Divorce is rarely easy for anyone, but for parents, it can be particularly challenging. If spouses can’t agree on who gets custody after the divorce, both of them either need to hire their own attorneys or a mediator to work with both of them. There are thousands of divorce attorneys across the country, so it may feel overwhelming when trying to narrow down the list. What you need to remember is the ultimate goal of a child custody hearing is to do what is in the child’s best interests. Choosing an attorney who will help you reach that goal is paramount. Consider these questions when researching child custody lawyers in your area.
Question 1: What Is Your Budget?
Divorce can be expensive. According to one survey, the average cost of a divorce in Texas is $15,600, most of which include attorneys’ fees. The cost increases depending on whether the couple has kids and how much they can agree with each other on the specifics of the divorce. So, when considering hiring a child custody lawyer, calculate how much you can actually afford to pay. When you research, ask the firm about the anticipated costs up front. In some cases, you may be entitled to free legal aid or low-cost representation through the family court.
Question 2: How Complicated Is Your Case?
If your case isn’t too complicated, you might want to think about forgoing an attorney. If you and your spouse can agree on child custody, for example, you won’t need to hire a child custody attorney. However, if your spouse is trying to obtain full custody of the child without your consent, you will need to hire a lawyer to help defend your rights as a parent. Some cases are even more complex; for example, out-of-state divorces could involve the intersection of two state’s separate laws regarding child custody. A skilled attorney would be able to help you navigate that kind of legal snarl.
Question 3: What Is the Attorney’s Reputation?
Many businesses live or die by their reputation. A poor attorney will have bad reviews, while an experienced and skilled attorney will have good reviews. Pay attention to how an attorney treated his or her previous clients. You should also ensure you hire an attorney with experience handling child custody cases. For example, you don’t want to hire a criminal defense attorney for your family law case. Make sure the lawyer you speak to has handled many similar cases successfully. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for references and case results.
If you’re concerned about your child custody case, don’t hesitate to call us. Our skilled Katy divorce attorneys have more than 35 years of legal experience to offer you and your family. We understand this may be a stressful and emotional time for you, which is why we do our best to make this process go as smoothly as possible. Our firm tries to keep clients updated on their case status, and we have built a reputation for strong and effective communication. Let us see what we can do for you.
Talk to us about your case in a consultation. Call us at (281) 391-9237 or fill out our online form to schedule one today.
