Child custody lawyers are available to assist parents in custody cases over a child or children. A child custody lawyer will often be practiced in divorce law as well. Because the two go hand in hand and generally the court has jurisdiction of divorce proceedings. And determines which parent gets to have custody of a child or children from a marriage.
Custody battles and negotiations can be incredibly stressful, difficult and hard to negotiate.
You need a good lawyer on your side to look after your child’s and your interests. It is important to feel safe and get reassurance by a professional when you are handling something like this.
About child custody in South Africa
When two people have a child together, they will usually be a couple who live together and are in a relationship. The child would therefore reside with both of them at the shared address.
However, if the two people are not a couple. Or if the relationship breaks up and the couple separate. They will have to decide where the child or children will live and who will take on which parental responsibilities.
Often, the negotiations between the two parents can become a battle. Both parents may want primary custody of the child. Or one parent may be trying to stop the other parent from getting custody or from having contact with the child.
When this sort of thing happens, it usually means that the negotiations will go to court. It is always a good idea, if you are battling something like this, to get a good child custody lawyer to represent you.
If you do, you can be sure that your best interests will be looked after. And that you will be in the right hands. You will be provided with information with regards to your rights. What the best course of action is and what outcomes you can reasonably expect.
This will definitely help to put your mind at ease in this tumultuous time.
Where to find a good lawyer
There a great number of child custody lawyers operating throughout the country. A good idea, when looking for the right one, is to ask friends, family members and acquaintances what their experiences with child custody lawyers have been. They may be able to recommend someone.
The following is a list to get you started comprising of reputable, well-known child custody lawyers who have good track records with this sort of thing.
- ENS Attorneys
- Nise Low Law
- MFWW Durban Attorneys
- Bregmans Attorneys
- ODBB Attorneys
There are, of course, a great number of other lawyers that you can find listed in most classifieds online and in print.
What makes a good child custody lawyer?
You will want to make sure that you find the best possible child custody lawyer. In order to make sure that your precious child or children remain in your custody or that you at least have access to them. A good child custody lawyer will be able to ensure that you are treated fairly.
The following are some points to keep in mind when you choose your child custody attorney.
- Go for a firm with a good reputation and track record
- Choose a lawyer who specialises in family law and has experience in it
- Go for a lawyer who takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and who provides you with all the necessary information
- Get a lawyer with a high success rate
- Go for a lawyer who puts you at ease and makes you feel comfortable
What to keep in mind when you are in a battle for child custody
Battling for the custody of your child can be incredibly difficult, emotionally, physically and financially. Keep in mind the following points to ensure that you do things the right way.
- Once you have taken your battle to court, do not make contact with your child’s other parent.
- Remember that this situation is very difficult for your child or children, so try to keep your stress hidden from them.
- Do not badmouth the other parent in front of your child and children.
- Keep things as civilised, mature and professional as possible in all dealings that have anything to do with the case.
Both parents have a legal duty to financially support their children no matter who gets custody. And the law states clearly that if one of the parents is not supporting a child then they can be sued by the other.
The duty of this legal support for a child ends when the child turns 18 and becomes independent and self supporting.
Be sure to find a lawyer that has dealt with many child custody cases and spent lots of time in divorce court. So that you know they have the experience to handle a case such as yours.
Ask lots of questions relevant to your particular case and circumstances. And try to make sure the lawyer you choose is experienced and stands a good chance of helping you get custody over your children.
Do your research and if you can afford to go with the larger well known law firms then do that. With a little research, especially on the Internet… You should soon be able to put together a list of child custody lawyers in your area that can help you.