Child custody in Washington involves many complex processes. Apart from all the paperwork, the court shall conduct a thorough investigation between the two parents. They need to evaluate many factors including the parties’ financial capacity, criminal records, and relationship with the children.
While some parents settle this issue on their own, it is best to get legal help to avoid disputes in the future. Feldman & Lee PS recommends consulting a child custody attorney in Maryville to determine the best approach to your situation.
Choosing a Reputable Law Firm
The first thing you need to do is find a trusted and experienced law firm that can work on your case. Start with your own network. Ask your relatives and friends for referrals or recommendations. Consider the lawyers’ expertise and the length of services in the field. Find out more about the previous cases they have handled.
During the initial consultation, make sure you’re talking to the actual person who will represent you in your case. Most of the time, bigger law firms have facilitators addressing the concerns of their prospective clients. Get the profile of the lawyer they will recommend and talk to them directly.
Discussing Your Concerns
Be clear on what you want to happen. Mention all the terms to your lawyer and learn about their perspective about the case. You can mention the visitation rights and child support, as well as discuss how to get full custody of the child. Typically, your lawyer will give you some pointers in case you need to attend court trials. They may also ask for some records or supporting documents that can be valuable to your case.
In case you have an agreement with the other parent, make sure everything is documented and signed by both parties. Your legal counsel can present the terms in court to make it official.