Child custody is one of the more sensitive and painful aspects of the divorce process. Child custody cases impact not only the disputing parties, but also their children, who are generally minors. It is therefore extremely important such cases are handled by qualified and competent child custody lawyers. Let us look into the key factors to be considered when hiring a child custody lawyer.

Experience in the field

You may have often wondered why different lawyers have different fee structures. The answer to this is experience. Lawyers with a substantial amount of experience have the benefit of having dealt with a large number of cases, making them exceedingly familiar with the laws and the legal procedures surrounding the case. Child custody lawyers deal with family laws. Thus, experienced lawyers would have dealt with thousands of family cases, allowing them to understand the nuances of each case and predict the outcomes of the case more effectively.  

Expertise and Reputation

Expertise refers to the area of law practiced by a lawyer. As the legal field comprises of various fields such as criminal, corporate, banking, real estate etc., it is important to select a lawyer that is experienced in family law, when dealing with child custody cases. A lawyer’s expertise and reputation can have a significant impact on your case. Outside of legal expertise, a reputed lawyer can also help in enabling amicable negotiations and settlements.

Accessibility and Communication

It is always important to understand the communication process of the lawyer that you are hiring. Certain lawyers may be hard to access as a result of their many commitments, due to which they may not be able to provide regular updates. However, an increasing number of lawyers now set up a dedicated system to issue regular updates to their clients regarding the ongoing litigation, and also make themselves available to answer any legal queries that their clients may have.

Understanding and Empathy

Child custody is a sensitive matter that requires a high amount of empathy. This is also reflected in the way UAE laws and the UAE courts handle child custody cases wherein they prioritize the best interests of the child above all else. Therefore, it is extremely important that child custody lawyers are able to deal with the cases with sensitivity, not only so that they are in line with the policies of the country, but also to minimize the impact of the court cases on the children involved.

Knowledge of local court procedures and local culture

Court procedures vary in different jurisdictions. Knowledge of the practical aspects of court procedure is gained through active participation in the field. It is therefore extremely important to select a lawyer who is aware of the local court procedures. Similarly, knowledge of the culture of the land is also important, particularly in child custody and family cases as they involve personal matters, which are directly impacted by local cultures and practices. These aspects can also help the lawyer predict the outcome of the case, and help you prepare for the future of your children.

Conclusion

To secure the safety of the children and to ensure the best outcome in a child custody case, it is essential that you choose the right lawyer, who will help you effectively navigate the legal system and guarantee a favorable outcome.