Before hiring a child custody lawyer in Chicago, it’s important to consider a number of things first. After all, deciding on child custody can be one of the most stressful parts of a divorce or separation. You do, after all, still want to be with your child but must acknowledge that your child may also need time with the other parent, unless you have a reason to believe that this might pose a danger.
To help you out, here are three things that you must consider before hiring a child custody lawyer here in Chicago.
Forms of Custody
Before hiring a lawyer, it is important to first be aware of the many possible forms of custody. You have to decide if you want to push for sole custody of the child. Or, perhaps, you might want to go for alternating or shared custody.
You must then hire a child custody lawyer with experience in this specific form of custody so that you are sure that the person you hire is an expert at brokering from this front.
Negotiations
One thing you want to ensure is that your child custody lawyer is great at making negotiations both out of court and in it. After all, it is entirely possible to decide on child custody without the need for a complicated and stressful trial. Lawyers who are adept at making such negotiations can often get you the best possible outcome at less monetary and emotional cost.
Additional Considerations
You might also want to get a lawyer who has experience with the specific considerations of your case. If child abuse or neglect is a significant factor in your case, you will want a lawyer who can weave this into an argument for sole custody, for instance. This is particularly important in Chicago courts, where there needs to be compelling evidence to prove your case. Getting a lawyer who is well-versed with these laws and provisions can help you with this regard.