What Will A Child Custody Attorney Do For You?

Law Blog

Some may think that they don't need a child custody attorney to get through their case, but an attorney can help in more ways than you think.

What Is a Child Custody Attorney?

A child custody attorney is an attorney who practices family law. They are familiar with family law and focus on child custody cases. Child custody cases will most likely occur after or during a divorce. A child custody attorney will be contacted and hired if the parents of the child are having difficulties agreeing on custody terms.

When Should a Child Custody Attorney Be Hired?

There are a few instances when it is highly recommended to hire a child custody attorney because they are so experienced in this line of work. 

A few examples include:

• Suspected abuse of the child
• Adoption
• Termination of rights
• Negotiating visitation rights
• Deciding the type of custody

What Are the Types of Custody?

There are a few main types of child custody. Your child custody attorney can typically help with each one. 

Sole Legal Custody

Sole legal custody is when one parent has all the say over the child and the child's life. The other parent does not need to be notified about changes and does not need to be included in the decision-making process of the child's life. Sole legal custody is common in cases where the other parent lives far away, is abusive, or is absent. 

Joint Legal Custody

Joint legal custody means both parents have shared custody of the child. One parent can be more involved, but both parents participate in decisions when it comes to the child and the child's life. 

Sole Physical Custody

Sole physical custody is similar to sole legal custody. One parent is considered the main parent that the child will reside with. The other parent is still able to have parenting time with the child, though. 

Joint Physical Custody

Joint physical custody is when the child lives with both parents, usually equally. This could be a 50-50 time frame, or even spending the school year with one parent and the summer with the other. 

What Will Your Child Custody Attorney Do?

There are many tasks your child custody attorney will help you with. For example, your child custody attorney will go over the different types of custody described above and help you in fighting for the custody type that you want and deserve. 

More examples include:

• Represent you in court
• Negotiate custody, visitation, and child support options
• Collect child support payments
• Gather records or evidence
• Make your child's wishes heard

Your attorney will present your case in court with all of the evidence you have found and provided to ensure that your child's safety and best interests are met. 

Benefits of Hiring a Child Custody Attorney

There are many benefits to hiring a child custody attorney. 

The benefits include:

1. Due to your attorney's expertise and experience, the case will go faster than if you were to represent yourself. 
2. Your attorney will know the laws, so they will help you avoid mistakes that result in fees or a drawn-out trial. 
3. Your attorney will ensure you are receiving and paying an adequate amount of child support. 
4. Your attorney will help alleviate the amount of stress you are under by taking charge of your case so you don't have to. 
5. Your attorney will always have your child's best interests in mind. 

Check out websites like https://www.molnarlaw.com to learn more.

20 May 2021