Why You Should Hire a Child Custody Lawyer
A good child custody lawyer can help you negotiate an arrangement that best fits the needs of you and your children. They will help you understand your state’s laws regarding legal and physical custody, visitation, and support. They will also be able to advise you of any potential issues or problems that may arise. They will work diligently to protect your rights and the interests of your child.
In Arizona, there are two types of custody. Legal custody gives one or both parents the right to make decisions on important matters like education, religion, medical care, and housing. A court can award joint legal custody, sole legal custody, or partial legal custody. Physical custody refers to where the children will live. Typically, parents will share physical custody but in some cases the judge may decide to award sole physical custody to one parent or split physical custody between the parents.
When a court determines who will get custody of a child, it strives to reach a decision in “the best interests of the child.” This means that a judge considers many factors including: the wishes of the parents, each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s history with family members and friends, each parent’s ability to provide a safe environment for the child, the child’s current living situation, each parent’s financial status and abilities, and much more.
Most contested custody cases are between biological parents, whether married or unmarried. In some cases, a judge may favor one parent over the other based on a specific reason like past abuse, criminal activity, or addictions. However, in general, a judge will not favor one parent due to sex or gender.
Hiring an experienced child custody lawyer can make all the difference in a custody dispute. A lawyer can often negotiate more favorable terms of a custody agreement than the other party will be able to on their own. They can also help you fight for your legal rights if the other parent fails to honor the custody agreement. This may include filing a petition for contempt of court or reporting them to the police for violating your court-ordered custody agreement.
The first step in becoming a child custody lawyer is earning an undergraduate degree. While there are no specific majors, a bachelor’s degree is required to move on to law school. Once you graduate from law school, you can choose to specialize in a particular area of the law. Then you will need to pass the bar exam. This is a lengthy process that requires months of study. It is not something to take lightly and should only be done after careful consideration and consultation with a trusted attorney.