Signs that suggest you need to hire a child custody lawyer

The first consideration for most parents who file a petition in the court for child custody is whether they need to hire a professional lawyer or navigate through the child custody case by themselves. Filing pro se is a legal term for representing yourself in court without hiring a lawyer.

Even though presenting your case may seem like a cost-effective alternative to hiring a New York child custody lawyer, it can get risky, even more so if your case is somewhat complicated.

Besides keeping track of all the paperwork, deadlines, and critical details, people representing themselves also need to understand all the laws around child custody in New York.

It will take you a lot of time to wrap your head around these laws and rules if you do not have any previous experience. Below you will find a few signs that suggest you need to think twice about entering the court without an experienced divorce attorney in Nassau County.

Your ex-partner has a lawyer

if you are already aware that your ex is working with a child custody lawyer, then it's probably time for you to consider hiring a lawyer as well. A child custody lawyer will have all the required education and experience concerning family law.

Your preparation and research for the case will not compare against a lawyer's knowledge of the law, familiarity with the court system, and strategic maneuvers.

If your ex has hired legal counsel, then they will have a significant advantage over you. Hiring a lawyer is the best way for you to level the playing field.

Your exchanged their mind

If your exchange their mind about sharing the child custody, or if you feel like they will try and convince the court against you having the custody of the kids overnight, then it's time for you to hire a lawyer.

Even though specific laws may vary depending on the state you're in, all courts will work towards finding the child's best interest when determining the final custody arrangements.

Since situations like these often come with a higher risk, you should retain an experienced child custody lawyer for the case.

Your case crosses jurisdictions.

Your case can get a lot more complicated if it crosses jurisdictions because it will get challenging to understand which country's or state's laws will apply to your case.

If your ex-live in a different country or even state, then you need to consider having a professional on board. A lawyer will represent your case in court and help you navigate through all the extra challenges with ease.

While you may not want to hire a lawyer for your custody case, certain situations call for legal counsel. A professional lawyer can prove to be significantly helpful, especially if your case is complex or involves any form of abuse.

If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you can always seek out your local legal aid organization for help and assistance. Hiring a lawyer is the best way you can ensure that you reach a fair decision.

David L. Martin, Esq.​ has more than 33 years of experience in handling divorce and family law cases, with a great track record of winning cases.