3 Signs that will prompt you to seek the help of a child custody lawyer

It can be terrifying to think about having to fight for the right to spend time with your kids, but having an experienced child custody attorney on your side can make all the difference. These attorneys specialize in family law and have extensive knowledge of custody disputes.

In many cases, parents can negotiate a custody arrangement outside of court by working together, keeping in mind the best interests of their child. However, there are situations when one parent’s viewpoint on what is best for the kids is very different from that of the other. Let’s take a look at the signs that you will need a child custody lawyer. 

Sign #1: The other spouse already has an attorney

The balance of power in talks changes when one parent retains legal counsel while the other parent does not. Lawyers are knowledgeable about state custody rules and can frequently fight for their clients much better than untrained individuals can do for themselves. Additionally, lawyers are familiar with court procedures and may be aware of previous rulings the judge has issued in instances comparable to the one at hand.

Once they learn that the opposing parent is represented, many people decide to retain legal counsel. Consider talking with an attorney to seek guidance immediately. 

Sign #2: Either you or your children have been abused

In situations where there has been or is now domestic violence or child abuse, tackling negotiations on your own or participating in mediation without counsel may not be the wisest course of action. Your neighborhood “legal aid” organization may be able to assist you if you are unable to afford legal representation. Legal assistance organizations typically reserve resources for cases involving children and those with a history of abuse, and they occasionally offer free or inexpensive representation.

Sign #3: The attitude of your co-parent has altered suddenly

When your co-parent’s behavior during custody negotiations suddenly deteriorates, it may be time to see a lawyer. Red signals that you might be entering a custody dispute include, for instance, refusing to answer calls or emails about your child, making excuses for why a scheduled visit can’t happen, or generally acting in a way that doesn’t put your child’s interests first.

Call each lawyer to schedule a free consultation as soon as you obtain their contact information. Although not every lawyer offers a free in-person consultation, the majority will offer a quick phone call to go over the essentials of your case and their services.