Going through a divorce and child custody case can be an extremely stressful experience, especially when children are involved. Navigating the legal system alone during this difficult time is not advisable. Hiring a qualified family law attorney and child custody attorney to represent you is important to help achieve the best possible outcome. However, with so many legal professionals to choose from, deciding on the best attorney for your situation can feel overwhelming. This article provides tips on how to select a family law attorney who is the ideal fit to handle your divorce and custody matter.
Consider an Attorney’s Experience Level
One of the most important factors to consider is an attorney’s experience in handling divorce and child custody cases. Ask potential lawyers exactly how long they have been practicing family law and child custody law specifically. An attorney fresh out of law school, while affordable, may lack the skills and familiarity with local judges and procedures needed. Ideally, look for someone with a minimum of 5-10 years’ experience managing similar cases. They will have enhanced negotiation abilities and an understanding of legal strategies to utilize. Go with an experienced family law attorney for the best chances of success in your matter.
Ask Family Law Attorney for Child Custody
In addition to years in practice, ask family law attorney personnel about their record of results in cases like yours. Experienced child custody attorneys should be able to provide statistics on what percentage of their cases settle versus go to trial and how many custody determinations they helped clients obtain. Look for very high settlement rates, as trials should always be avoided if possible when children are involved. Also, inquire about typical visitation and custody arrangements secured previously without trial. An attorney with proven experience achieving good custody outcomes tailored to each client’s situation is ideal.
Confirm the Attorney’s Focus is Family Law
While some general practice lawyers may handle divorces occasionally, choosing an attorney whose primary concentration is family law subjects like child custody, divorce, and support offers distinct advantages. Family law is an extremely complex specialty with unique nuances and procedures in each state or county. An attorney spending the bulk of their time immersed in family law statutes, case precedent, local rules, and mediation/negotiation strategies will have a deeper comprehension compared to a generalized attorney. Look for a dedicated family law attorney and child custody attorney rather than someone who practices infrequently in this field.
Inquire about Legal Approaches and Style
No two attorneys utilize precisely the same legal strategies or negotiation styles, even in similar cases. Discuss with candidates their general philosophy and approach regarding divorce and child custody resolutions. Good attorneys pursue both cooperative solutions while also readying for potential disputes. Ask how arbitration, mediation, and litigation are weighed in a balanced manner. Also, inquire as to whether alternative dispute resolution tactics are prioritized over costly trials. Finding a lawyer emphasizing creative problem-solving demonstrates they put clients’ well-being first.
Consider Hiring a Specialized Child Custody Attorney
While some family law attorneys handle full divorces top to bottom, consider retaining legal counsel focusing specifically on child custody advocacy if this aspect is paramount. An experienced child custody attorney has concentrated their careers exclusively on representing parents during custody determinations, building additional expertise. Ask referred attorneys about their approach tailoring advocacy directly towards the best interests of children involved. A specialized child custody lawyer can enhance the chances of achieving desired visitation or residential arrangements.
