Although representing yourself in your child custody case is always an option, child custody cases may quickly become complicated. To ensure your rights are protected, consider hiring a child custody lawyer for your custody case.
You Have Children and Are Getting Divorced
If you are going through a divorce and you have children, it is almost always advisable to hire an attorney.
In contested cases, the courts may order mediation or a child custody evaluation. Due to the complexity of these matters and the impact they may have on your visitation and custody arrangements, it’s best to hire a child custody lawyer at this time to represent you in court.
Even if you and your spouse agree on the terms of child custody, you should have a lawyer look over your agreement. They can advise you about whether the agreement is fair to you. They can also point out any potential problems the agreement could create in the future and suggest additional terms you may want to include to protect your children and your parental rights.
You Share a Child with Someone to Whom You Are Not Married
When you have a child with someone you are not married to, you often need to take extra steps to protect your rights. This is especially true for fathers, whose parental rights may be severely limited without a paternity order. Parents will also need such an order to protect their child’s right to receive adequate child support.
Even if you have been able to reach amicable arrangements with your child’s other parent, it may be worthwhile to speak to a custody lawyer. They can give you an idea of the risks you may be subject to if your relationship with the other parent sours or other circumstances change. They can also advise you of options for protecting your parental rights in the long term.
You Need to Modify Custody or Defend Against a Petition to Modify
Over time, one parent may decide that they no longer wish to maintain the same custody arrangements. In that case, they may ask the court to make substantial changes to visitation or custody arrangements.
However, a parent cannot modify a custody award simply because they don’t like the current arrangement. To modify a custody award, you typically need to demonstrate that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original custody order.
Relocation
In some situations, you may need to relocate to another area or state due to a job promotion. You may need to request a change in the physical custody of your child due to this relocation. As a result, your case may quickly become contested. A child custody attorney works to strengthen your position when facing these complex situations.
Changes in Financial Situation
Custody orders include orders regarding child support payments. Sometimes changes in circumstances require a modification of child support. For example, you may have recently lost your job or suffered a reduction of hours due to a health issue. In that case, you may wish for a modification in child support payments based on your drop in income. A child custody lawyer assists you in these matters.
Child in Danger
If you are concerned that your child may be in danger with the other parent, you may need to seek a custody modification. This type of situation can be delicate. It’s important to consult a child custody attorney about your options. If you believe your child is in imminent danger, you should consider contacting the authorities.
The Other Parent Is Violating Terms of the Custody Order
It can be extremely frustrating if the other parent consistently violates the terms of your custody order. Perhaps they have prevented you from seeing your child, refused to pay child support, or failed to communicate with you. An attorney can help you petition the court to enforce the terms of your custody order.
The Other Parent Is Undermining Your Relationship with Your Child (Alienation)
In some child custody cases, one parent alienates the child from the other parent. This may take the form of badmouthing the other parent to the child, denying visitation, or preventing the other parent from communicating with the child. Parental alienation can be extremely harmful to children and can negatively impact your long-term relationship with your child. A child custody lawyer can help you fight against parental alienation. They can file motions with the court to enforce your custody order or even file a petition to modify.
