Should I represent myself in child custody matters or have a lawyer?
Meandthekids asked:
It’s not an abuse/neglect situation. It’s an agreement that was already in place between the other parent and me. Over time, we have both come to disagreement over custodial schedule issues. Is it okay to represent myself or should I really have a lawyer present?
It’s not an abuse/neglect situation. It’s an agreement that was already in place between the other parent and me. Over time, we have both come to disagreement over custodial schedule issues. Is it okay to represent myself or should I really have a lawyer present?
January 29th, 2010 at 8:31 am
I’d have a lawyer or at least receive a consultation so they can tell you if they feel you should have one or not…
January 30th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
If you are not the custodial parent, definitely have a lawyer present.
Had I known that prior to attempting to represent myself things would have turned out a lot different.
Good luck.
January 31st, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I would get a lawyer.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
You should probably contact a family law attorney, unless you and the other parent can come to some kind of agreement on your own, but it doesn’t sound that way.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Lawyer.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Get a Lawyer in Family Law it will save you alot of hassle. Good Luck.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:06 am
The issues of child custody are complex and the law is constantly evolving on this issue. You will save yourself untold money in the long run by hiring an attorney to help you unravel this.
If its a disagreement regarding scheduling issues ONLY, then perhaps you should consider family mediation. In family mediation, a trained family mediator or counselor meets with the parties (sometimes individually, sometimes together, or both), and helps the parties to come to an agreement regarding the issues. If the mediation process breaks down, the parties still have the option of going to court. BUT, mediation is generally less expensive and mediated agreements tend to work better, because the parties have made the effort to make the agreement,.. .and are more likely to help make it work.
For a referral to a lawyer and/or mediator, contact your local or state bar association.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
I have never known of a legal situation where the advice is anything different than get a lawyer.
The court might order a mediator if the parties can’t agree. There ARE times in this world where parents can sit down outside of court, and find SOME way to come to a compromise, as long as both are concerned most with what is best for the kids. It sure would save on lawyer fees for both, when that money could be used for the kids.
Obviously… you are past that point, which is why you are asking. Thus, it only seems logical that you need to protect yourself, even if you don’t want to. A lot of parents are FORCED to deal with it on their own, for lack of money. Sometimes, they do better if they have educated themself, and know how to present their case to the best advantage. Some lawyers are not worth the dime you spend.