A child custody attorney can help either a mother or a father set acceptable terms of custody for a minor child during a separation or divorce. They can also handle filing for modifications to existing custody orders. Disputes over custody may arise because one parent wishes to move out of state, or if one parent suspects the other of not caring properly for the child. In some cases, a non-custodial parent may petition for joint custody in order to minimize or eliminate child support payments. Child custody attorneys specialize in handling these acrimonious disputes. The price of hiring a child custody attorney often depends on the experience level of the lawyer. The amount of paperwork, consultation, and the number of court appearance required can drive the costs up significantly. Outcomes often depend on the amount of money that a parent can afford to spend.