Despite statistics to the contrary, most of us still believe that when we get married, the union will last forever. We might not necessarily expect the rest of our lives to play out like a fairy tale, but we have faith that our partners will stick around for the ride. Of course, the reality of the situation is that a high percentage of marriages will end in divorce -- which can turn quite messy, especially when there are kids involved. If you're headed down this road yourself, then it's critical to make sure you have an experienced child custody lawyer on your side.
The fact that you're even thinking about retaining a child custody lawyer at this point probably means that your marriage is irreparably damaged. No amount of counseling or therapy can fix the problems or heal old wounds. You've accepted that and are ready to take the next step. Now it's time to protect your parental rights and interests, as well as do what's best for your children. If you want more than just limited visitation privileges, then you'll need a child custody lawyer to advocate on your behalf.
Mothers always get the benefit of the doubt with judges when it comes time to decide whom the kids should live with. Unless there are extreme circumstances, such as a history of abuse or drug use, then it can be difficult for fathers to make a successful petition in the courts. A knowledgeable child custody lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system, get through the red tape, and present the best case possible for why your children should stay with you.
When trying to find a child custody lawyer, it's best to get referrals from friends, relatives, or associates who have firsthand experience with particular attorneys. If that's not possible, then you might try calling various governmental family service agencies to see if they can recommend an attorney in your area. As a last resort, you can simply do things the old fashioned way by thumbing through the Yellow Pages and making a few more calls based on the ads you see.
Before actually hiring a child custody lawyer, you should go in for a consultation. This will give you a chance to present a general overview of your case, get the lawyer's opinion on your chances of winning the suit, see how well you mesh with the other person on a professional level, and ask questions about past successes, fees, and similar matters. Don't just retain the first child custody lawyer you meet; instead, sit down with at least three or four to get a better idea of which attorney could best serve you. After all, your children are at stake here.
Divorces are hardly ever quick or pleasant, and it's a rare occurrence when both parties get treated equally. Don't leave your parental rights up to chance or a fickle judge. Make sure you have an experienced child custody lawyer in your corner before court proceedings begin.
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