Going through a divorce can be hard for everyone involved, including parents and their children. The divorce process usually includes dividing up property and personal belongings, finances and assets, and child custody arrangements for children who aren’t in a position to choose for themselves.
If you’re going through a divorce and children are involved, it’s a good idea to hire a child custody lawyer to help you through the process.
Consider your Situation
Not every divorce is the same. Depending on your situation, some may be easier than others. While it can still be a stressful time for you and your family, some divorce situations can be handled personally without legal representation. This is especially true if both parties are in agreement about the issues that surround the divorce proceedings – such as splitting personal property, finances, and assets.
If underage children are involved, there has been spousal or child abuse or substance abuse, or you can’t come to an agreement on your own, hiring an attorney can be well worth the money. If your spouse has already hired his or her own attorney, it’s a wise decision to find one for yourself. Before doing so, consider your situation and whether or not it makes sense to protect both you and other members of your family.
With what can a Divorce Lawyer Help?
Divorce lawyers are there to protect both your personal interests and legal rights, ensuring you receive most favorable outcome for your particular situation. Whether your divorce can be resolved through mediation or court, your lawyer will be with you every step of the way. Divorce lawyers help with child visitation and custody agreements, settlements, the splitting of property and finances, and obtaining financial support such as alimony and child support payments.
Finding the Right Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody or divorce lawyer, 1kbw.co.uk suggest that you always take a look into their background, including education and cases they’ve handled in the past. Ensure the lawyer is able to take on all aspects of your case, such as child custody, alimony, and diving up personal property and finances.
Consider the style and philosophy the lawyer will use throughout the process. Try to find a lawyer who will keep things civil and cooperative with your spouse’s attorney throughout the case, especially if there are children involved. You don’t want to fight a battle until the very end, as you most likely will have to deal with the ex-spouse even after a judgement has been entered. Of course there can be exceptions, most commonly when there has been spousal or child abuse, in which case sole custody can be awarded to one parent.
FindLaw.com recommends asking the following questions to a prospective lawyer before you make a hiring decision:
- What’s involved in the divorce process?
- How long will the process take?
- How many divorce and child custody cases have you been involved with?
Consider your personal finances and shared assets when choosing a lawyer. If you’re just splitting up your children’s rocking horses and toys and don’t have a complex financial situation, you may be able to walk away from the situation without spending a fortune. However, those with a high net worth are better off hiring an attorney who has more experience in this area.
Dealing with Criminal Charges
If you believe that your situation really is more than just children’s toys and rocking horses, and there’s been child abuse, spousal abuse, or other criminal activity involved, you or your spouse may have to deal with a criminal lawyer in addition to a divorce lawyer. If you’re charged with a crime, be prepared to look for criminal lawyers, such as St Mary’s College Board Member Tim Broas, Anne Bremner, or Robert Shapiro.
Going through a divorce is not a fun process, and it’s a good idea to be prepared to fight for your rights and the rights of your children. If you go in unprepared, you may be left with an unfavorable outcome. Do your research, ask for referrals, and never make saving money the main priority when choosing a child custody lawyer.
Brian Flax is a freelance writer based outside of the Washington, D.C., area. He holds a master’s degree in education technology and a bachelor’s degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University.