A divorce is one of the most stressful events a person can experience in their life. In fact, it ranks second only to a death in the family.
Things get even more stressful, though, when children are involved.
If you’re currently going through a divorce and want to make sure that your child’s best interests are protected, it’s a good idea to hire a child custody lawyer.
Read on to learn how this type of attorney can help you through your divorce.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
Some specific responsibilities of a custody lawyer include:
- Negotiate with the other party on your behalf – in a level-headed manner
- Manage paperwork and ensure all documentation is filed correctly and on-time
- Speak on your behalf in court
- Provide expertise and strategic advice to help you secure the best possible outcomes
- Modify your child custody agreement to best suit your needs as well as your child’s
- Custody lawyers can also help you with complicated issues like international and/or interstate custody.
Why Should You Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
As you can see, a child custody attorney provides extensive services. In addition to handling all these responsibilities, there are many other reasons to hire a custody lawyer, including:
Reduced Stress
Going through a divorce is incredibly stressful, especially when you’re also trying to make sure your kids receive the support and care they need.
Many people even begin to experience health problems (insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, etc.) as a result of stress.
Hiring a lawyer won’t eliminate all your stress, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have an expert working on your behalf as all allocation of parenting responsibilities matters are settled.
Faster Resolution
It’s always in a child’s best interest for the divorce proceedings to be completed as quickly as possible.
The easiest way to finalize your divorce is to hire a lawyer. They will minimize paperwork issues and help you fulfill all the legal formalities the court requires.
Avoid Expensive Mistakes
Divorce isn’t exactly a simple subject, and there are a lot of forms you need to fill out during the process.
A lawyer will walk you through all this paperwork and make sure everything is filled out correctly.
You Put Your Child’s Interests First
Every parent wants what’s best for their child. But, when you’re in the middle of a divorce, it can be easy to get caught up negotiations with your ex-spouse and forget what your child or children need most.
A child custody attorney will provide an objective perspective and help ensure you’re making decisions that support your child.
Feel Confident in the Court Room
In the event that you do have to go to court here in Joliet or other neighboring counties, it’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
If you have an experienced attorney at your side, you’ll be able to feel a bit more at ease. It’ll also be good to have someone with you who can speak on your behalf and present a convincing case for you.
Your Ex Has a Lawyer
If your ex-partner has already hired a child custody lawyer, it’s important for you to hire one as well.
This helps you ensure that you’re both on equal footing. There’s also a greater chance that things will work out in a way that is best for your child.
Handle Complicated Case with Ease
Sometimes, even when you think your divorce is going to be cut-and-dry, things get complicated.
For example, your ex might suddenly change their mind about sharing custody. To get their way, they might even try to convince the court that you’re unfit to care for your children.
If there’s even a slight possibility that complications like this might arise, it’s best to have a lawyer on your side.
You’re Required to Seek Treatment or Take Classes
Depending on your personal situation and the events surrounding your divorce, the court might require you to take parenting or anger management classes. They might also require you to enroll in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program.
If any of these situations apply to your case, it’s best to have an attorney on your side. They can make a good case for you and ensure that the court is fair in their ruling.
How to Find the Right Child Custody Lawyer
Are you convinced that you need a child custody lawyer? If so, a little due diligence of your own can help you find the right person to represent you during a divorce in the southwest Chicago metro:
Research References & Reputation
A good place to start is by asking for references from your friends and family members. You can also seek advice from court clerks at your local court office.
You should also look into their licensing and professional status. Search Illinois state’s attorney directory or bar association website to find out whether a particular attorney is in good standing.
A quick search online will also provide reviews on sites like Yelp and Google.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation
Once you have a list of a few potential child custody lawyers, talk to them over the phone and then in-person to see how you get along.
Pay attention to their personality and communication style. Be sure to ask questions about their experience handling and securing positive outcomes in these kinds of cases.
Don’t forget to ask questions about their fee structure and how many hours they anticipate spending on your case. This will vary depending on the complexity of your case, but it’s certainly a conversation that you should have before moving forward.
Start Working with a Child Custody Lawyer Today
Divorce is never easy, especially when there are children involved. There’s no denying it. But hiring a child custody lawyer can help make your divorce go more smoothly.
Do you think you could benefit from hiring a custody lawyer?
If you live in the Joliet, Illinois area, we can help at Granholm and Gynac.