5 Qualities to Look for in a Child Custody Attorney

 

If you’re facing a child custody battle, it’s imperative to find the right attorney to represent you. Few disputes have more at stake, after all, than those regarding parenting time.

 

 

While it can be challenging to narrow down the options—unless you live in an undeveloped area, there are undoubtedly dozens of family law firms near you—there are a few qualities you can look for to make the process easier. Read on to learn what to look for in an attorney so you can hire one with confidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Applicable Experience

 

 

 

Just because an attorney practices family law doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to be familiar with all the nuance of your unique case. Before hiring someone, make sure they’ve counseled clients who were facing disputes similar to your own, so they have relevant experience to draw upon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Compassion

 

 

 

Navigating a custody battle is inherently stressful, and it’s natural to experience a vast range of emotions at every milestone. As such, you’ll want to find someone who understands all that you’re going through and treats you with compassion.

 

 

At the end of the day, your attorney should make you feel comfortable enough to open up to them, so they know exactly what you want, need, and deserve. Consequently, they’ll be able to fight for your best interests with confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Tenacity

 

 

 

It’s not uncommon for parents to face hurdle after hurdle when fighting for custody; however, attorneys who practice with tenacity don’t let those challenges stop them. They will leave no stone unturned when advocating for clients in the hopes of securing the best possible outcomes given the circumstances. If necessary, they will even take the opposing parties to court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Integrity

 

 

 

Sadly, some firms aren’t above taking advantage of those who are facing the hardest chapter of their lives. You can determine whether the attorney you’re considering practices with integrity by seeing what past clients have to say about the counsel they provide. You should also evaluate their reputation within the legal field and the wider community in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Availability

 

 

 

You’re inevitably going to have questions and concerns over the course of the proceedings, and when you do, you deserve your lawyer’s attention. Ask how quickly it will take them to get back to you when you reach out.

 

 

You should also inquire about regular updates. Weeks or even months can pass without much progression during custody cases. Regardless, you deserve to have regular contact with your legal team, who should keep you in the know at all times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speak with a Michigan Child Custody Lawyer

 

 

 

At Smith & Johnson, we know how stressful family law disputes can be. Those involving custody are especially challenging, which is why we fight tirelessly on behalf of our clients.

 

 

If you’re facing a custody dispute, we’ll advocate for your rights aggressively at every stage of the proceedings. Call 231-946-0700 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a child custody attorney in Michigan.