Questions to Consider before Hiring a Child Custody Attorney

Divorce can be a difficult decision to make and an even harder experience to endure, especially if you share children with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. If cost is a factor, you might even be wondering if you need child custody attorney. It is important to keep in mind that this is no small issue and you want to ensure your interests and the best interests of your children are well served through your child custody arrangement.

To provide you with some guidance, here are some factors you should consider before deciding to hire a child custody attorney:

Your financial resources: As you consider whether or not you should hire a child custody attorney, you should be sure to examine the availability of your financial resources. Depending on the specifics of a case, the retainer for a child custody lawyer could be pricey. When consulting with an attorney, do not be shy to ask about the anticipated costs for handling your case. If you find that you are unable to afford a private attorney, you still have other options. For example, you might be entitled to free legal aid or low-cost representation through family court.
Consider the complexity of your case: If you are facing an uphill battle due to a difficult or complicated child custody issue, hiring a child custody lawyer is vital. Family law is not an easy area of law for one to field alone and, given what is at stake, choosing to forego skilled and experienced assistance can be a mistake you end up regretting for years to come. No one has to obtain legal representation, but choosing to represent yourself in court might hurt your chances at securing a favorable child custody arrangement that supports the best interests of your children and yourself.
Learn about the attorney’s reputation: When an employer goes through the process of hiring someone, lots of questions are asked, a background check is likely performed, and the individual is thoroughly vetted. When you choose an attorney, it is essentially the same – you want to make sure the lawyer you hire to represent you is of a high caliber and can provide you with the services you need. Therefore, you should feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Ask for references, learn about the law firm’s track record, and whether or not they have experience handling cases similar to yours. This is probably the most important issue you will ever encounter in your life, so a law firm will understand your desire to question them at length.

If you qualify for low-cost or free representation, you also have a right to be picky about the reputation of a prospective attorney. Inquire about his or her strategy or approach to winning cases. Again, these are not rude or improper questions to ask. You want to make sure your case is in good hands, so learning as much as you can about your attorney is a vital aspect of that.

You can also consider asking trusted friends or family members who have endured similar experiences for referrals. If they had a bad experience with the attorney they worked with, this can also eliminate potential options. Ultimately, securing representation is one of the best decisions you can make in a child custody case, but making the right choice will require some research. It will be time well-spent though, so make sure you invest in your future to avoid any regrets.

Child Custody and Visitation Attorney in Tulsa

All parents want what is best for their children, though they might often have a hard time agreeing on what that entails. This can make the process of child custody and visitation a difficult and emotionally-charged experience for all involved. At Bundren Law Firm P.C., our legal team is committed to protecting your rights as a parent. We will handle your case with the understanding and compassion you deserve as we work toward a resolution that benefits both you and your children.

The court considers several factors when making a decision regarding child custody, including the stability of a parent’s home, a parent’s lifestyle, the physical and emotional needs of a child, and the age and health of both parents, to name a few. To prepare the strongest case possible on your behalf, having a strong legal advocate on your side is necessary.