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A report by the United States Census Bureau, released last November 2023, found that non-cash support in the form of groceries, clothes, and diapers, along with reimbursements for medical expenses, child care, and more, is given to 2.7 mil­lion cus­to­di­al par­ents.

Depending on your case, child custody will take a month or many years and cost anything from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands or more. Child custody cases are usually complicated, emotionally and legally.

According to https://www.najeralawgroup.com/, if you are preparing to decide custody of your child with a co-parent in the immediate future, it’s important to consult a child custody attorney to guide you through these difficult proceedings.

Here are the factors to consider when selecting a child custody lawyer for your case.
Photo by Kindel Media

Lawyer's Experience and Specialization

You need child custody attorneys with family law background and specialization. Since child custody cases are complex and emotionally laden, the lawyers who work on them must have a clear grasp of family law litigation.

A reputable child custody lawyer, one who has done satisfactorily for clients in similar situations in the past, will invoke your confidence in them as your legal representatives.

According to family lawyers from law firm Walke-Wilson Law Firm, high-conflict custody cases often include other issues, such as allegations of domestic or substance abuse, mental health issues, and parental alienation. 

Complex matters like these need to be handled by experienced family lawyers. 

Communication and Availability

Communication is a must in any court case, more so if child custody is concerned. The lawyer's office should take your calls, answer your emails, and keep you updated on your case. 

An efficient child custody attorney will break down the law for you in simple terms and involve you in every decision and step. 

Availability matters. You require an individual who is available, prepared to appear in court, and eager to discuss your case. If they can't dedicate enough time to your case, they may not be the greatest child custody candidate. To avoid miscommunications, define availability expectations upfront.

Hiring a good child custody lawyer who can communicate effectively and is there for you when needed can increase the likelihood of success for your case.

Reputation and Track Record

Check lawyers' reputations among peers and prior clients. Comments or testimonials can accompany a rating of the lawyer's professional abilities and success record. Contrary to popular assumption, judges, attorneys, and court clerks may value a favorable reputation in child custody cases. 

Try to learn if the prospective lawyer has had any successful cases when it comes to child custody. Ask about their experience with cases similar to yours and what their outcomes were. 

A lawyer who has had the opportunity to handle many child custody cases and has a deep history of securing positive outcomes for their clients is a guarantee of ability and reliability.

Fees and Payment Structure

Inquire about the fee arrangement before retaining an attorney. Many lawyers charge hourly, while some work on a flat fee basis. You should go into a case knowing how much will be charged and what the charges entail. 

Agree in advance on the installment dates so that you are not surprised by the legal costs. Many lawyers require a retainer before beginning work on your case.

Find out whether there are any extra fees that apply to you. These could include things like fees for filing, fees for experts, or fees for administration.

Compatibility and Trust

There should be mutual trust between the parent and the custody lawyer for fruitful legal cooperation.

Having a lawyer who understands your needs in child custody cases and respects your opinions can affect the outcome to a significant extent. Find a lawyer who not only knows the law but also with whom you are comfortable discussing your matter.

Schedule the initial interview to discuss your case and get to know the attorney to assess your compatibility. Observe how your attorney reacts to your questions and concerns during this first meeting. 

You will learn to trust your attorney, but you should start with hiring one who will protect your interests.