If you are going through a divorce, there are many things that you should worry about. You will require legal protection and representation if you want to get the most out of your divorce.
The most common mistake is trying to represent yourself, or going to court without an attorney. The reason this is a huge mistake is the fact that your spouse will always bring an attorney, and if you do not have one by your side, you are in a big problem. You could lose more than you could afford to lose, including the custody of your children.
In order to protect your best interests and fight for the custody of your children, you should seek out our Salt Lake City Child Custody Attorneys. Our attorneys will do whatever it takes to help you get the most out of your divorce.
In case you decide to hire others, here are some tips that will help you deal with a child custody attorney.
Knowing Their Responsibilities and Job Duties
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, a custody lawyer acts as an advocate and represents one party in a legal custody battle. Their job is to present evidence to support their side and to try and convince the court that their client should retain (or gain) custody of the children. Additionally, custody lawyers are to provide counsel and information to their clients before the case goes to trial.
Custody lawyers usually work irregularly in the 40-hour workweek. If there are many cases that have to be handled or trials that have to be attended, the lawyers have no other option but to work the extra hours. They have to respect every client they are hired by and to try and commit to every case.
Understand Your Case
In every possible scenario, you are better off with an attorney by your side. There are several important reasons why you should always have an attorney by your side when trying to divorce:
- Your spouse has an attorney
- Your case may cross jurisdictions
- Your case is a complicated one
- You or your children may be in danger
- Your spouse prevents you from seeing the kids
- The circumstances of your case have changed
- You signed a prenup
- Your spouse is threatening you
- You are a victim of domestic violence or abuse
A skilled and experienced custody lawyer will carefully evaluate your case before deciding to take your case and represent you during the trial. So before you sign any paperwork or give a statement of any kind, be sure to consult with your attorney first. If you do not have an attorney on speed dial and are not sure who to call, our Child Custody Attorneys in Salt Lake City are there for you. Simply give us a call or write us an email, and someone will get in touch with you (usually within 24 hours). Do not hesitate to contact us and seek legal help and representation.
Think About Your Children’s Future
Your main focus should turn on your children and their best interests. If you believe that you are a good parent who deserves to become the custodial parent, fight for your children. Be sure to provide your attorney with as much information as possible about your life in the family, any grudges or fights that you had with your spouse, and anything that could affect the judge’s decision.
Think carefully, and see if there is anything that could affect that decision. Perhaps your spouse mistreated you or was engaged in infidelity in the past. These things could help turn the tables in your favor and in addition to getting custody of your children, you may also secure alimony, spousal or child support.
Be Patient, Be Smart
Always remember that your attorney probably has a few other clients besides you. With that being said, be sure to help your attorney as much as you can. If you are asked to gather certain documents, be sure to do so. Find a way to send a copy to your attorney (via email) and keep your attorney posted about everything that is going on in your house. Until the divorce is finalized, everything that happens in the meantime could affect the result and the judge’s final decision. With that in mind, you should probably distant yourself from your spouse if the two of you cannot find common ground. Go to your parent’s house or rent a hotel room, and stay there for a while until things cool off between you and your spouse.
If your spouse prevents you from taking the children with you, speak with your attorney and see whether or not you have the right to take your children with you. If there is a legal way of obtaining permission to have your children with you while your divorce is underway, our Salt Lake City Child Custody Attorneys will help you gain it.
Remember that you play an important role in this and that everything you do could also impact your divorce and how it is finalized. Follow these tips while divorcing to increase your chances of securing custody of your children:
- Avoid drinking alcohol in front of your spouse or children
- Avoid going out and coming home late
- Avoid seeing other people and avoid spending money like a crazy person
- Do not go on social media and post about your divorce, or say anything about your spouse
- Be a good parent, and do not talk negatively about your spouse in front of your children.
