When facing a child custody battle, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s not just about legal documents and court appearances; it’s about your children, your family’s future, and your peace of mind. That’s why choosing the right child custody attorney during a divorce is arguably your most crucial decision.
Diving into the world of family law can feel overwhelming, like navigating a maze without a map. Fortunately, this guide will help you find a child custody attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Experience in Family Law is Crucial
An attorney specializing in family law, particularly in child custody, will have a deeper understanding of the nuances of your case. Their expertise in custody laws and familiarity with the local courts can significantly impact the outcome. Child custody attorneys generally choose family law because they are passionate about helping parents struggling with child custody disputes. They then focus on this area of law and continue to grow and fine-tune their skills.
Assess Their Communication Style
Your attorney should be someone you feel comfortable talking to and who communicates clearly and promptly. Custody cases are highly personal and can be emotionally charged; having an attorney who understands and respects your situation is invaluable. The best attorney will be honest, transparent, and act in good faith. When you meet with a potential lawyer, you can understand whether they are honest and upfront.
Ensure They Can Handle Your Case
It’s important to consider whether a child custody attorney has the time and resources to handle your case. Even if they check off all of your boxes, they aren’t the best fit if they can’t be there when you need them. Accessibility and cost are key factors. When it comes to accessibility, your child custody attorney should be able and willing to take your calls and emails and respond promptly.
You have a right to good communication throughout your child custody case. When hiring an attorney, ask what you can expect regarding communication. Who will be working on your case? How can you contact them, and when can you expect a response?
You should also ensure you and your attorney are on the same page about legal costs. The best attorneys understand the importance of child custody cases and set their prices fairly.
Costs and Fees
Be upfront about discussing fees. Understanding how you will be charged, whether hourly or flat, and getting an estimate of the total cost can help you manage your finances throughout the process.
The Right Lawyer Can Make All the Difference
Hiring a lawyer should be the first thing you do when encountering any legal matter, not a last resort. Whether you’re thinking about a separation or divorce or have been charged with a crime, been injured in an accident, or your civil rights have been violated, you need to first know your rights. Contact Mike Mastracci today at 614 Edmondson Ave Catonsville, MD 21228 (with satellite offices in Ocean City, Snow Hill, and Salisbury, Maryland), 410-869-3400, and check us out on Facebook.