A child custody case isn’t a small thing. The outcome of such a case will impact the lives of many people, most of all the children who are involved. It matters a great deal which child custody lawyer in San Diego, CA you choose. Here are some things to look for to make sure you’ve gotten someone who will truly support you during this time.
What to Look for When Hiring a Child Custody Lawyer in San Diego, CA
Communication Skills
A good child custody lawyer must be a great communicator. He or she will need to be able to argue persuasively on your behalf if things go to court, but the need for good communication starts long before then. They need to be able to listen to you and understand your concerns and fears, as well as your goals. They need to be able to explain, clearly and concisely, the details of your case, the laws that are involved, and the likely outcomes.
They also need to be able to negotiate with the other party effectively, represent you in court, and – perhaps most important of all – communicate well with all the children involved. None of these things are a given just because someone has a law degree. You’ll find these skills in an experienced, recommended family law attorney.
Comprehensive Knowledge of California Family Law
Again, just because someone has a law degree doesn’t mean they have a comprehensive understanding of the family law code. Law is broad, and no lawyer can be an expert in every area of it. Instead, good lawyers know to concentrate their learning and efforts in certain areas of the law.
Look for a family firm that works specifically in family law, with a good track record and history of cases. Never get a general purpose lawyer for something like this: you need someone who understands California’s specific statutes and laws, as well as the precedents that the courts have set by past cases.
Problem-Solving Skills
Few matters in family law are more contentious than custody disputes. For that reason, they can be highly unpredictable. Emotions are running high, and the other parent may become desperate. This means there’s always a strong possibility that new issues will suddenly pop up, and you need an attorney with the ability to solve problems and adapt on the fly.
An attorney of the sort will be approaching every case with a strategic mindset, thinking about what obstacles might be thrown up and coming up with contingency plans to deal with them. You can discover if an attorney has this quality sometimes by asking the right questions during your initial consultation. After you’ve explained the situation, ask them what problems they can foresee as possibilities. They should be able to immediately tell you a few that they would anticipate based on their experience.
Good In High-Stress Situations
Tensions can run very high in child custody cases. Whether it’s in the courtroom or at the negotiating table, it’s not uncommon for the parents involved to become highly agitated and combative, and no matter how calm you are, you can’t control the other parent and their reactions.
It’s absolutely essential to have an attorney who knows how to keep cool in these sorts of situations. More than that, they need to know how to defuse them. An attorney who can do that will not only be able to offer you the best guidance when you’re stressed but will also help you get the best outcome in situations where you have to compromise and negotiation with the other parent.
Empathy
Whenever families have to go to court, it takes a huge emotional toll. This is especially the case when child custody is an issue. You are likely not only trying to get custody of your child and fight to keep them safe, but also trying to shield your child from as much of what’s going on as possible.
A good attorney knows how hard all this is on you and your children and will be patient as you talk so that you can express all of your concerns. They will also know how to help you feel more at ease and have specific, practical advice for how to make decisions and protect your children.
Dedication
You want a lawyer who will be completely dedicated to your case. This doesn’t mean that your case is the only one they take on or the only one they spend time working with. It just means that they are fully invested in you and the outcome of your child custody case. It means they’re willing to go the extra mile if necessary. It means they’re available to answer questions. It means they will keep pushing for a better outcome whenever possible.
Integrity
All good attorneys should be ethical, but this is an especially important quality when it comes to a family law attorney. Someone with a strong sense of ethics and morality will not lie to you. They will give you a realistic assessment of your case right from the beginning and will not make false promises. You will be able to trust them to be honest and always act in the best interest of your children while staying focused on your goals.
Availability
As mentioned above, you do want someone who is dedicated; but even the most dedicated attorney can take on too much and become unavailable. You need to know that you’ll be able to reach your attorney or a knowledgeable representative when you have questions, and that you will be informed when anything of significance to your case happens.
Ask about an attorney’s caseload. They need to have a fairly full caseload (if they don’t, then you’re likely one of their first, which means you’re essentially someone they are practicing with!). But they also need to have enough space to deal with your case thoroughly. Ask direct questions about how often you can expect to hear from them, who will be communicating with you, and how you ask questions and get updates.
Experience With Children
It’s very helpful for a family law attorney to know how to work well with children. This goes beyond just the ability to communicate with them and also means having some understanding of child development and child psychology. An attorney with this kind of knowledge will be able to explain to you how certain outcomes are likely to affect your child emotionally. They will also be able to really speak for your child through legal battles, providing a voice for someone who often doesn’t have one in the courtroom.
If you’re in the midst of a child custody dispute or anticipate that you will be soon and want to be proactive, your choice of child custody lawyer in San Diego, CA will make a big difference to you and your children. Contact the Law Office of Kevin Lemieux here in San Diego, CA, now to schedule a free consultation. Kevin Lemieux has been fighting for families for 21 years and has received 16 awards for his skill and dedication in this area of the law. For us, helping you is a privilege.
