Whether you are a custodial or non-custodial parent, it can be challenging to hammer out the details of a child custody agreement. In addition, laws regarding child custody and child support vary from one state to another. As a result, child custody laws can be complicated, and sorting through these issues may require the services of a professional. In these cases hiring a child custody attorney is often your best option for resolving child custody issues. Here are three things that you need to know when hiring a child custody attorney. 

When to Hire an Attorney

The first thing that you need to determine is whether hiring a child custody attorney is an appropriate option for your situation. If you need to establish paternity, want to make adjustments to child support amounts, need to modify an existing agreement, or are having trouble hammering out the details regarding visitation or custody, an attorney can help. Any disagreements that cannot be solved by working with a mediator or arbitrator may require the services of an attorney. You may also want to hire an attorney if you struggle to understand child custody law and need legal advice. 

How Much It Will Cost

Another thing to keep in mind about child custody attorneys is that their services are rarely cheap. Whether your case goes to trial and the complexity of your case, among other factors, will determine how much you will pay. On average, hiring a child custody attorney will likely cost you anywhere from $1,200–$4,500. So before you hire an attorney for your child custody dispute, make sure you discuss their fee structure and get an estimate for how much their services will cost.

It’s Good to Shop Around

Taking the time to consult with more than one child custody attorney before hiring one is a good idea. Bar associations, recommendations from friends or family members, and online legal directories can be excellent resources for searching for an attorney. When you go through a consultation, make sure you ask the attorney about their experience, whether they have experience working with or against the other parent's lawyer, and what types of cases they usually handle. The more information you get, the better able you will be to make a decision.

If you are looking into hiring a child custody attorney, there are a few things to know. To learn more, contact local family law services.