My Ex Filed for Custody of Our Children-What Do I Do Now?

Read on for several tips to keep in mind if you or your ex-partner is filing for custody. You should hire a lawyer who specializes in Family law and helps you to gather all documentation and guide you about the legal process including child support matters. If you already have a family lawyer, you have to contact your lawyer immediately and let them know what has happened. Send copies of the documentation you've received and schedule an appointment to review your options.

What to ask your child custody Lawyer - if you are searching for a lawyer but didn't find the right one you can ask your referrals from your friends and family members. During the interview, you need to ask some helpful questions regarding your child's perspective and ask your child custody lawyer about the types of cases they usually take on and which ones they're particularly passionate about.

Other questions including asking your prospective lawyer about how much time they have available to dedicate to your case, what their payment terms are--including inquiring about hidden costs like filing and printing fees, and travel-related to your case--and how and when information and updates will be communicated. There is also an option available for you to act as pro se and represent yourself without an attorney.

If you are filing for custody pro se, contact the clerk at your local family court and ask for all of the paperwork required to file for child custody without a lawyer, or find the information. Depending on your state of residence, forms can be printed from your computer. Otherwise, you may need to go to the courthouse in-person for the paperwork.