Divorce processes are energy draining and time-consuming. One key resolution every court must make is deciding who the child or children stay with. This is where child custody lawyers come into the picture. Hiring a good one may make all the difference you need to make the best of the already-overwhelming situation.
However, it’s important to note that you could negotiate child custody outside the four walls of the courts. That is a topic for another day.
That being said, let’s discuss child custody lawyers and what they do.
Child Custody Lawyers—Who are they?
As the name implies, they work with their clients to persuade the judge or rather convince the court that their client should be in charge of the physical custody of their child or children. Operating under family law, they have the required expertise in twisting the arm of the law and the judicial system to their client’s favor.
When do you need child custody lawyers?
This is an important question every person whose marriage is going through a divorce needs to ask. The following conditions precipitate the need of having a chchild custody lawyer by your side.
When your partner has a lawyer. If your partner already has a lawyer, you need to get yourself lawyered up immediately. Failure to do so immediately will make things end in your partner’s favor. This is because child custody lawyers have the skills, experiences, and knowledge to argue and win your case in the law court. And, if you don’t have the finances, you may have to discuss with your partner’s lawyer to see if your partner would be willing to provide you with some money.
When there’s ongoing domestic abuse. Have you or your children experienced domestic abuse? It’s time you got legal counsel. This is because handling negotiations with a partner who has a history of domestic abuse without a lawyer or mediator may be at best fruitless or worse life-threatening for you or your children. Child custody lawyers will assist in handling any eventuality.
When your ex plans to pull a fast one on you. If your partner tries to sneak out of the state or country with your children without your knowledge, you need the services of child custody lawyers as soon as possible. This is because some states have different laws guiding child custody which may not favor you. Secondly, processes such as visitation may even get more complicated.
When your records are not saintly. If you have any history of alcohol or substance abuse, past convictions, etc., your partner may use it to twist the arms of the law in their favor. What’s the best thing to do? Get yourself lawyered up as soon as possible. A good lawyer will convince the court that your not-so-good history will not interfere with your parental duties or obligations.
When your partner’s attitude is beginning to irk you. For example, if your partner hardly returns your calls or emails that concern your child or children, or you get your planned visits being canceled at the last minute without any sensible explanation, it’s time you needed the services of child custody lawyers.