In Connecticut, a custody attorney’s cost can vary depending on numerous different factors and circumstances. There are many different considerations related to Connecticut child custody issues that may have an effect on the overall cost of the custody lawyer, especially in contested custody cases.
Because of the amount of work that can be involved in custody cases, these types of cases can cost significantly more to resolve than other types of legal issues. A child custody dispute can, on average, cost anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000 or more.
It is important for parents to know that the majority of child custody issues can be resolved without going to court. Doing so can save all of the people involved time, money, and stress.
A child’s parents are permitted to reach their own agreements about the custody of their child. Their lawyer can then put their terms in writing and submit their agreement to the court for approval.
It is also important for parents to be aware that they may be required to pay filing fees in addition to their attorney’s fees. Even though it is possible for parents to draft a custody agreement on their own without the help of a local attorney in Connecticut, if they choose to do so, it can result in future issues and disputes.
If a future dispute does arise, it can lead to a costly court case. It is always important for both of the parents to have their own lawyers so they can understand all of the options in their case and ensure their parental rights are protected.
What Can a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer in Connecticut will help their client navigate the child custody legal system. In addition, they can explain the specific issues that may arise in each client’s unique custody case.
Custody lawyers can help parents reach agreements that satisfy all of their needs and schedules. When parents allow their lawyer to draft their custody agreement, it will help ensure that the agreement is legally binding and properly submitted for approval.
There are also many other ways that child custody lawyers can help parents, including:
- Providing legal advice
- Creating a legal strategy that is specifically tailored to child custody issues in the case
- Helping with negotiations to reach an arrangement with the other parent or the other parent’s lawyer
- Ensuring all of the paperwork meets the legal requirements in Connecticut
- Preparing any required documents, such as:
- Custody petitions
- Responses
- Declarations
- Guiding clients through mediation
- Representing clients in court when negotiations are not successful, which may include:
- Representing their client’s interests in court
- Presenting their case
- Introducing evidence
- Arguing on their client’s behalf
- Examining witnesses
Courts handling any type of child custody case will order what is in the best interests of the child or children involved in the case. When the parents have their own separate legal representation, it helps ensure that their case can focus on the child’s best interest standard.
A parent’s lawyer will conduct the required research and plan to make the strongest case possible for their client based on the laws that apply in their case. Lawyers are also referred to as counselors, which is another important role that they play for their clients.
Especially in custody cases, lawyers can provide parents with emotional guidance and support and advocate on their client’s behalf while preserving their legal rights. This can give parents the security of knowing that their claim is being properly handled during what is likely a stressful time.
What Factors Can Impact the Cost of a Child Custody Lawyer?
As noted above, there are many different issues that can affect the cost of a child custody attorney. The fee schedule that the lawyer will use is one of the most influential factors.
A lawyer may charge a higher fee for their services than other lawyers in their area based on certain factors, such as:
- The amount of time they believe they will spend handling the case
- Their geographical location
- Their ability, experience, and reputation
- How challenging the lawyer thinks the case may be to resolve
How Much Does It Cost to File for Custody?
The amount it will cost for a parent to file for child custody will depend on many factors in addition to those listed above. Examples of specific issues that may affect the cost of a child custody case include:
- The issues in the child custody case: Uncontested child custody cases are often resolved more quickly than contested cases.
- Contested child custody cases may require:
- depositions
- filing temporary motions
- court time
- hiring expert witnesses, such as child psychologists or other experts
- Expert witnesses and specialists: Custody cases can require expert witnesses and specialists, such as a child psychologist. This will increase the overall cost of the case.
- The cost of hiring experts in custody cases may range from $1,500 to more than $5,000.
- Miscellaneous fees: There can also be additional fees that will apply in child custody cases, such as:
- court filing costs
- process servers
- certified copies
- mediator
- other fees that may be necessary for handling the day-to-day issues in a child custody case
How Much Does a Custody Modification Cost?
The cost of a modification of a child custody order may be similar to that of the original order but is typically less. A parent who needs to modify an existing custody order may have to show the court that a material change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was issued.
The parent making the modification request and their attorney will have to obtain the evidence to show that there has been a material change. In the majority of cases, a modification hearing will be held that allows both sides to present their arguments, evidence, and other concerns they may have.
Modifying an existing custody order is often similar to obtaining the original custody order. The parent requesting a modification may submit their request to the court, have it served on the other parent, and attend the hearing to present their arguments.
A modification typically takes less time to complete than obtaining the original order. Because of this, it is often cheaper than obtaining the original order.
Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Child Custody Case?
Each of the parents in a child custody case will typically pay their own lawyer’s fees. In certain situations, a court may order one of the parents to pay the other parent’s fees.
This may be done in cases where one of the parents makes significantly more money than the child’s other parent. This can also be done if the court determines that one of the parents is trying to purposefully delay the process to have a negative effect on the other party’s finances.
Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
If you have any child custody concerns in Connecticut, it is important to consult with a Connecticut child custody lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can develop a compelling strategy based on the best interests of your child, which will help your claim be as successful as possible.
You can easily use LegalMatch to find a custody attorney in your area of Connecticut who can help you with your issue. Your lawyer will be there to represent you during negotiations, mediation, and all court appearances. Having legal representation helps ensure your parental rights are protected and that you have the best chance at obtaining your desired outcome in your case.
