Summary
A child custody lawyer free consultation can help parents understand their rights, options, and risks before or after major changes in a family situation. This guide explains the most common moments when speaking with a custody attorney is especially important for protecting your child's best interests.
- When you're planning a divorce, a free consultation helps you understand likely custody outcomes before taking legal action.
- If your spouse has already spoken to a lawyer, getting your own child custody lawyer free consultation ensures you're not at a disadvantage.
- Parents pursuing a collaborative separation can still benefit from legal guidance to review agreements and court filings.
- Major life changes—like relocation or substance abuse—may justify modifying an existing custody order.
- If you believe your child is facing serious harm, a lawyer can advise on urgent options such as emergency custody orders.
———————
When couples with children are considering a divorce, child custody is often one of the first concerns that crosses their minds.
With parents creating two separate households, a change in parenting relationships and time spent with children is unavoidable. Similarly, many parents wonder about aspects of legal custody - how important decisions will be made for their children, and to what level each parent will be involved.
Of course, issues can arise after a divorce, too. A co-parent might deny visitation or break an existing child custody agreement. And, a major change in life circumstances, like one parent moving to a different state, can also cause concerns about custody.
So, when should parents consider speaking with a child custody lawyer? Let's look at a few common scenarios.
When to Schedule a Free Custody Lawyer Consultation
When You Know You Want a Divorce
Planning an exit strategy for a divorce covers many different actions, from establishing personal bank accounts to creating a post-separation budget. It also includes speaking with a divorce attorney before making your intent to divorce your spouse known to them.
For parents who have children, this is the right time to discuss child custody. Free consultations for family law and divorce give you an opportunity to review your situation and learn about potential outcomes. As no less of an authority than the State of Georgia points out, seeking legal advice before petitioning for child custody is recommended for every parent.
When Your Spouse Has Already Spoken to a Lawyer
This is the opposite scenario of what we've just reviewed. If you learn your spouse wants a divorce and has already sought out a free consultation with a lawyer for child custody and other important matters related to the marriage ending, it's time to speak with a lawyer yourself.
A free lawyer consultation for child custody can give you some peace of mind as you learn about potential options for both physical and legal custody. Additionally, you can meet with lawyers and law firms to start addressing the many needs that come with a divorce, including but not limited to child custody.
When You and Your Spouse Decide to Separate Together
Divorce isn't always adversarial. Collaborative divorce involves working together to compromise and find the best possible resolution for everyone involved, including parents and children. Instead of opposing each other, soon-to-be ex-spouses negotiate with the help of a legal team.
If you and your spouse have agreed to separate, working together in a collaborative model can save time and money. While not an adversarial approach to divorce, a couple often still needs legal representation to provide counsel and advice through this process and to present their agreements to the court.
When a Major Change for a Divorced Parent Will Affect a Child
The child's best interests are the most important factor in custody issues, as Georgia Legal Aid reminds us. And, Georgia courts limit when custody orders can be changed.
However, it is possible to change a custody order when new and material conditions exist that substantially affect the interests and welfare of the child.
This can include physical changes, such as a parent moving far away and rendering a joint physical custody agreement difficult to manage on a practical level. It can also include situations where a parent takes a negative action or finds themselves in adverse circumstances that harm a child's best interests. For example, a parent developing an alcohol or drug dependency.
When You Genuinely Believe Your Child is Exposed to Serious Harm
If you sincerely believe that your co-parent is harming your child or putting them in situations where they could be harmed, whether physically or emotionally, it's crucial to speak with a child custody lawyer.
You have legal options to keep your children safe, including an emergency child custody order. Securing an emergency order can be a realistic outcome when you have clear evidence of your child facing or experiencing serious harm. However, it's crucial to speak with an attorney to navigate this process, learn what types of evidence and testimony support your case, and move forward quickly in a complex legal situation.
Affordable Family Law Attorney: Free Consultation
Meriwether & Tharp, LLC, connects you with a knowledgeable and experienced team of lawyers and legal support professionals for family law matters. Need a child custody lawyer free consultation? Schedule yours now!