what to ask a custody lawyer at first meeting

You should always ask for full information about a prospective attorney’s retainer policy, fee structure and billing practices before hiring. And if you walk into a firm with a beautiful skyline view, fancy espresso machines, armies of attentive staffers and gorgeous furniture, you better enjoy it … because you are the one paying for all of that.

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What questions should I Ask my California child custody attorney?

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?

How do I ask a family law judge a question?

Instead, the court considers the child’s wishes and concerns as well as additional factors including: • Each parent’s wishes. • Adjustment to home, school, and community. • Child’s relationships. • Mental and physical health of all family members. • Each parent’s likelihood to honor visitation rights.

Should I hire a child custody lawyer?

The child custody attorneys will find it helpful if you bring several documents with you, such as: If your spouse or children's other parent has been violent with you or the children, any documentation that supports those claims, such as police or medical reports. A prenuptial agreement if you have one.

How can an attorney help me with my custody claim?

Jul 21, 2014 · Since we deal in these documents all the time, it is easier for an attorney to review them directly rather than have a client try and explain what happened in terms they may not be familiar with. 3. Financial or Expense Documents. Often times child custody cases are linked to child support cases. If that is true for you, it helps to bring financial documents that show any …

How do I prepare for an attorney meeting?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

What questions should I ask my 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

What should I wear when meeting with an attorney?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt.Sep 4, 2019

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

What do you say when talking to a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•Aug 4, 2015

What color should a woman wear to court?

The best color to wear to court is probably navy blue or dark gray. These colors suggest seriousness. At the same time, they do not come with the negative connotations that are often associated with the color black (for instance, some people associate black with evil, coldness, and darkness).

Can you wear jeans to mediation?

You want to be well-groomed and dress somewhat conservatively. Button-down shirts and blouses, sweaters, slacks or khakis are all appropriate choices. You may also wear jeans to a deposition or mediation if they are clean and without tears.Aug 23, 2019

What is women's business casual?

In general, business casual for women includes a skirt or slacks, a blouse, a blazer and an appropriate heel or flat for the office. Business casual do's for women include: Skirts or slacks. Staple pieces include a few pairs of dress slacks and an assortment of knee-length pencil skirts.Dec 10, 2018

What is the point of consultation?

Consultations with a lawyer are an important stage of the process: you’re meeting up with an attorney for the first time on a case that could have a significant impact on you and your loved ones. You’ll want to make sure you’re dealing with a true professional. If not, you move on. That’s the point of the consultation.

Can you arrange things out of court without an attorney?

In the legal industry, there a variety of processes moving forward. Sometimes an arbitrator would be suitable. You can arrange things out of court without the need for an attorney, too. And the reason for asking is that you might have considerably less cost to worry about. 9.

When do you have to have a temporary custody order?

Some states require you to have a temporary child custody order during the time between your separation and your divorce of the couple. There are other situations; this is advisable.

What does it mean to file for child custody pro se?

When you file for child custody pro se, it means you represent yourself while in court. Even if you have gone through the process before, you should seek the counsel of a qualified family law attorney. This is particularly important if your ex has legal representation.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal Custody? If you are given legal custody of your child, you make decisions on their behalf. If you have physical custody of your child, it means the child lives with you. Parents may have legal custody, even if they don’t have physical custody. As a result, you need complete knowledge ...

What happens if you don't agree with a parenting time schedule?

If parents are unable to agree, the court intervenes and creates a schedule based on the child’s best interests. 6.

Can a child custody case be bitter?

Any child custody case may become complicated and bitter if emotions begin to run high. An experienced and skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and help you prepare for the custody claim.

Is custody based on gender?

However, today, laws have been changed to be gender-neutral. What this means is that the law regarding custody doesn’t lean to one parent over the other based on their gender alone.

Can a parent have legal custody?

Parents may have legal custody, even if they don’t have physical custody. As a result, you need complete knowledge of the custody options available, such as bird’s nest custody, shared custody, sole custody, etc. An attorney can help you figure out what choice is right for your situation. 2. What Factors Do the Courts Consider When Deciding on ...

Why is it important to speak to an attorney about custody issues?

If you are in the midst of a divorce or issues concerning the custody of your child have arisen, it is important to speak to an attorney to ensure that your rights as a parent are protected.

What to do if your child threatens custody?

If the other parent threatens your right to custody or time with your child, the most important thing you can do is to think before you react. Avoid doing anything rash that could lead someone to question your actions. Seek legal counsel immediately to learn about your ...

What is sole custody?

In fact, the term “sole custody” really pertains to decision-making. If a parent has sole custody, he or she will be responsible for making the decisions concerning the issues affecting their child. These issues include, but are not limited to, health, religion, education and, extracurricular activities Sole custody does equate to more ...

What are the factors that the court considers when deciding a child's wishes?

Instead, the court considers the child’s wishes and concerns as well as additional factors including: • Each parent’s wishes. • Adjustment to home, school, and community. • Child’s relationships.

Can you modify custody of a child if one party does not agree?

These arrangements can be modified at any time by agreement. However, if one party does not agree, modifications are more difficult. Depending on the type of custody arrangement, a parent seeking to modify custody may first have to establish that there has been a change of circumstances since the last order.

Does Ohio have a right to choose which parent to give custody of a child?

As of 1991, Ohio officially no longer recognized the right of a child to choose which parent would receive custody. However, under certain circumstance, Ohio law requires that, when making a custody determination, a Court consider the wishes and concerns of a child regarding the child’s care. The Court is not bound by the child’s wishes, regardless of that child’s age. Instead, the court considers the child’s wishes and concerns as well as additional factors including:

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Gathering Documents to Show to a Child Custody Attorney

The child custody attorneys will find it helpful if you bring several documents with you, such as:

Questions to Ask

It's helpful to collect your thoughts before you head out to your first initial consultation with a child custody attorney. Write them down on paper and bring them with you. You don't want to forget to ask something. Also bring some writing material so that you can jot down the answers.

Your Ideal Child Custody Lawyer

It is a worthwhile practice to consider what qualities your ideal child custody lawyer would have. That way, you'll recognize the right one when you meet. Here are some qualities to consider:

What is child custody case?

Often times child custody cases are linked to child support cases. If that is true for you, it helps to bring financial documents that show any expenses related to your child. This can be tuition bills for private school, day care or summer camp. 4. “Incriminating” Evidence.

Why do clients need a list of questions?

A list of questions. A client should use the consultation as a time to get the most information they can and share the most they can before they initiate the legal process. Making a list of questions can help keep you organized during what can sometimes be a stressful meeting.

What to discuss with a divorce lawyer?

During your first meeting with a lawyer, you can discuss potential strategies to better manage the cost of a divorce. Of course, the cost does not all depend on you or your lawyer – your spouse and his or her lawyer will play a big role in the ultimate cost. 3.

What is the process of filing for divorce?

The process includes filing for divorce, serving or notifying the other party, gathering information, possible temporary orders to address child custody, support and managing assets during the divorce, and some form of resolution through either a settlement agreement or a court hearing.

Do lawyers need a retainer?

Your lawyer will likely give you a written contract and will require a deposit (a retainer) to take your case. Your lawyer may also require more information from you before he or she can file. Before you leave the meeting, be sure to ask the lawyer what they need from you to effectively prepare for the next steps in your case. 5.

Why is it important to ask a divorce attorney about their experience?

First, it will test the divorce attorney's knowledge and experience of the divorce process and divorce law. Second, it will educate you on what specifically the attorney can and will do with you to help mitigate the costs. Do not settle for a generic answer.

What should an attorney explain to you?

The attorney should explain to you the importance of the attorney - client relationship and the privilege in communications. The attorney should explain to you how and why you should not disclose attorney - client communications to any third parties or your spouse. This is a complex topic.

What can a divorce attorney do for you?

An experienced and knowledgeable divorce attorney will provide you with the tools to communicate better with your spouse. These tools include how to communicate with your spouse, when to communicate with your spouse and how to diffuse conflict.

What happens if an attorney cannot provide references to former clients?

If an attorney cannot provide you with multiple references to former clients, that attorney may not have much success representing clients. The former clients should also be types of cases similar to yours. I am not referring to you going through a divorce and getting a referral to a prior divorce client.

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, also called alimony, is either temporary or ordered at the final judgment. Most divorce cases include both temporary spousal support and spousal support at the judgment phase. We are not going to go into a lengthy discussion about spousal support.

What happens if an attorney does not have a solid command of the law?

If the attorney does not have a solid command of the law on these issues, he or she may lack the experience you need. This is especially true if you expect your divorce to be contested and high conflict. Questions to ask a divorce attorney on the first visit about the divorce process. 1.

How often do attorneys communicate?

The more complex the case, the more the communication will likely take place. A typical case has communication between one to four times per month.