Nothing comes before a child’s welfare for a parent and the need to provide a safe and secure environment. And when you realise that your child is better off without your partner, getting sole custody can be the only way.
While both parents are equally responsible for caring for a child, you need to have a solid case to become the sole custodian. And when such complex family matters are involved, you cannot take any chances. It is, therefore, essential to find someone for legal advice to have custody by keeping the child’s best interest at heart. Hence, when choosing a family lawyer for the matter of custody, the following tips will be helpful.
- Don’t Lose the Valuable Time
When it comes to lawyers, finding the right professional is not easy, and you cannot rush your decision. So, start looking for a lawyer as soon as you realise the need. And when you have done a thorough search, you come across reliable and trusted professionals who have dealt with sensitive issues like getting a child’s custody for a parent. Remember, it will be difficult to determine whether you have chosen the right individual to handle your case when you’re working with limited time.
- Ask Around and Check Reviews
It is always best to get recommendations from your friends and family. With increasing divorce rates, the demand for getting sole custody of children has also been on the rise. And when you contact your social circle, you can choose the right services and get an overall idea about what they found helpful as they were dealing with similar situations. Also, checking ratings and reviews of family law firms could help you narrow your search.
- Check the Experience and Expertise
Family law is constantly evolving with new cases setting precedents and changing the ways judges respond and approach new cases. Therefore, it is best to choose a specialist lawyer who has the right skills and experience to provide the best solution for you. In the meantime, while lawyers can’t divulge private information, you can gain an insight into the lawyer’s past experiences. This way, you will know that the individual can deal with your case with a positive attitude and utmost professionalism.
- An Elaborate Discussion on a Face-to-Face Meeting
Once you have found the right lawyer, ensure that you have a face-to-face meeting. During this time, it is better to discuss whether you might need to appeal. You must then assess different options suggested by the lawyer and how and when they will help you. Also, be thorough about the time limits for appeal.
When you discuss these things beforehand, you can prepare for what may come later. Also, an in-person meeting will help you work out the levels of compatibility and make the overall process much smoother.
- Know Your Budget
Knowing your budget can be a decisive factor in determining the quality of service you get. As such, it is best to know about the fees charged by the family law firm and the court costs you might face. Also, some cases are drawn out, so preparing your financial affairs is always helpful. So, get a clear breakdown of costs to prevent any surprises later.
Seeking the right professional advice when the matter of child’s custody is concerned can be highly stressful. However, you need to be sure about the service you choose so that the decisions are made, keeping the child’s wish at the forefront. It is also better to steer clear of those lawyers that discuss confidential matters and do not provide the most attentive assistance.