Working With Your Fort Worth Custody Lawyer to Modify Child Custody
Making the decision to modify an existing child custody agreement is never easy. As a parent, you always want what is best for your child, but you also don’t want to unnecessarily disrupt their life or create conflict with your co-parent.
However, circumstances sometimes change, or the original custody order is no longer working. If you have determined it’s time to revisit the custody arrangement, there are steps you can take with a Fort Worth custody lawyer to do so constructively.
Consulting with a Fort Worth Custody Lawyer
If you know your children are in a situation where emergency custody or a custody change is necessary, the first step is to meet with an experienced Fort Worth, Texas custody attorney.
Custody disputes can become complex legal matters, so having professional guidance is highly recommended.
When looking for an custody lawyer in Fort Worth, reach out to Nilsson Legal Group. Our lawyers have extensive experience in family law and custody cases. We put our clients first and always ensure you feel comfortable communicating openly with our team.
During your initial free consultation with our team, explain your situation and reasons for wanting to modify custody. Provide documentation such as your current legal custody agreement, records showing issues with the current arrangement, and anything else relevant to your case.
Be open about what an ideal new arrangement would look like from your perspective.
Determining if There are Legal Grounds for Modification
Listen closely as your custody lawyer explains the legal grounds needed for a judge to consider changing custody. In most states, you must prove that a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the current agreement was made.
Examples could include someone wanting to move far away, issues with childcare, problems with compliance by one parent, or other major life changes.
We can review your particular situation and give our professional opinion on whether you have sufficient grounds to request a custody modification at this time.
Negotiating with the Other Parent
Ideally, you can reach a new custody agreement with your co-parent through direct negotiation and avoid going to court. Your attorney can help craft a proposed parenting plan you both agree on. Effective negotiation requires understanding your ex’s perspective, focusing on mutual goals like the child’s wellbeing, and seeking fair compromises.
However, not all cases can be resolved through agreement alone. If your co-parent absolutely refuses to consider changing the custody arrangement, won’t compromise, or negotiations break down, our attorneys can advise you on the next steps. This may involve filing paperwork to request a hearing before a judge.
Preparing for a Custody Hearing
If you and your co-parent cannot agree and asking the court to decide is necessary, your Fort Worth custody lawyer will help you build the strongest case possible. This includes gathering evidence and documents, lining up witnesses, putting together arguments and testimony to present before the judge, and more.
Some useful information for custody hearings includes school records, medical reports, statements from teachers or doctors, records of any services the child has received, and detailed accounts of issues under the current agreement. Also, be prepared to speak about your employment, living situation, relationship with your child, and any other relevant factors.
From there, our attorneys will know exactly how to present persuasive evidence and arguments in court. Call the Nilsson Legal Group to schedule your free consultation at (817) 953-6688.
Tips for Working Constructively with Your Lawyer
Going through custody disputes can be emotional, frustrating, and extremely stressful. Having an attorney guide you through the complex legal process makes a challenging situation far more manageable.
When it comes to modifying custody, we suggest following these tips for working constructively with your lawyer in order to bring you closer to your best possible outcome.
Be Organized and Prompt
Attorneys have many cases and represent many clients. We want to optimize the time we have with each client. You can make our job easier by being organized and prompt.
Provide the requested documents as soon as possible. Arrive early for meetings. Respond promptly to calls and emails so we can work efficiently.
Communicate Openly
Don’t hold back details about your situation, even embarrassing or negative facts. We need a complete picture of you and your co-parent’s situation to build the strongest case. Be candid when answering our questions. If you are unsure about any advice we bring to the table, ask for clarification rather than avoiding the issue.
Be Realistic
Understand that the family court system must balance the rights of both parents. Be realistic about the custody arrangement you may get. Seek compromise where possible. Listen if your attorney explains why your desired outcome may be unlikely or unreasonable legally.
Put Children First
By picking the right Fort Worth custody lawyer and working cooperatively with them, you can improve the odds of reaching a reasonable custody agreement, even if an agreement fails after the fact. At Nilsson Legal Group, we understand that conflicts over child custody are difficult. Our Fort Worth custody lawyers are prepared to offer professional legal advice that can help you protect your relationship with your child and advocate effectively for their needs.
In divorce agreements, your children come first. If you’ve gone through a divorce and are experiencing custodial bumps in the road, call Nilsson Legal Group today. Schedule your free consultation today.