what to bring to a lawyer consultation for custody

What are the steps in a custody case?

Jul 21, 2014 · What to Bring to A Child Custody Consultation 1. A list of questions. A client should use the consultation as a time to get the most information they can and share... 2. Legal documents (court orders, marriage or birth certificates). Has there been a custody order already entered by the... 3. ...

How do I start a custody case without an attorney?

A copy of your household budget, including a detailed breakdown of child-related expenses 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.

Do I have to wait for a child custody evaluation?

May 01, 2018 · Again, it is important to bring any evidence you have to your appointment. This information will help the lawyer evaluate your claim and provide accurate advice. The lawyer may want to see: The child’s birth certificate, Any existing custody orders or parenting plans, Information about the child’s safety and welfare,

How to write a submission to the court for custody?

Dec 18, 2020 · he idea of an initial child custody consultation with a family law firm gives most people some degree of anxiety. Below we will explain what you can expect at your Goals & Planning Conference – that’s what we call our initial consultation – to help reduce your stress a little and get you mentally prepared. Having a sense of what to expect ...

Divorce

In the typical divorce case, we will be talking about how long you have been married, the reasons for the divorce, whether there are children of the marriage, and your respective incomes.

Child Custody

If you have any previous Court Orders from any Court about the child or children and their custody, I will want to see them. Other than that you probably don’t need to bring any documents to this type of consult. They won’t help that much.

Child Support

Child support is all about the numbers. These numbers include each party’s income, the cost of health insurance, the cost of daycare and the number of overnights with each parent.

Adoption

With adoption cases, most of the first consultation will be talking about whether the adoption is the best legal plan for your situation. Sometimes an adoption is very easy and clear cut. Sometimes adoption can be very complicated.

Setting the Fee

Once we agree on a strategy I can tell you what your case will cost. We may be able to do your case for a flat fee. We may structure that flat fee in various stages.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The best thing in any family law case is to be as honest as possible when we meet. All family law cases are fact driven. The unique facts of your situation will determine the advice I give you. The more truthful and detailed you can be – the better advice I can give you.

How to change custody order?

Most states have specific rules about changing a child custody order. Typically, you must show a significant change in circumstances. A change in circumstances may include evidence that: 1 A child’s safety and welfare is now seriously at risk, 2 A parent has willfully violated the current parenting plan, 3 An older child is reasonably requesting a modification, or 4 A parent’s relocation makes the current parenting plan impossible or impractical.

What happens if a parent violates a parenting plan?

A parent has willfully violated the current parenting plan, An older child is reasonably requesting a modification, or. A parent’s relocation makes the current parenting plan impossible or impractical. Some states also impose waiting periods before the court will change a custody order. If you have an existing custody order or parenting plan, ...

How to establish paternity for a child?

Paternity may be established in a variety of ways, including DNA testing and acknowledgement on a child’s birth certificate.

What happens when parents cannot agree on custody?

When parents cannot agree on custody, the courts must determine what arrangement is in the child’s best interests. This assessment typically involves a series of factors, including: The child’s wishes (if age appropriate), The physical and mental health of both the child and parents,

What do lawyers want to see?

The lawyer may want to see: The child’s birth certificate, Any existing custody orders or parenting plans, Information about the child’s safety and welfare, Information about the other parent’s ability and willingness to parent, and. Any relevant communications between you and the other parent.

What Will We Discuss at My Initial Child Custody Consultation?

Our first step is going to be all about your future. We are going to talk about what’s going on in your life right now, and together figure out what you want your life to look like instead.

Why Do You Call Your Initial Child Custody Consultation the Goals & Planning Conference?

We named our initial child custody consultation the Goals & Planning Conference because — wait for it — our primary objective is to learn what’s going on right now that made you reach out to us, and then did deep and figure out your goals for the future so that we can make a plan to get you there.

Why Do You Need to Know My Goals?

The reason that we need to get really, really clear on your goals, and on what you want for you, is so that if we decide to work together your legal team is set up to design the legal strategy to get you there.

When Do I Ask My Legal Questions?

You will have an opportunity to ask any and all legal questions you have at your Strategy Session — that’s our very first meeting with you if we decide to work together. All of our answers will be specific to you, your situation, and your goals.

What Questions Should I Ask?

At your Strategy Session, you can ask and we will answer whatever legal questions are on your mind. Our child custody attorneys have a lot of experience helping people through this time, and helping you understand how divorce and family law work in Connecticut is part of our job.

What Should I Bring With Me or Have Prepared?

Some people jot down questions or thoughts that they have before the Strategy Session so that they don’t forget them. And, prior to your Strategy Session, we will send you a brief questionnaire to complete that will set you up for a great meeting.

What Else Happens at the Strategy Session?

We handpick your lead child custody lawyer based upon what we learn at your initial divorce consultation, and then we develop a legal strategy rooted in the goals and background you’ve shared with us. At the Strategy Session, you will review the legal options we have developed, and together with your legal team, solidify your strategy plan.

What is a non-custodial parent?

A non-custodial parent who's trying to get custody can utilize this information in court to prove a continuous and meaningful relationship with the child. A custodial parent might use a log of visitation schedules to prove the lack of a continuous relationship between the child and the child's other parent.

Who is Rich Scherr?

Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. It's difficult to determine which documents are important to bring to a child custody hearing. If you're confused about what to take with you, too much documentation is always better than too little.

What to include when your child is injured?

Your Child's Records. Consider including your child's report cards and other written documentation from others showing how well they have done while in your care—or vice versa. If your child is repeatedly injured while in their other parent's care, including doctor reports and emergency treatment records.

What is a custody evaluation?

A judge might order a custody evaluation in a truly contentious dispute to get to the bottom of things. A trained professional will meet with your child, usually repeatedly, and may visit both parents' homes, as well. It's the professional's job to report back to the court with a custody recommendation. 1

What happens if you don't consult a lawyer?

If they don’t, it will help your lawyer and free up more time to discuss strategy and legal advice, if you come prepared for the consultation with written information that the lawyer can read, which is far quicker than asking questions and taking notes.

How long is a custody consultation?

Child custody consultations are usually not free, but neither are custody cases. Most consultations are for an hour, and often much of the time is spent on the lawyer gathering information about your situation, which is necessary before the lawyer can give you any legal advice.

What to bring to a divorce consultation?

In addition to the chronological history, bring to your consultation copies of: all temporary or permanent custody / visitation court orders (if any), your divorce judgment, your separation agreement, all domestic violence petitions and orders, any pending Complaints (Petitions), Motions, and Counterclaims, and any reports, evaluations and other written documents you think are important (or example: CPS, law enforcement, psychological, medical, developmental). Do not give your lawyer your only copies of documents. Either keep a hard copy or at least a scanned copy of everything. Be organized. It is a good idea to keep a list of the documents you give to your lawyer. You should also bring a list of questions you have for the lawyer and a writing pad. Take notes during the consultation or immediately afterwards.