Do I need a lawyer to change child custody?

Child custody, once it is set by the court, becomes legally binding and you must comply with custody orders that are in place. Failure to comply with a court mandated custody arrangement can get you into a whole host of legal trouble and, in some cases, can even jeopardize your continued custody of your child. As such, if you need to make a change to the child custody agreement that is in place, you need to make sure you follow the proper legal channels to do so.

The rules vary based on where you live, but generally you will need to petition the court and prove the need for the charge. When you are going through this process, it is almost always a good idea to have a lawyer on your side. A lawyer can:

• Assist you in ensuring you file the proper paperwork with the court
• Help you to make a convincing argument as to why the custody arrangement needs to be changed
• Assist you in gathering any evidence necessary to support your position

Time with your child is one of the most precious things a parent can have, and it is always worth the cost of legal fees in order to make sure you have a custody agreement that works with you.