In the event of a divorce or another life circumstance that results in child custody disputes, there is more than one person that desires custody of the child or children involved. It is not uncommon to see divorces that are rife with conflict about this very subject. The emotional nature of divorce proceedings negatively impacts the divorcing individuals’ ability to remain objective. Child custody lawyers understand this and the importance of objectivity in ensuring the well-being of children.
This is not to say that a family law attorney with child custody experience will be able to do all of the work. While their guidance and knowledge of family law is vital in many successful custody cases, there is a great deal that custody-seekers must do to empower their case.
Non-parents and non-custodial parents alike may seek out child custody lawyers to strengthen their petition for custody of children.
What Factors Determine Who is Awarded Custody?
When the current custody situation of a child is contested, the lives and circumstances of those seeking custody are looked into very closely. Ultimately, the courts do not favor one parent over the other for no reason. The welfare of any children involved is the top priority, meaning that contesting custody-seekers must fit certain criteria to be awarded custody.
Matters such as these examples will be considered of all who petition for custody:
- Whether or not there is any documented history of abuse or neglect.
- The individual’s mental and physical health.
- The wishes of the child or children, if they are of age to make such decisions.
How Do Child Custody Lawyers Help in These Cases?
A lot has to be done to petition for custody, and much of it is beyond the complete understanding of the average person. It’s not uncommon for people to fumble through the minutia of this process, especially since it is so rife with paperwork and legal documentation that can be hard to understand and keep track of.
In addition to providing their knowledge of family law and experience as a child custody lawyer, the legal aid you have represent your case provides a host of services that streamline this process and make it a bit easier on their clients.
Paperwork is a big part of what every lawyer does, and there is no exception in child custody cases. The nature of the case and your location might require different forms, but every child custody petition requires a degree of ink on paper. A lawyer will ensure that these documents are filed with the proper authorities.
The lawyer that you hire as your custody attorney may also deliver the petition to the current custodial parent and provide proof to the courts that they were, in fact, served with these documents.
Custody attorneys are also available to be present for any and all hearings related to the child custody case in question.
As you can see from the information above, child custody lawyers play a vital role in representing the best interests of the child or children involved in the case. Their wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as the practical aspects of their career, make them a valuable asset to have at your side when contesting a child’s current custody situation.