Insights Into How Our Legal System Works

Two Child Custody Situations That Can Use A Lawyer

17 July 2018 by Yolanda Lane

Going through a divorce with your spouse and know that child custody will be an issue? If so, don't try to handle it on your own. Here are two situations where you need a lawyer on your side for settling child custody.

You're Going Through Mediation

If you are going to try to work things out with your spouse before going to court, you'll enter a mediation phase of the custody battle. This gives you some control over the custody situation, since you can come to a mutual decision about what is best for your child. Mediation is where all the custody details are worked out, which include which parent will have physical custody, what the child support payments will be, and what the other parent's visitation rights are.

Reaching a decision on all these aspects of custody will be difficult, which is why it can help to have a lawyer on your side. Your lawyer can help guide you towards what is in the best interest of your child, because any decision you make must be presented to a family judge and approved. If the agreement is not in the child's best interest, the judge will not approve your agreement. You can then go back to the drawing board and alter the arrangement, or go to court and have a judge make a final decision.

Your lawyer can help you decide on a custody arrangement that will be approved the first time and not drag on the divorce process. They have experience with these types of cases, and know what will be approved by a judge.

Your Child Is Being Abused

It's possible that you are seeking custody because your child is being abused by the other parent, which may even be grounds for the divorce in the first place. Having a lawyer will help you come up with the evidence to help you receive the custody situation that you desire. For instance, your lawyer may suggest that your child is seen by a therapist so that you can have an expert witness argue on your behalf. The evidence that you have will improve the chance of having physical custody, and help quickly wrap up the case.

If you are unsure if you need a lawyer for your divorce, schedule a consultation with a divorce lawyer in your area. They can review your case and let you know the ways that they can help you out.

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