10 Important Reasons You Should Invest in a Child Custody Lawyer
Anyone who has even a passing familiarity with Canadian law knows that technically, you don’t need a lawyer for virtually anything; you can go ‘pro se’, or represent yourself, in most legal matters. But as anyone who has ever been in a courtroom for family matters knows, that doesn’t generally go very well. This is not small claims court, after all, but family court – and the stakes are your children.
Although hiring a child custody lawyer can be expensive, it is money well spent. Here are the top 10 reasons to engage an attorney when fighting a child custody battle.
1. Your lawyer has training
Hopefully, he or she won’t be constantly turning to the judge and the opposing counsel asking about the rules of evidence and irritating everyone with their lack of preparation and legal knowledge, but you likely would be. It’s not your fault – you are not a child custody lawyer.
2. Your lawyer has experience
Your lawyer should have argued child custody cases of varying complexity, and have success at winning.
3. You’re showing the judge you take the case seriously
Hiring a divorce lawyer shows you are willing to back up your position with effort and money.
4. Your attorney can help you organize and present your information
Not just the legal facts of the case, but literally every detail about you, your ex, your children, and your family life, may come into play. This information should be shaped to show you in the best possible light.
5. Your lawyer provides emotional support
A sympathetic child custody lawyer knows better than most how much stress and anxiety you are going through, and can lend an ear.
6. Your lawyer can answer your questions
Not just your questions about the bewildering court processes; your lawyer is also an excellent sounding board for what behaviours might adversely affect your child custody battle.
7. Your lawyer is steeped in the court environment
That means he or she likely has insider information about the judge, the expert witnesses, and the other attorney that can give you an advantage.
8. Your lawyer can provide coaching
For example, your attorney can anticipate the type of questions you might face during a court hearing, and role-play to help you answer them properly.
9. Your lawyer levels the playing field
If your ex-partner has hired a divorce lawyer and you are going it alone, you are unlikely to prevail in court.
Where to Find the Right Child Custody Lawyer for Your Needs
Any price you invest will easily pay for itself when it comes to insuring the outcome that is best for you and your child. But where you do you go to find the right child custody lawyer?
This is where a free consultation will help you decide. At Fine & Associates Professional Corporation, the first step to providing you with our expertise and compassionate is a conversation about your current situation and your needs. Next, we can decide together on the best course of action for you and your family. We have assisted numerous parents through the complicated and often painful process of fighting for custody of their children.
To learn more about how our child custody lawyers can help, or to set up your free consultation, fill out the form to the right, or contact us by phone.