When you have children, the outcome of a divorce has a big impact on your finances and your family life. It is important to choose a women’s custody lawyer who understands how to protect your rights as a parent while ensuring that you receive your fair share of the assets. Here are some tips on how to find a lawyer who is knowledgeable and committed to serving your interests throughout the divorce process.
Hiring a Women’s Custody Lawyer? 6 Things to Look For
1. Trustworthiness and Professionalism
When you are vetting a women’s divorce attorney in Westerville, you will probably be offered a free consultation. The consultation is a good time to meet and get a first impression.
Is the lawyer prepared for the meeting? Does he or she take the time to learn important details about your case? Does he or she conclude with some informed projections regarding the likely outcome of the custody arrangements and the asset division? Remember that the way the lawyer presents himself or herself in the consultation is a good indicator of how he or she will come across during the official negotiations with your spouse.
2. A Track Record of Success
When you are choosing a lawyer, it is a good idea to focus on reputable law firms that consistently secure favorable divorce outcomes for women. You can check any lawyer’s standing by viewing their credentials on the state bar association’s website. You can also get a sense of a firm’s ability to perform for its clients by checking online reviews or asking for referrals.
3. Legal Advice on How to Make Custody Arrangements
Most divorces do not necessitate the dramatic court battles you see on television. Instead, couples are usually able to resolve their issues through negotiation. Once the couple agrees on the terms including custody arrangements, the last step in the divorce process is to make a brief appointment with a judge. If the judge signs off on the final decree, the divorce becomes official.
Before meeting with the judge, you and your spouse should draft a settlement agreement that states how the two of you will divide your parental responsibilities. It should stipulate who the primary caretaker of the children will be, what visitation schedule the other spouse will follow, and where the children will live. Your lawyer should help you draft and review the settlement, ensuring that all of the necessary terms are included.
4. Guidance on How to Handle a Custody Battle
While most couples can work out shared custody through negotiation, some are not able to agree on the terms and end up fighting over sole custody. If you believe your spouse will try to take full custody of your children, it is essential to choose a lawyer who can coach you on how to prepare for a custody battle.
When a couple can’t agree on custody issues, they need to have their differences resolved by a judge. If you find yourself in that situation, you should plan to present the judge with a written parenting plan. A qualified divorce lawyer will be able to help you draft it.
Additionally, he or she should be able to advise you on ways to encourage the judge to choose you as the sole guardian. For example, you might be advised to:
- Demonstrate that you are familiar with your children’s routines
- Maintain a stable lifestyle that is compatible with raising children
- Refrain from posting negative things about your ex on social media
- Spend quality time with your children
- Stay true to the visitation schedule, if you have one
5. Experience With Asset Division
Securing a fair share of the assets is a legal right that benefits both you and your children. You should choose a lawyer who can help you understand how filing for an at-fault divorce would impact the asset division, how to fight for assets that your ex might be concealing, and how to prove that your individual assets are not subject to division.
6. Experience With Divorces Involving Spousal Support and Child Support
If your ex has an income that is significantly higher than yours, you will likely qualify to receive child support payments. Depending on how long you were married and whether or not you have a condition that prevents you from working, you may also qualify for spousal support. When choosing a lawyer, you should select one that has helped previous clients secure financial support from their exes.
Going through a divorce is always less overwhelming when you are confident that the lawyer you chose has your interests at heart. When choosing a women’s custody lawyer, consider which issues are important to you and how you would like them to be resolved. Once you have assessed your own priorities, you can focus on finding a competent, experienced divorce lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours.
