Do I Need a Child Custody Lawyer?
If you’re entering into a custody battle with a former spouse or co-parent, you may be wondering, do I need a child custody lawyer? Although negotiations for custody guidelines and visitation rights can be done without an attorney present, in our experience, having a trustworthy custody lawyer in Houston by your side is the best way to win your child custody case.
The family attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta are here to answer some common questions about child custody cases, as well as tell you why you might want to hire an attorney to fight for your rights in a child custody case.
What does a child custody lawyer do?
A child custody lawyer is an attorney who specializes in practice areas regarding child custody law, who can provide you with strategic guidance and expertise during a heated custody battle. When it comes to choosing who gets custody over a child, due to divorce or other circumstances, child custody cases can be highly emotional and stressful for all parties involved. At the end of the day, what is most important is that the child’s best interest is put first before anything else.
Whether you are trying to obtain sole or joint managing conservatorship over your child, you will still want an attorney present to oversee all negotiations to ensure that you are getting the best possible outcome for you and your child. If you’re unsure of how to fight for custody of a child, an experienced and compassionate attorney, like those at Grimes & Fertitta, can be the guiding light you need during a dark time.
Reasons to hire a child custody lawyer
Do I need a child custody lawyer? If any of the following situations pertain to your current case, it would be wise to hire a child custody lawyer.
- The other party has a lawyer
There is a misconception that if your ex-spouse or co-parent “lawyers up” it is meant to be seen as a threat. This could not be further from the truth. If the other party shows up with an attorney, they are doing whatever they can to protect themselves — and you should too. If you choose not to hire an attorney, this can upset the balance of power within negotiations and can likely leave you with unfavorable terms. It isn’t wise to go into custody battles alone. Hire an attorney that you can trust as soon as possible to either level the playing field or give you an advantage during negotiations.
- You believe your child is in danger
If you have reason to believe that your child would be in danger if they were put into the custody of the other parent, contact an attorney immediately. Common unsafe conditions include:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Criminal behavior
- Any behavioral/environmental factors that could be detrimental to your child
Proving that the other parent is an unfit parent — a parent who will not or cannot provide the conditions necessary for a child to maintain physical and/or emotional health — can give you grounds for obtaining full custody of your child.
If you do gain sole custody of your child, you may also be eligible to receive child support payments from the non-custodial parent to help fulfill the child’s needs. An attorney can help you to maximize financial support to provide for your child.
- Your case has complications
Not all child custody cases are cut from the same cloth. There is a chance that your particular case may have some complications that only an attorney can help to settle any confusion. Some of these complications can include:
- You live in a different state/internationally
- You and your ex have a tumultuous relationship
- Your child has special needs
- You are remarrying
There is a chance that you may be facing child custody laws in a different state or country or your new partner may be a factor in the case. A lawyer can help you to understand all laws that are at work in your particular situation and can offer advice on how to manage the realities of custody and visitation.
- A lawyer understands the court system
The truth is that the laws surrounding child custody in Texas can be very complex and difficult to manage without an attorney. No one understands the court system quite like a seasoned attorney does. A lawyer can help you to navigate the complexities of the legal system while fighting for your — and your child’s — best interest.
If you are a father fighting for custody of your child, we recommend finding Texas child support lawyers for dads that you can trust. While there are no laws in Texas that favor mothers in custody battles, many fathers feel that they either do not get a fair shot at sole custody or are not given equal custody or visitation privileges. Having an attorney by your side to fight for your parental rights who knows the biases present within the court system can give you a better shot at a favorable outcome.
Need a child custody lawyer? Contact Grimes & Fertitta ASAP for top representation.
Do I need a child custody lawyer? If you want the best possible outcome for your case, yes. Want to know how to hire a family lawyer who has your best interests at heart? Call Grimes & Fertitta. Representation in custody battles can be the difference between a successful and a not successful case outcome.
The Woodlands custody lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta will work with you to build an effective case so that you can obtain or maintain favorable custody or visitation rights. We get to know our clients, and their family situations, in order to fight harder for the safety and happiness of their children.
To request a consultation, contact Grimes & Fertitta online or call us at (713) 224-7644 today.
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