5 Traits to Look for in a New Jersey Child Custody Attorney

When it comes to finding a lawyer for a New Jersey child custody case, it is important to select an attorney who demonstrates several important traits. A New Jersey child custody attorney with these key attributes can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome for you and your child or children in a custody proceeding. There are five particular traits to for when seeking to retain the services of child custody lawyer in New Jersey:

• Knowledge
• Experience
• Passion
• Compassion
• Proactive

It is crucial to find a lawyer who has a keen understanding of all aspects of family law. This includes a thorough understanding of various factors and legal provisions that might be involved in your specific case. You need to be certain that an attorney has experience with any potential challenges that may arise that are rather unique to your situation. For example, a particularly challenging situation can be one that involves interstate jurisdiction issues or parental relocation. When in need to retain a New Jersey child custody lawyer, it is important to ask prospective counsel questions about experience in child custody cases, legal education, and whether an attorney has any special certifications that might be relevant to child custody matters.

Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling similar cases within New Jersey courts. Ask how long they have been practicing family law and if they have ever had any verdicts overturned in court or faced any disciplinary action by the state bar association. Also inquire about an attorney’s history of success in regard to cases similar to your own. You will also want to ask a prospective custody lawyer about his or her experience with alternative dispute resolution like child custody mediation. Child custody mediation is becoming more widely used in New Jersey.

Legal matters concerning children can be emotionally charged. In fact, child custody issues nearly always are emotional matters. As a consequence, it is important that you choose a lawyer who has a genuine concern for the welfare of your child during this process. You might even want to consider asking a prospective child custody attorney about his or her reasons for specializing in family law. You want to be able to get a feel for how invested a prospective lawyer will be in representing you in your child custody case.

The trait of compassion goes hand-in-hand with that of being passionate. In the grand scheme of things, when you need a New Jersey child custody lawyer, you will want an attorney who will treat you with respect but also remain firm when it comes to making difficult decisions in regard to your case and your legal interests.

When searching for an attorney in your child custody case, look for someone who takes the initiative. It is absolutely essential that you select legal counsel who is willing to take proactive steps. These can include such matters as being proactive when it comes to attempting to negotiate a settlement of child custody issues in a manner that is favorable to you and in the best interests of your child or children. A proactive child custody attorney not only best protects your important legal interests but typically is able to resolve a dispute sooner rather than later. Not only does this bring a resolution of your child custody proceedings sooner but it also has the ability to save you money in the process in regard to attorney fees associated with your case.

Finding the right attorney can be difficult, sometimes even feel rather frustrating. However, with that said, by following the guidelines set forth in this article, you will put yourself in the best possible position to find and retain the most suitable child custody lawyer with the background and traits needed to best protect your vital legal interests. In the grand scheme of things, a reputable and reliable child custody attorney can make all the difference when it comes to advancing your important legal interests in even the most complicated and challenging of child custody proceedings underway in the state of New Jersey. Call our office at 201-845-7400 for a free consultation.