Missouri’s specific custody attorney cost will vary depending on many different factors. There are numerous considerations in Missouri child custody issues that can affect the overall costs of the case, especially when the case is contested.
Due to the amount of work that may be involved in child custody cases, custody attorney costs may be higher than the costs of other types of cases. On average, a child custody dispute will range anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000 or more.
Parents should be aware that a child custody case can be resolved without actually having to go to court. This can save both time and money for all of the parties involved.
The parents of a child may be able to come to an agreement regarding the custody of their child. Their lawyer can then memorialize that agreement in writing and submit it for approval to the family court.
It is important to note that there may be filing fees that the parents will be required to pay in addition to their attorney’s fees. Although parents can draft their own custody agreements without assistance from a local attorney in Missouri, if they do so, they may face issues later on with the validity or the enforcement of their agreement.
If this occurs, the custody dispute can result in a costly and lengthy court case. Because of this, it is essential to reach out to an attorney and understand all of the options that are available in their child custody case.
When this happens, the custody dispute may result in a costly court battle. Due to this issue, it is very important to consult with a lawyer and to understand all of the options that are available in a child custody case.
What Can a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer in Missouri can help parents navigate through the legal system and understand any issues that may be involved in their child custody case. A lawyer can also assist parents with reaching an agreement on their child custody issue.
When a parent has their lawyer draft their agreement, it ensures that they will have an enforceable custody agreement. This process may assist parents in avoiding costly legal disputes in the future.
Examples of issues that child custody lawyers can handle may include, but are not limited to:
- Providing clients with legal advice
- Helping negotiate a child custody arrangement with the other parent or the other parent’s legal counsel
- Guiding their client through mediation
- Creating a legal strategy that is specifically tailored to their client’s child custody issues
- Preparing necessary documents, such as:
- Custody petitions
- Declarations
- Responses
- Ensuring all of the paperwork meets the legal requirements in Missouri
- Representing their client in court in situations when negotiations are not successful, which includes:
- Representing their client’s interests in court
- Introducing evidence
- Presenting their case
- Examining witnesses
- Arguing on their client’s behalf
In all child custody cases, the focus will be on the best interests of the child. It is essential for both parents to have legal representation in these situations because it helps ensure that the case is centered around the child’s best interest standard.
A lawyer will conduct the necessary legal research and create the strongest case possible for their client based on the current precedents and laws that will apply in their case. Another very important function of a lawyer that many individuals do not consider is that of a counselor.
A lawyer, in this role, can help provide their clients with emotional guidance and support while, at the same time, advocating on their behalf until the issue is resolved.
What Factors Can Impact the Cost of a Child Custody Lawyer?
As discussed previously, there are numerous different factors that can impact how much a child custody attorney costs. One of the main factors that affects the cost of an attorney is the fees that they charge.
Some lawyers charge more than other lawyers because of certain factors, for example:
- The reputation, experience, and ability of the lawyer
- The amount of time that the lawyer believes they will spend on the case
- The geographical location of the lawyer
- How difficult the lawyer thinks the case will be
The client should note that the court does have the ability to require one parent to pay for another parent’s attorney’s fees. This may occur when a spouse cannot afford their own lawyer or if there is a considerable difference in the financial status of the parents.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Custody?
The cost of filing for child custody will vary based on numerous factors in addition to those listed above. Examples of things that may affect the overall cost of filing for child custody include:
- The type of custody issue or case: A child custody case that is not contested will typically cost less to resolve than a contested case.
- If a child custody case is contested, it may require:
- depositions
- court time
- filing temporary motions
- hiring expert witnesses, for example, child psychologists and other experts
- Specialists and expert witnesses: A child custody case can require the help of an expert, for example, a child psychologist, which will increase the cost of the case.
- Expert witnesses are typically hired in custody cases to conduct child custody evaluations that involve tests, interviews, and professional observations.
- The costs of hiring this type of expert may range from $1,500 to more than $5,000.
- Miscellaneous fees: There may also be other miscellaneous fees that apply in a child custody case, such as:
- paying process servers
- paying for certified copies
- paying for a mediator
- paying court filing costs
- other fees that may be required on a day-to-day basis when handling a child custody case
How Much Does a Custody Modification Cost?
A child custody modification may require an individual to pay all of the costs and issues that were discussed above for obtaining the original custody order. Parents who are seeking modification of custody order may be required to show that there was a significant material change in circumstances after the original custody order was issued.
The parent and their lawyer will need to gather the proper evidence to demonstrate that there was actually a material change in circumstances. Typically, there will be a hearing in family court for both sides to present evidence as well as discuss their issues.
Modification of a child custody order will be very similar to obtaining the original order. The parent requesting the modification will need to file their request in court, service the other parent, and present their case in court.
Modifications, however, are usually less time-consuming. Because of that, it is likely that they will cost less than the original custody order.
Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Child Custody Case?
Typically, each of the parties in a child custody case will pay for their own lawyer’s fees. In some cases, however, the court may order one of the parents to pay the other parent’s attorneys’ fees.
This may be ordered if there is a significant difference in the earning power of the parents. It may also be ordered when one of the parties is attempting to drag out the case purposefully in order to financially impact the other parent.
Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
If you are dealing with any type of child custody issue or dispute in Missouri, it is essential to consult with a Missouri child custody lawyer. Your lawyer will know the best strategy to build your case around the child’s best interests standard.
Your lawyer can represent you during any court appearances, negotiations, and mediation. This will ensure that your parental rights are protected and that you will have the best chance at the outcome you desire in your custody case.
