questions to ask an attorney when seeking child visitation

by Ms. Marie Jacobs 7 min read

10 Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer

  1. What’s your experience? Before proceeding with the attorney, make sure to ask them about whether their qualifications.
  2. How is child custody determined? Child custody is ultimately ordered by a judge. When ordering child custody, a judge...
  3. What’s the difference between legal and physical child custody? In the eyes of...
  4. What’s Next?

8 Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer About Child Custody
  • Which Laws Pertain to My Case? ...
  • What Will the Court Take Into Consideration? ...
  • Will Mothers Automatically Get Custody? ...
  • How Will Visitation Work? ...
  • How Does Child Support Work? ...
  • How to File for Custody? ...
  • Do I Need a Lawyer? ...
  • Do You Have to Pay Child Support?
Jul 17, 2020

Full Answer

What questions should I ask my child custody attorney?

Apr 24, 2018 · Top Ten Child Visitation Questions. Where You Need a Lawyer: Zip Code or City: (This may not be the same place you live) Choose a Legal Category: Family Law. Real Estate and Property Law. Criminal Law. Personal Injury.

What questions should I Ask my attorney on my first visit?

Sole custody is when one parent has nearly all of the rights and responsibilities related to raising the child. Some states differentiate between physical and legal custody. Legal custody means the right of the parent to make decisions for the child. In some cases, one parent receives physical sole custody and both may receive legal custody.

What questions should I ask when hiring a family law attorney?

Instead, the court considers the child’s wishes and concerns as well as additional factors including: • Each parent’s wishes. • Adjustment to home, school, and community. • Child’s relationships. • Mental and physical health of all family members. • Each parent’s likelihood to honor visitation rights.

What happens if I don’t follow a court order for visitation?

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Child Custody Lawyers Background Questions for Custody Attorneys. Where did you attend college and law school? How long have you been... Legal Philosophy & Style. You'll want to ask about the custody lawyer's style and approach to practicing law. ... What... ...

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How do you prepare for visitation?

6 Tips to Help Prepare for Your Child Custody Hearing
  1. Understand Your State's Child-Custody Laws. Stockbyte / Getty Images. ...
  2. Understand the Better-Parent Standard. Morsa Images / Getty Images. ...
  3. Bring the Right Documents to Court. ...
  4. Learn Proper Courtroom Etiquette. ...
  5. Know What to Expect During the Hearing. ...
  6. Dress Appropriately.
May 19, 2020

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?
Jan 29, 2017

How is child custody determined in California?

California law does not show preference to any one parent in a custody case. Custody decisions are to be made based on the child's best interests. That being said, mothers are historically granted custody more often than fathers, since they are often the caretakers of the children more so than the fathers.Oct 15, 2019

How much is a custody lawyer in California?

Generally, child custody attorneys can charge flat fees anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. These flat fees will likely be smaller depending on how much mediation is required and the number of court appearances necessary. If finances are an issue, one should consider searching for a pro bono lawyer.Jun 15, 2021

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.
  1. Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ...
  2. Be presentable and dress your best. ...
  3. Come prepared to ask questions. ...
  4. Be personable and show enthusiasm. ...
  5. Be genuine. ...
  6. Promptly send a thank-you note.
Oct 28, 2020

What lawyers should not tell?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your Lawyer
  • I forgot I had an appointment. ...
  • I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ...
  • I have already done some of the work for you. ...
  • My case will be easy money for you. ...
  • I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ...
  • Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.
Mar 17, 2021

Do I have the right to know where my child is during visitation in California?

If you don't have a custody order, the other parent doesn't have to tell you where your child is during their visits. In some cases, they could legally take the child out of the state or country without your permission. That's why it's so important to get a custody order.

What do judges look for in child custody cases California?

In California, the judges are ultimately concerned with one thing: the child's best interest. Best interest means that family courts will seek a custody arrangement that meets that standard. That said, it's essential to understand what the courts are looking for in a fit parent.Jan 1, 2021

Can a mother keep the child away from the father in California?

Mother. According to family law, the mother automatically gains custody of the child if she is unwed to the father. There is no need for unwed mothers to take legal actions to fight for the child's custodial rights, even the decision to determine the father's role in their child's life.4 days ago

Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases California?

Pursuant to Family Code 2030 et seq., California Family Courts are authorized to make an order requiring any party to litigation to pay a reasonable portion of the opposing party's attorney's fees, so that the latter can maintain or defend a proceeding.

How long is a lawyer retainer good for?

A lawyer cannot claim the retainer fee until they have completed work and provided an invoice to the client. The retainer is still the possession of the client until used for legitimate expenses as detailed in the retainer agreement. The amount in the trust account will not expire.

What is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

The fixed retainer fee is a predetermined fee paid on a lump sum, in advance of any legal work to be performed. In corporations, for example, a general corporate retainer would include general corporate services such as drafting minutes and board resolutions, secretary's certifications, ant the like.