Divorced parents may feel overwhelmed about the process of filing for child custody. There are many decisions to be made during this time–from deciding to hire a lawyer to figuring out a custody arrangement. Because you don’t have the time to waste worrying about filing for custody, here are some basic steps to making this simple.

1. Visit with an attorney. Before deciding if you want legal representation, visit with an attorney and find out what they think about your case. This can give you valuable insight about how to file and if you need a lawyer.

2. Decide if you want to hire a lawyer. After you talk to an attorney, decide if you need legal counsel or if you want to represent yourself. If you have a pretty straightforward custody case and you and your child’s other parent get along then you may not need a lawyer. If things are complicated then you may want to consider it.

3. Pay a visit to the court. Go to the courthouse where you file (it’s the same court where you file for divorce) and talk to the people there. They can give you information about the papers you need to file and specific steps to take.

4. Fill out the paperwork. Figure out what papers you need to fill out and take the time to get all of the right information. If you are the first parent when filing for custody you fill out one set of papers and if you are responding you fill out another set.

5. Come up with your custody agreement. You need to think about what your custody and visitation schedule and the other issues in your agreement. Some of the papers you fill out will ask for this information and the rest of the information you need so you can be prepared.

6. Look into any resources that can help you. As you have questions in the process seek out every possible resource for answers. You can get help at the courthouse, go to a support group, look online or find other things.

Try to stay positive through all of these proceedings. Take things step by step and solve each issue as it comes up. Remember that you can manage everything it takes in your custody case.

Related Articles