In the State of Nebraska, how much a custody attorney costs will depend on numerous different factors. There are many issues in Nebraska child custody cases that may affect the overall cost of hiring a custody lawyer, especially with contested cases.
Due to the fact that custody cases may require more work than other types of cases, they are likely to cost more to resolve. On average, a custody dispute can cost an individual between $1,500 to $20,000 or more.
Parents should know that most child custody issues can be resolved without having to go to court, which can save everyone involved time and money. The parties in child custody disputes can reach their own agreement about a custody arrangement that works best for them.
Their lawyer will then put their agreement into writing, making sure it is enforceable and properly submitted. The court will then approve the agreement, which will be legally binding.
Even though parents are allowed to reach and submit their own custody agreements without help from a local attorney in Nebraska, when they do, they may have issues with enforcement in the future. If a dispute does arise at a later day, it may result in another costly and lengthy court battle.
Because of this, both parties should have their own legal representation to ensure their individual rights are protected. It will also ensure that they understand how all of the options available in their case will affect them personally.
What Can a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer in Nebraska can help a parent navigate the legal system during what may be a stressful and difficult time. Having a custody lawyer can help a parent prepare for the issues that may arise in their unique case.
One important service that a custody lawyer can provide is to help parents come to an agreement that meets all of their custody needs. When a custody attorney drafts the agreement for parents, it will help ensure that it covers all of the issues, includes the proper language, and is legally enforceable.
In addition to these important issues, there are also many other services that child custody attorneys can provide, including:
- Providing legal advice
- Creating a strategy that is tailored to the unique child custody issues in the case
- Assisting with negotiations to come to a child custody arrangement
- Ensuring the paperwork meets the legal requirements in Nebraska
- Preparing documents, including:
- declarations
- custody petitions
- responses
- Representing a parent during the mediation process
- Representing a parent in court when negotiations are not successful, which includes:
- protecting their interests in court
- presenting their case
- introducing evidence
- examining witnesses
- arguing on their behalf
With any case involving a child, including custody disputes, courts make decisions based on the child’s best interest standard. This means that both of the child’s parents should have their own attorneys to ensure their individual interests are protected, and their case is focused on the best interests of their child.
A lawyer can do all of the strategic planning and required research so they can present the strongest possible cases for their client. Lawyers are also called counselors because they can provide clients with emotional support and guidance while they advocate on their behalf, which can provide them with a sense of security during a stressful time.
What Factors Can Impact the Cost of a Child Custody Lawyer?
As discussed above, there are numerous different issues that may affect how much it will cost to hire a child custody lawyer. The fee arrangement that the attorney uses will likely have the most impact on the cost of the case.
An attorney may also charge higher fees because of other factors, including:
- Their reputation, ability, and experience
- Their geographical location
- The amount of time they think it will take to resolve the case
- How challenging they perceive the case may be
How Much Does It Cost to File for Custody?
How much it costs to file for custody will vary by case, depending on the factors discussed above and others discussed below. Common examples of factors that may affect the cost of filing for custody may include:
- The specific issues in the custody case: An uncontested custody case is often quicker to resolve than a contested case. This is because contested cases may require:
- court time
- filing temporary motions
- depositions
- hiring an expert witness
- Expert witnesses: Custody cases may require expert witnesses, for example, a child psychologist, which will add to the overall cost of the case.
- The cost of hiring an expert in a child custody case may range anywhere from $1,500 to more than $5,000.
- Miscellaneous fees: There may also be additional fees in child custody cases, such as:
- court filing costs
- certified copies
- process servers
- a mediator
- other necessary fees for handling day-to-day issues
How Much Does a Custody Modification Cost?
When an already existing custody order needs to be modified, it will typically cost less than it did to obtain the original order. When a parent requests a modification, they may have to show the court that there has been a material change in circumstances.
The lawyer for the parent who is making the request will gather and present evidence to show the material change occurred. In most cases, there will be a hearing where both parents will be able to present evidence and arguments.
Modifying a custody order is typically similar to obtaining the first custody order. When a parent wants to request a modification of an existing order, their attorney will submit the request to the court, serve it on the other parent, and present their case.
In addition to costing less, the modification often takes less time to obtain than the original order. These are the factors that usually result in a lower cost.
Who Pays the Attorney Fees in a Child Custody Case?
In child custody cases, each of the parents is expected to pay their own individual attorney’s fees. That is what occurs in most cases, with few exceptions.
Parents should be aware that if they try to delay the process on purpose in order to negatively affect the other parent’s finances, the court may require them to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees. In addition, if one parent’s income is much higher than the others, the court may require them to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees.
Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
If you have any type of child custody dispute, issue, or question in Nebraska, it is essential to consult with a Nebraska child custody lawyer. Your attorney can present the best possible case based on your child’s best interests, which will help ensure the success of your arguments to the court.
LegalMatch.com can help you find a child custody lawyer at no charge. All you need to do is submit your issue on the website, and you will get responses from member attorneys near you who are licensed and pre-screened.
Your child custody attorney will represent you during all aspects of your case, including negotiations and court appearances. Having a lawyer on your side will ensure your parental rights are protected and let you focus on your child during this stressful time.
