Imagine having to separate from someone you thought you’d spend your life with. This can lead to severe emotional distress whichcan cause a plethora of other problems. Now, imagine how much more difficult this scenario becomes when you’re fighting for custody of your children.
Getting the desired results can seem impossible, but it’s more straightforward than it seems. You can leverage advice from a family law attorney in Omaha to navigate the nuances of obtaining child custody. Let’s explore the most important details you should keep in mind before you hire a lawyer.
1. Educate Yourself on the Process
To give yourself the best chance of obtaining custody, it’s imperative to educate yourself on how the process works. To clarify, you’ll need to understand exactly what child custody entails.
You’ll also need to work with a reputable attorney. Judges sometimes award partial custody to both spouses, which is something that can easily become complicated. Before moving forward, it’s best to establish your needs and determine what’s best for you and your children.
For example, let’s assume you want full custody of your kids. However, your former spouse’s home is much closer to their school and where their friends live. It wouldn’t be fair to your children to take them away simply because you want full custody.
There’s also something to be said about preventing children from seeing one of their parents. Every situation is different, though. There are plenty of circumstances where letting a child stay with a former spouse will put them in danger.
2. Don’t Harm Your Case
One of the biggest mistakes people make is engaging in activity that harms their case. Depending on the situation, this can sometimes be something as innocuous as sending a text message to your former spouse. Stay fully aware of the circumstances regarding your divorce.
If you and your spouse divorce amicably, there likely won’t be problems. If you or the other party filed for divorce, though, a multitude of issues can arise. This is especially true if the other party contests the divorce after you file for one.
3. Stay Organized
Staying organized and documenting important information can substantially improve your outcome. The more organized you are, the better.
Judges assess parents on a variety of factors before deciding how to grant custody. For instance, a judge would be unlikely to grant custody to a former spouse who has been fired often and has a substance abuse problem. In contrast, someone who is organized and diligent is a much better candidate.
Staying organized will also help your attorney work on your case. They’ll likely ask you for a large amount of information, and you can speed up the process if you can provide it promptly.
4. Maintain Positive Communication
When communicating with your former spouse, it’s in your best interest to keep all your interactions positive. This is true even if your former partner behaves negatively towards you. To elucidate, assume your ex-husband frequently sends you inflammatory or provocative messages.
If you respond to these messages negatively, you lose the ability to illuminate how unfit they are for child custody. In contrast, imagine if you never responded at all or stayed positive whenever you communicated with them.
Your attorney could use this information to show the judge you are more mentally stable than your former spouse. By extension, this will also make you the better option regarding child custody.
5. Always Cooperate
Cooperation is key under all circumstances. For example, assume the judge imposes a court order that prevents you from being in the same room as your former spouse.
Violating these terms can quickly sway the odds in your spouse’s favor. You should always cooperate with your attorney, as well. They will give you actionable advice on how to behave and what information to provide.
Some people make the mistake of disregarding their obligations due to how stressful divorce can be. Do your best to overcome the negativity a divorce can cause and handle your responsibilities. Doing so goes a long way toward getting the outcome you desire.
Finding a Family Law Attorney in Omaha
The lawyer you work with plays a large role in the results you get. It’s never recommended to settle during your search until you find someone suitable for your needs. Exploring their past reputation is a great way to get started.
This will provide valuable insight into their key attributes. See what other people online have to say about the attorney’s professionalism, reliability, and communicativeness. It’s important to keep an eye out for fake reviews while looking for a lawyer.
These are typically posted in batches and often have similar formatting/keywords. Ask about their pricing structure, as well. Some family lawyers bill their clients hourly, while others charge a flat fee.
Understanding this information will prevent financial surprises from arising.
Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the attorney. Many people overlook this attribute, but it’s one of the most important to consider when looking for an Omaha family attorney.
Check to see if the attorney specializes in family law. This will help ensure they understand the nuances of your case and have encountered situations like yours before.
Their overall level of experience plays a large role, as well. Ideally, you’ll work with a family law attorney who’s been in the industry for at least 10 years. Do your due diligence while looking so you avoid Omaha lawyers who won’t be able to help you reach your goals.
Pursue Custody Appropriately
The information in this guide will go a long way toward helping you maximize your chances of obtaining custody. You’ll also avoid a large number of pitfalls you may have otherwise encountered. Just be sure to find a reputable family law attorney in Omaha.
Husker Law prides itself on providing legal representation to those in need regardless of the circumstances. We specialize in family law and divorce, allowing us to help our clients get their lives back on track.
Do you need to hire a lawyer for your situation? We’re here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling us at (402) 415-2525 or by reaching out online today!
