Going through a divorce is already a tough affair and it only gets worse if children are involved. Fighting a child custody battle is never easy. There are tips you can use to make sure it goes smoothly but the first hurdle is finding the best lawyer to represent you. According to the Wilmington Family Law Attorneys, this is “someone you can trust to guide you through your divorce and protect what is most important to you.” It can be quite a challenge to find someone who fits this criteria.
There are general guidelines for when you want to hire a lawyer but it gets even more complex when it’s a child custody lawyer you need. Keep in mind that hiring the right lawyer will definitely increase your chances of getting custody of your child, which is, after all the most important thing.
Get Special Help
You should seek out a specialist. Instead of looking for general lawyer listings, find someone who is listed under family law or child custody battles. You can always ask around because word of mouth is an effective tool in cases like these. Feel free to visit different firms and find out how various lawyers operate. Read up on older cases they have tackled and see if any of those make sense to, or are close to your personal case.
Set Up Meetings
You should never take a lawyer on board unless you have met with quite a few of them face to face. Feel free to set up meetings with the lawyers you have shortlisted. Don’t be afraid to interview them all one by one and ask pertinent questions that will be relevant to your case down the road. Some lawyers will try to talk down to you or throw complex jargon your way. When you meet different lawyers, you’ll be able to figure out who you get along with best.
Negotiate Fees
Anything is up for negotiation if you try hard enough. There is no reason why you should go bankrupt while trying to pay the lawyer’s fees. Speak to the lawyer about how they structure their fees and whether you can pay with some sort of plan or flexible breakdown. If the lawyer continually asks for a flat fee and this is something you can’t afford, don’t sweat it. You can always find a different lawyer who will be more accommodating to your needs.
Make A Decision
In the end, make up your mind. However, before you make the final call, review your notes again, look at the research and fee structure for each lawyer, and then decide. The lawyer you choose will be with you for the duration of the child custody battle and you want someone reliable by your side. Child custody battles can be extremely unpleasant and stressful for everyone involved. Make sure you have someone by your side who can handle the heat and can also keep you calm in the courtroom. A calm demeanour and knowledgable attitude is what will win you the case!