Divorce can be a sad, disappointing, and frustrating process. While steps to separate property, assets, and debts can be tiring and contentious enough, the part of the process that is definitely the most difficult is the child support and custody issues.
Whether you are looking for primary or sole custody or seeking to pay an amount of child support that is fair and meets your children’s needs, you will definitely need a family lawyer to assist you through the ordeal. Below are ways that a family lawyer can assist with child support and custody issues.
1. Understands what to expect in your case
A good lawyer usually has ample experience and knowledge in family law and will be fully prepared to handle your child support and custody issues more amicably. They know what to expect from the other party involved in the case. The lawyer will have the ability to handle any issue thrown at you and will be able to represent your issues when dealing with your former partner’s legal team.
The family lawyer is a great asset because he/she will help you to avoid all the mistakes that might end up being costly to you if you were to represent yourself. He/she will assist you in filing all the forms and documents involved in the case. The lawyer that you hire can give you advice on how to deal with all issues that will arise in the case and also how to answer different questions pertaining to child support and custody issues stemming from your separation.
2. Help in negotiations
Negotiation skills are vital when dealing with a child support and custody case. A good lawyer
has the right negotiation skills that will prove to be very vital in your case. This is essential because during a child custody case, there are a lot of negotiations involved as parties try to fight for what they want, whether it be primary custody, sole custody, or a certain child support arrangement.
Your lawyer is familiar with all the terms and procedures that are usually associated with child custody and will help negotiate on your behalf. If you do not have a lawyer, you might end up being intimidated by the other party and you might also end up losing all the rights that you deserve as a parent.
3. Representation in the courtroom
If you have never been in a courtroom arguing a case, it can be the most challenging and intimidating experience of your life. Not only will you be required to answer difficult questions posed by the judge, you will also need to answer to the lawyer representing your former partner. With such limited knowledge regarding child custody issues this can prove to be difficult and frustrating as the other lawyer tries to use your words against you and make you look like an unsuitable parent.
Your lawyer has the knowledge regarding how to deal with all questions that arise in the courtroom. As a result, he/she can act as a coach to you, informing you of any questions that may be asked in court and how to effectively answer them. The main goal in the courtroom is to fight for what you want in terms of child support and custody issues and the lawyer can do so in a way where he/she will not be intimidated by the other legal team.
4. Help in setting up child support
Setting the amount of child support can be a tricky process. If one partner is receiving it, he/she may attempt to make arguments as to why the amount should be higher. At the same time, the other party may try to make arguments why it should be lower while obviously keeping the best interests of their children in mind.
If you are on the receiving end, a good family lawyer will ensure that the child support that you get is appropriate for your children. If you are required to pay, your lawyer will ensure that the amount if based on your income and that you do in fact have the means to pay the required amount. Therefore, you can rest assured that your children get what they need while at the same time not leaving yourself too short to look after your own needs.