How Do You Find the Best Child Custody Lawyer?

How do you find the best child custody lawyer? This is a big question.

Few things get us as riled up as our kids. That’s a big reason why custody cases so often become intense and antagonistic.

We want to fight for what’s best for our children. To ensure this, it usually benefits you to enlist the help of an attorney. But how do you find a child custody lawyer, and what does that even mean?

Choosing The Best Child Custody Lawyer:

Firstly, what constitutes the “best child custody lawyer” varies from case to case.

The ideal match for one person’s personality and circumstances may not be a perfect fit for another. In reality, it’s a matter of finding the best fit for you and your specific situation.

While there’s no universal roadmap to finding the best custody attorney, there are qualities to consider in your search.

1. Similar Case Experience

If you’re looking for the best child custody lawyer for you, one key component is experience in similar cases. Look for an attorney with skills in the areas your circumstances require.

• • Will your case be complex and high-conflict?
  • Does your child have special needs?
  • Is there an interstate element or a jurisdiction issue to take into account?

Whatever the particulars, ensure that whoever you hire has the necessary background to handle them.

Related Reading: How Mental Illness Impacts Child Custody Disputes

2. Specialization in Custody Cases

Like experience, specialization is also something to look for when trying to find the best child custody lawyer to represent you.

Custody attorneys all practice family law, but not all family law practitioners are custody attorneys.

Many are well-versed in multiple areas, but if an attorney is more interested in high-asset divorces, they may not be the right choice.

Do your homework and ensure the skill set aligns with your specific needs.

Related Reading: How Legal Marijuana Use Affects Custody Cases

3. Knowledge of Jurisdiction Laws

Laws and regulations vary significantly from one state to the next.

The best child custody lawyer for your situation is one with in-depth knowledge of the local rules. Or at least where the case will be handled—the two are not always the same.

In Oregon, it makes sense to hire an attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of Oregon law and knows how to strive for an optimal outcome. However, if the case is heard elsewhere, it often serves your interests to find someone in that area.

Related Reading: What Is The UCCJA? A Look At The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act

4. Accessibility

In addition to knowing the laws, a local attorney may be the best child custody lawyer for your case for other reasons.

Accessibility is important. Not only when it comes to being available to answer questions, but also in simple logistics. If you live in Eugene, it will be more challenging to meet with an attorney in Portland. Technological tools have made this easier in many cases, but it’s something to be aware of.

• • It’s much easier to meet without having to take a whole day off work or travel a great distance.
  • Local representation may also make an attorney easier to vet—perhaps a friend can refer you, or the regional bar association has recommendations.
  • Attorneys operating in a specific geographical area often also have established relationships with judges, courthouse staff, and others that can prove beneficial.

Related Reading: Third-Party Custody Cases

5. Communication

This is someone you have to communicate with, but they also need to speak on your behalf with the opposing party, judges, other lawyers, and your spouse.

They may also need to communicate with people who work outside of family law, such as accountants and other experts. Skills in this area are understandably critical.

Whoever you hire is also a person you have to spend time with and work with.

Ensuring you’re comfortable with them, confident in their abilities, and able to accurately communicate what you need is key. You’ll likely experience more than enough conflict; avoiding strife with your lawyer makes everyone’s life easier.

Related Reading: What Happens When the Court Appoints a Guardian Ad Litem

6. Consideration of Your Financial Resources

No surprise, hiring an attorney tends to be quite expensive.

Considering your financial resources and what you can and cannot spend is essential in determining the best child custody lawyer for you.

Knowing upfront how an attorney handles billing helps you manage expenses and maintain realistic expectations of the cost.

Related Reading: Can the Custodial Parent Relocate With Your Child?

7. Compassion

Divorce and cases involving kids and guardianship are intense, emotional times. The best child custody lawyer for you may be one who knows this and understands what’s at stake for your family.

You don’t necessarily need someone to hold your hand every step of the way. Hire a therapist or lean on family and friends for that. You do, however, want to find someone with whom you can work on a practical level towards a common goal. And a little compassion never hurt anyone.

Hiring the best child custody lawyer for your case is one of the most important decisions you may ever make. It can have a significant impact on your hearing and your life moving forward. This is why it’s essential to invest the time and effort to ensure your attorney is the right fit for you, your family, and your specific situation.

Related Reading: Best Interest Of The Child