what to tell your custody lawyer

7 Things Your Lawyer Needs to Know about Your Child Custody Case

• Your Child's full name, nickname, birthdate, current address and school This information is essential. Since the purpose...
• Information about the other parent/caretaker Your lawyer will need to know about the opposing party - the other parent...
• History of Domestic Violence This may feel like an extremely...

Full Answer

What should I look for in a child custody attorney?

Before proceeding with the attorney, make sure to ask them about whether their qualifications. Your attorney should have experience specifically resolving child custody disputes in your local area. Ask them how long they’ve been practicing law and whether they’ve handled cases similar to yours.

What should I tell my attorney about my marriage and children?

You don’t need to tell your attorney everything about your marriage and children, but make certain to share all items relevant to the issues of your case. If you are in doubt about what your attorney needs to know, get guidance on what’s relevant.

How does a judge decide who gets custody of a child?

In court, a judge will custody terms and schedule detailed in the Request for Order, which specifically states a parent’s preferred custody schedule. Also, one or both parents can bring a proposed custody schedule, which the judge may take into consideration. 5. I’m an unmarried mother. Do I need to file for child custody?

Should I hire a child custody lawyer?

This is why most experts recommend hiring a child custody lawyer. Upon hiring an attorney for help with your case, there are certain questions you need to ask. Keep reading to learn what those questions are and why they are so important. 1. What is the Difference in Physical Custody vs. Legal Custody?

How do you show the court you are a good parent?

Keep a file of the following records to prove that you are a great parent:Birth Certificate.Social Security Card.Academic Transcripts.Behavioral Reports.Awards and Certifications.Health Records.

Does my ex have to tell me who their lawyer is?

Tony Anthony. Not necessarily. Unless her attorney has filed a formal notice of appearance with the court, her attorney can assist her and remain in the background.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

Mental and Physical Well-Being of Parents Parents' mental well-being is of great concern to a judge in a child custody case. Psychological disorders, overwhelming stress, drug or alcohol abuse, and mental health crises can prevent a parent from acting in their child's best interests.

What can be used against you in a custody battle?

The Reigning King of What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle: Verbal or Physical Altercations. We wanted to start with the most simple pitfall to avoid: When tempers get high, it's quite alluring to get into a verbal sparring match with your ex-spouse.

What to expect at a child custody meeting?

What Questions Should I Expect at a Meeting with a Child Custody Lawyer? For many parents, child custody is an important and emotionally charged issue. Before you meet with a child custody lawyer, you should prepare for your appointment. In order to understand your claim, the lawyer will need accurate and detailed information.

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 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 is the primary custody of an unmarried child?

In many states, an unmarried mother receives primary custody of the child. An unmarried father typically must establish paternity and request custody or parenting time. Paternity may be established in a variety of ways, including DNA testing and acknowledgement on a child’s birth certificate.

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.

Can a parent's relocation change custody?

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, the lawyer will need to review the document.

Do you have to meet with a child custody lawyer?

This information will help the lawyer evaluate and understand your child custody dispute. However, most child custody lawyers will not want to meet with your child at the first appointment. You will be discussing a lot of sensitive information about yourself and the child’s other parent.

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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:

Addresses for where the child lived over the last 5 years

Addresses for where the child lived over the last 5 years Your lawyer is required to report these addresses in an initial complaint for custody, but this information also provides another point of reference for the case. Your attorney is building a case to support your custody interests, and where the child has lived, and with whom, matters.

Information about any other cases involving the child

Information about any other cases involving the child Your lawyer needs to know if there are any other cases involving the child mostly because the Court, for efficiency's sake, will combine the cases if possible.

Whether you receive TANF, Medicaid or DC Healthy Families assistance

Whether you receive TANF, Medicaid or DC Healthy Families assistance Your lawyer will ask whether you are receiving any of this aid because it can impact whether your attorney suggests that child support would be an important part of your custody case.

Conclusion

Conclusion Remember, your lawyer will ask many questions, some of them rather personal, to ensure that she is able to make an argument in your favor based on all the facts. Your lawyer is not obligated to tell anyone any private information you share with him unless you specifically allow it.