Custody Attorney: Benefits and Costs

If you are going through a divorce, you need to consider a custody attorney; benefits and costs should be carefully weighed when deciding whether to hire a custody attorney or not.

Custody Attorney: Benefits and Costs

While each state is different regarding the costs of hiring a custody attorney, the usual cash ranges can be anywhere from $2500 - $5000. This is a ballpark figure for just a simple custody case. For example, a best case scenario occurs when both parents are in agreement. This would result in lower legal costs. However if both parents are at odds, and in total disagreement regarding a potential custody arrangement then naturally legal costs for the service of a custody attorney could go upwards to around $30,000 or more.

A custody attorney might base his or her fee for service more on the time spent in court as opposed to general office consultations. However, it is not unheard of to be charged for all communication that you have with the custody attorney. Some may have an a la carte menu that lists their fees for phone calls and emails made on your behalf as well as any interaction that they may have with you. Additionally, you might be charged a flat fee for paperwork prepared for your custody hearing.

How You Are Charged

Most custody attorneys will charge an upfront retainer and when all of the money has dissipated, then you will be re-billed for the next retainer installment. This retainer may or may not cover court filing fees, document copying, messages, postage, paralegal time, process servers, and other costs which may pop up along the way.

You should have at least $3000 set aside prior to considering hiring a custody attorney. Also you might want to do a bit shopping around before settling on one custody attorney. Have a checklist of questions that you need answered regarding how such attorneys handle a custody case. Find out if they will still help you should you lose your job or any income that you usually use to pay them.

Discern whether or not they are actually about helping out your situation or if they are money hungry. After a bit of research and a few telephone calls, you should be able to find a suitable custody attorney who takes their job serious and will be more than happy to assist you with your custody situation.

Getting Help

Consider initially consulting with legal aid to see where you stand in your custody case. Once you do this then it should be easier to find a custody attorney. Many people opt not to use the services with a custody attorney. They may feel that the costs are too expensive however if you have a custody attorney in your corner, you can bet that your chances of a positive outcome will be higher.

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