Divorce Custody Lawyers

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Attorneys who deal with child custody or dissolution cases are named 'family law attorneys.' Out of these, some are 'certified specialists' in family law. This implies that they have fulfilled the state Bar's standard for certification. It is quite possible to find some lawyers, who do not have such certification, but have experience in family law.

Selection of Divorce Custody Lawyers

• The parent seeking custody must refer to local yellow pages and view the entries under "Attorney." Then, he/she should note the names and telephone numbers of all lawyers in the neighborhood

• The parent can ring the state bar association to request for recommendations of some attorneys in the neighborhood

• The parent should compare the above two rosters. The next step is to find out whether there are any complaints regarding any of the lawyers noted in these lists

• The parent should communicate with family members and friends in order to obtain recommendations regarding some lawyers. Any of these individuals, who have undergone a child custody case, can guide the parent regarding their queries

• On the basis of recommendations and feedbacks, the parent must select some attorneys from the 2 lists. The next step is to make an appointment for an initial consultation

• Several lawyers offer a free initial consultation while some charge a fee. The parent should ponder whether the latter has a better reputation. Then, after due regard for individual requirements and finances, the parent must attend this consultation

• Prior to the initial consultation, the parent must note down the questions that he/she should ask the lawyer. These might encompass the following topics
  • Trust funds
  • Health and life insurance
  • Child support
  • Physical and legal custody

• After each consultation, the parent should prepare notes of the discussions. The parent must gain knowledge regarding the following questions after the discussion
  • Is the lawyer professional as well as friendly?
  • Does this lawyer makes you feel confident and at ease?
  • What are the fee structures and payment options of the lawyer?

• After all the appointments are over and notes regarding each are ready, the parent should compare all these notes. This would enable him/her to select the lawyer who is best suited for his/her custody case

Consulting Lawyer

• He/she does not undertake the complete responsibility of handling or overseeing the case
• This lawyer assists the parent within some limits that can be defined by an agreement
• Some of the responsibilities of this lawyer can be as follows
  • Signing off an agreement
  • Accompanying the parent to mediation
  • Guiding the parent to present an argument in the court
  • Assisting the parent to develop a negotiation strategy

• This lawyer does not represent the parent in court regarding any unresolved issues
• The lawyer works with both parents and the lawyer of the opposite party to reach a settlement about all issues
• Some instances where this lawyer gets involved are as follows:
  • Negotiation of family issues
  • Selection of common experts
  • Exchange of relevant data between the parents

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