Child custody lawyers are a type of family law attorneys who handle cases related to child custody, support, and other family-related issues. These legal professionals handle divorce, child custody, spousal, and child support, adoptions, and paternity issues.
When searching for a family law attorney to assist with your child custody and support questions, knowing how to choose the right one and understanding their fee structure is essential. This guide will provide insight into selecting a family law attorney and their payment arrangements.
How Do I Pick A Family Law Attorney?
When facing or considering filing a divorce and/or child custody case, you might be uncertain about how to select the best attorney for your needs.
One of the primary factors to consider is geographic location. Each jurisdiction has its own set of laws governing divorces and other family law matters. Therefore, find a lawyer who practices within your state and, if possible, within your city or county.
Since family law cases must be filed in the appropriate court and location, typically the county/parish/borough where you reside, hiring a local attorney ensures that they are familiar with state law and local court rules, making the filing process smoother.
Another essential consideration is the attorney’s experience in child custody, divorces, or the specific type of case you need assistance with. Family law attorneys usually have some experience with these issues, as they are the most common cases they handle. However, if your situation requires a lawyer who has experience in a particular area of family law, you may want to examine the potential attorney more closely.
State bar websites often list practicing lawyers and their practice areas. Some state bars also have certifications for specific areas of the law, where an attorney demonstrates their knowledge through additional testing.
How Are Family Lawyers Paid?
Family lawyers primarily use two payment methods: retainer or hourly. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your situation with a potential attorney to determine the necessary steps to address your legal issues.
If you and the attorney agree to work together, you will review and sign a contract formalizing the lawyer/client relationship. This contract outlines the lawyer’s representation scope, the rights and duties of each party, and the payment method.
Retainer
Hiring a lawyer on a retainer basis means that the client provides a specific amount of money upfront or through scheduled payments. The attorney will quote a price during your consultation, and once the payment is made, they will begin working on your case, using the money to cover filing fees and attorney’s fees as the work progresses. If any funds remain after the case is finalized, the attorney will return the unused funds to the client. Some attorneys require the entire retainer upfront, while others may ask for half upfront and the rest in scheduled payments.
Retainers are a common method of payment for lawyers and law firms, particularly in cases that require ongoing or extended legal representation. The exact terms of the retainer agreement can vary depending on the attorney and the specific circumstances of the case. For example, some retainer agreements may stipulate that the attorney will bill the client for additional fees beyond the retainer amount, while others may include all legal services in the initial retainer payment.
Retainers can provide several advantages for both the client and the attorney. For the client, a retainer payment can provide financial predictability, allowing them to budget for legal fees and avoid surprise bills. Additionally, having a retainer in place can help ensure that the attorney prioritizes the client’s case and is available to provide ongoing legal advice and representation.
For the attorney, a retainer payment can provide financial security and help them manage their cash flow. It can also help ensure that the attorney is compensated for their time, particularly in cases that require significant preparation or ongoing representation.
Hourly Fees
In the hourly billing method, a family lawyer charges clients based on the number of hours they spend working on a specific case. This payment option is less common than retainer fees but can be more suitable for some clients and cases. With hourly billing, the attorney typically has an established hourly rate for their services. They will keep a detailed record of the time spent on various tasks related to your case and invoice you periodically (usually monthly) for the hours worked.
Example
For instance, let’s say you are involved in a child custody dispute, and you decide to hire a family lawyer who charges an hourly rate of $250. The attorney will provide you with a breakdown of their hourly rate and may require an initial deposit (sometimes referred to as a “trust account” or “evergreen retainer”) to cover some of the upcoming costs. This deposit is not the same as a retainer fee – it’s more like a security deposit that the attorney will draw from as they bill you for their services.
As your case progresses, the attorney will spend time on various tasks such as research, drafting documents, meeting with you, communicating with the opposing counsel, and representing you in court. They will diligently track the time spent on each task, often in increments of minutes or hours. For example, the attorney might spend 1.5 hours reviewing documents, 2 hours in a meeting with you, and 4 hours representing you in court. The total time spent on these tasks would be 7.5 hours.
At the end of the billing period (usually monthly), the attorney will provide you with an itemized invoice detailing the hours they spent on each task related to your case. In this example, the invoice would reflect 7.5 hours of work at a rate of $250 per hour, resulting in a total bill of $1,875. The attorney would then deduct the billed amount from your initial deposit, and you may be required to replenish the deposit to cover future expenses.
The hourly billing method can be advantageous for clients who prefer transparency in their legal fees and want to pay only for the actual time spent on their case. However, it can be difficult to predict the total cost of legal services since it depends on the time the attorney spends on the case. In some instances, hourly billing may result in lower overall costs, while in others, it may be more expensive than a fixed retainer fee. Discuss payment options with your potential family lawyer to determine the best method for your specific case and budget.
Do I Need An Attorney For A Child Custody Case?
Yes. Legal matters, including divorces and child custody cases, can be complex and intimidating. These cases often involve emotional and stressful times for all family members, making it crucial to have a lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced child custody lawyer in your area will know the best strategies for resolving conflicts and will advocate for you throughout the process.
How Can LegalMatch Help You?
LegalMatch is a valuable resource for anyone who needs legal representation for a child custody case. LegalMatch provides an online platform where people can connect with local attorneys who practice family law, including child custody cases. You can submit information about your case through LegalMatch’s secure online platform, and it will match you with attorneys in your area who have experience handling cases similar to yours. You can review the attorneys’ profiles and choose the one that best fits your needs.
LegalMatch also provides client reviews of attorneys, so you can see what other clients have to say about their experiences with the lawyer before making a decision.
Use LegalMatch to find a qualified and experienced attorney to represent you in your child custody case.
