You're meeting with custody attorneys to understand your options regarding child custody arrangements. As you prepare questions about child custody law and work with a custody attorney, here are four key topics you'll want to ask.

1. What Is Your Experience With Custody Cases?

One of the first things to find out is your attorney's background handling child custody cases. You want someone well-versed in local family courts and judges. Ask how many custody cases they've worked and what outcomes their clients typically see. An experienced custody attorney will explain what strategies they use to build strong arguments on their clients' behalf. Make sure you feel confident they have the expertise to represent your interests in establishing custody rights.

2. What Are My Chances of Getting Joint Custody?

If your goal is securing joint physical and legal custody, ask what evidence and circumstances might support or hinder that goal. An attorney experienced in custody battles will give you a realistic assessment of your chances for joint custody based on factors like your relationship with the other parent, income, schedules, and any issues like incidents of domestic violence or substance abuse problems. Though it's not what you want to hear, an honest appraisal allows you to make informed decisions.

3. How Do You Recommend Handling Communication With My Ex?

Managing communication with an ex can be extremely challenging during custody disputes. A custody attorney sees these conflicts frequently and understands what judges expect in terms of responsible co-parenting behavior. Ask for tips for guidelines on frequency or methods of communication with your ex and advice for keeping exchanges cordial, especially in writing. This practical guidance will help you build a case for cooperation.

4. What if the Other Parent Isn’t Following Our Agreement?

Unfortunately, violations of custody agreements happen, whether intentionally ignoring rules or misunderstanding expectations. Ask your attorney how they typically handle those situations, the processes for enforcement or modification, and what documentation you need to support claims of agreement breaches. Based on experience enforcing custody orders, a knowledgeable attorney will have effective protocols to handle non-compliance.

Finding the right custody attorney to advise and represent you is critical when navigating the complex legal and emotional landscape of establishing custody arrangements. By asking key questions upfront, you'll get insights you need to make the most informed decisions about pursuing joint custody or litigation. According to HuffPost, a news-sharing site, in nearly 30% of custody cases, the decisions made were made without any third-party involvement. If you're a part of the 70% that need assistance with your custody case, schedule a consultation with Dwyer & Knight Law Firm.