5 Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce alone can be complicated but dealing with children in divorce can complicate things even more. Typically, both spouses want to spend as much time as possible with their children. For this reason, child custody battles can be an emotional and stressful process. There are many factors that a judge will consider when determining child custody. It is important to know what questions to ask a family law attorney prior to hiring them as an experienced attorney can make all of the difference in your child custody case. 

What Experience do you Have?

One of the most important questions to ask a child custody lawyer is about their experience. It is important to know if they have the knowledge and expertise to properly handle your case. Ask about their experience in family law and specifically in child custody cases. How many cases have they handled? What were the outcomes? Do they have experience in cases that are like yours? A lawyer with extensive experience in child custody cases is more likely to be able to anticipate issues that may arise and provide you with the best possible representation.

What is your Approach to Child Custody Cases?

Each child custody case is unique, and the approach that a lawyer takes will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Ask the lawyer about their approach to child custody cases. Do they prefer to negotiate an agreement outside of court, or do they take a more aggressive approach in court? How do they prioritize the needs of the child in their approach? Understanding the lawyer’s approach can help you determine if they are the right fit for your case.

What is the legal process for determining custody?

Having a clear understanding of the legal process for determining custody is important. An experienced child custody attorney should be able to explain the steps involved in the process, including what factors the court will consider when making its decision. They will also be able to explain the difference between legal and physical custody. Having a clear understanding of the legal process can help you manage expectations and make informed decisions throughout the case. 

What can I do to improve my chances of winning custody?

If you want to improve your chances of winning custody, your attorney should be able to offer you specific advice on the steps you can take. This may include gathering evidence, such as witness statements or medical records, or modifying your behavior in certain ways to demonstrate that you are a responsible parent. Your attorney should be able to provide guidance on how to present yourself and your case in the best possible light to the court.

What are the potential outcomes of the case?

Lastly, ask your attorney about all the potential outcomes of your case. There may be other potential outcomes, such as joint custody or visitation rights, aside from winning sole custody.  A good attorney will be able to explain all the potential to you and what each of them would mean for you and your child. Knowing all the various outcomes helps you plan and make decisions that are in the best interest of your child. 

Child custody battles can be incredibly difficult to go through. There are many different factors that determine who has legal custody of your child. Understanding the difference between legal and joint custody as well as knowing what to ask a potential child custody attorney are important when going through a custody case.