Children are often the most critical issue for divorcing couples. Custody cases can be complicated, but most judges try to resolve them fairly and equitably.
The first step in finding the right attorney is getting recommendations from family or friends. This is especially helpful if they have had custody cases similar to yours.
Experience
Divorce is a complicated, emotional event that can be even more challenging when children are involved. A good child custody lawyer can help make this transition as smooth as possible by providing advice, guidance, and support.
They can also be a level-headed voices when emotions get out of control. They will understand the complexities of family law and be ready to take your case to trial when necessary. Still, they should also be able to use their years of experience to find creative solutions without going to court.
A good child custody lawyer can help you navigate any complicated legal issues that may arise, such as an interstate or international custody arrangement. They can provide unbiased advice on how the laws in your jurisdiction will impact your case and make recommendations on how to proceed based on their knowledge of the courts, local attorneys, and their experience handling similar cases. They will also be familiar with filing legal paperwork in court and be accustomed to meeting deadlines.
Compassion
The word compassion brings to mind a variety of incredible people. However, compassionate people are all around us–an encouraging teacher or coach, a friend who listens, a health care provider who stays calm during an emergency, and even your pet that offers you a soft cuddle.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines compassion as “a feeling of pity and concern for another’s suffering.” However, this concept has many synonyms, including callousness, heartlessness, indifference, and lack of empathy. The essential characteristic of a compassionate person is that they act to alleviate suffering–not just feel sympathy for someone else.
This current study used self-report items to examine a five-element definition of compassion proposed empirically. However, inspecting factor intercorrelations and loadings in a multidimensional model highlights that the ‘tolerating uncomfortable feelings’ and ‘acting to alleviate suffering’ factors do not correlate significantly. Therefore, future research should further explore non-self-report measures of compassion, including behavioral and physiological methods, to clarify the nature of this construct.
Communication
Child custody cases are often emotional and tense. A reasonable attorney can help you keep your emotions under control and prevent you from making rash, snap decisions that could damage your case. They can also provide objective advice about your situation, helping you understand how the law could apply and what might happen in court.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to work with a guardian ad litem and a child custody evaluator. Your lawyer should be able to communicate effectively with them and ensure that all the relevant information is presented to the judge in your case.
It’s also essential for your lawyer to be available when you need them and to respond promptly to your questions. It would help if you never had to wait days for a phone call or an email from your child custody lawyer. You should consider hiring a different family law attorney if they need to be more responsive. Ultimately, the best child custody lawyers are compassionate, knowledgeable, and highly skilled. They’re also dedicated to representing their client’s interests and helping them reach a fair resolution.
Flexibility
Child custody attorneys help parents achieve their parenting goals in the most practical way possible. Often, this involves drafting and modifying child custody agreements. Parents may need to adjust their legal arrangements due to the emergence of new issues. In addition, when disputes arise over child support, a qualified lawyer can help resolve them with a negotiated settlement.
Custody cases are complex, and the outcome depends on presenting persuasive arguments to judges. The best child custody lawyers have extensive knowledge of state law and its application to unique circumstances in a given case. This can include a variety of factors like domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, interstate issues, and the impact of a divorce on a parent.
A family lawyer with flexible scheduling can also make a difference. This is because it allows clients to meet with their lawyers conveniently without taking time off from work or traveling a long distance. This is necessary in high-conflict custody cases, where parents must be available for their attorney. If a lawyer is challenging to reach or only has limited availability, it can be frustrating during this already stressful process.
Honesty
Honesty, integrity, and purity are essential qualities for a child custody lawyer. Honesty means being truthful and not lying. It also means not hiding information or breaking the rules to gain an advantage. It is a component of moral character that includes other positive attributes such as kindness, fairness, discipline, and morality. It excludes negative traits such as dishonesty, lack of trustworthiness, theft, and greed.
It is not always easy, to be honest. For instance, it is difficult for some people to decide whether they should tell the whole truth in a particular situation when doing so might cause another person to experience hurt feelings or embarrassment. It is also difficult to decide if it is OK to withhold information if that will benefit the client in some way.
Parents should make sure that the child custody lawyer they hire is accessible and able to communicate well during what can be a stressful time. They should also be able to answer any questions regarding legal fees promptly. It is recommended to find an attorney who understands the importance of family law matters and sets their prices moderately.
