of making on-time child support payments • Each parent’s criminal history as it pertains to abuse or neglect • Each parent’s intention to remain in the state

How to find a good child custody attorney?

Sole custody is when one parent has nearly all of the rights and responsibilities related to raising the child. Some states differentiate between physical and legal custody. Legal custody means the right of the parent to make decisions for the child. In some cases, one parent receives physical sole custody and both may receive legal custody.

When you should hire a child custody lawyer?

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?

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Explain the specific details of your custody matter to the attorney, then ask them how they believe child support can be affected. Your attorney should be straightforward about this. 8. What should be in the child custody agreement? Your final child custody agreement should include: Legal custody terms Physical custody terms Visitation terms

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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.

What should I ask for in a child custody agreement?

Your agreement should contain:A custody and visitation schedule (including a holiday schedule)Parenting provisions.Child support information.Anything else that will help you and the other parent raise the child.

What is the most common child custody arrangement?

The most common are sole custody, joint custody, and primary physical custody. Legal custody is also available. Grandparent and visitation custody is another a type of enforceable child custody agreement.Nov 16, 2020

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) 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?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

Are fathers entitled to 50/50 custody?

Parents commonly choose 50/50 custody when they reach an agreement, and it can also be ordered by a court following trial, if appropriate.

What is considered reasonable access to a child?

Things to consider when discussing reasonable access include the child's schooling arrangements, your own personal commitments and working arrangements, the child's age, plus any activities the child takes part in.

What is classed 50/50 custody?

Joint physical custody, or 50/50 custody, means that the child spends approximately equal time living with each parent. However, there are several different child custody arrangements that can provide for 50/50 or joint parenting time. There is not “one size fits all” approach to child custody.Jun 15, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•Apr 13, 2018

How do you answer a law question in an interview?

Below are some common legal interview questions—plus suggestions on how to approach them.Tell me a little about yourself. ... What attracted you to our firm/organization? ... Can you describe a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you overcame it? ... What is your biggest weakness? ... Do you have any questions for us?Mar 20, 2021

What Factors Does A Court Consider When Determining Child Custody?

Courts make child custody decisions based on what is in the child’s best interest. Typically, a series of factors are weighed. While the factors va...

What Is The Difference Between Sole and Shared Custody?

If you are given sole custody (or full custody), you have both physical and legal custody of the child. In other words, your child will live with y...

Which Parent Is More Likely to Be Granted Sole Custody – The Father Or The Mother?

In the past, many states applied the “tender years doctrine,” which favored mothers over fathers in custody decisions. However, modern custody laws...

Who Decides Upon Visitation Schedules?

Courts prefer parents to negotiate visitation schedules on their own. In fact, many states require mediation before the court will issue a custody...

Which Parent Is Granted Custody If The Couple Is Not Married and There Is No Court Order?

If parents are unmarried, their custody rights will vary from state-to-state. In some states, an unmarried mother is awarded sole legal and physica...

Can I Bring My Child With Me If I Move Out-Of-State?

Most custody orders do not allow a child to move out-of-state without the court’s permission. Before you move, you should advise the court of your...

Can I Change My Child’S Last Name from The Father’S Surname to My surname?

You cannot legally change a child’s name without a court order. Sometimes, parents will mutually agree to change a child’s last name. If your child...

Can Child Custody Orders Be Changed Or Modified?

Courts recognize that child’s needs and best interests may change over time. While some states impose a waiting period (when custody cannot be modi...

What Is Child Support and What Does It Cover?

Child support is paid to a custodial parent to help cover a child’s daily expenses (such as food, lodging, and clothing). Some states have child su...

Do I Need A Lawyer For Child Custody Issues?

Child custody cases can quickly become complicated and contentious. Most parents benefit from the help of a skilled child custody attorney or famil...