20 Questions

Questions to Ask Attorney About Custody

Essential questions to ask an attorney about child custody to understand your rights, legal options, and the custody process.

1

What are my rights as a parent and what factors will the court consider in custody decisions?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand your legal rights and the criteria the court will use to make custody decisions, which is fundamental to your case.

2

What are the different types of custody arrangements and which might be best for my situation?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the various custody options available and how they might apply to your specific circumstances.

3

What is the custody process and what steps should I expect?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the legal process and timeline for custody proceedings, allowing you to prepare and plan accordingly.

4

What evidence should I gather to support my case?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand what documentation and evidence will be important for building a strong custody case.

5

How do I handle communication with the other parent during the custody process?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to communicate effectively and appropriately with the other parent while protecting your legal interests.

6

What are the costs involved in custody proceedings and how are they typically handled?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the financial aspects of custody cases and how costs are typically allocated between parties.

7

How do I protect my child's best interests during the custody process?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to prioritize your child's well-being and what steps you can take to protect their interests.

8

What are the potential outcomes of my case and what factors might influence them?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the possible results of your custody case and what factors could affect the outcome.

9

How do I handle visitation and parenting time during the custody process?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to manage visitation and parenting time while the custody case is ongoing.

10

What are my options if the other parent violates custody orders?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand your legal options if the other parent fails to comply with custody arrangements or court orders.

11

How do I handle child support and how does it relate to custody?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the relationship between child support and custody and how they affect each other.

12

What are the requirements for modifying custody orders in the future?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how custody arrangements can be changed in the future and what circumstances might justify modifications.

13

How do I handle emergency situations involving my child?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to handle urgent situations involving your child and what legal steps you can take.

14

What are the requirements for relocating with my child?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand the legal requirements and procedures for moving with your child, which can affect custody arrangements.

15

How do I handle disputes about decision-making for my child?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to handle disagreements about important decisions affecting your child's life.

16

What are the requirements for supervised visitation and when might it be necessary?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand when supervised visitation might be appropriate and what the requirements are for such arrangements.

17

How do I handle the emotional aspects of custody proceedings?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to manage the emotional challenges of custody cases and what support resources are available.

18

What are the requirements for mediation and alternative dispute resolution?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand alternative methods for resolving custody disputes and what the requirements are for such processes.

19

How do I handle the other parent's attempts to alienate my child from me?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you understand how to address parental alienation and what legal steps you can take to protect your relationship with your child.

20

What are the next steps I should take to protect my rights and my child's best interests?

Click to see why this works

Why this works

This question helps you create a concrete action plan for moving forward with your custody case and protecting your child's well-being.

Best Practices for Custody Attorney Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Start with Your Rights and Legal Options

Begin by understanding your legal rights and the various custody options available, as this provides the foundation for making informed decisions.

Focus on Your Child's Best Interests

Ask about how to protect your child's well-being and what steps you can take to ensure their best interests are prioritized throughout the process.

Explore the Legal Process

Understand the custody process, timeline, and what to expect so you can prepare effectively and make informed decisions.

Question Sequences

The Rights Explorer

1
What are my rights as a parent and what factors will the court consider in custody decisions?
2
What are the different types of custody arrangements and which might be best for my situation?
3
What is the custody process and what steps should I expect?
4
What evidence should I gather to support my case?

The Child Protector

1
How do I protect my child's best interests during the custody process?
2
What are the potential outcomes of my case and what factors might influence them?
3
How do I handle visitation and parenting time during the custody process?
4
What are my options if the other parent violates custody orders?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask About Personal Information

Avoid asking about personal details or private information. Focus on legal matters and custody-related topics instead.

Avoid Asking About Sensitive Topics

Don't ask about personal relationships, family issues, or other sensitive topics that aren't relevant to custody matters.

Don't Make Assumptions About Legal Outcomes

Ask open-ended questions that allow the attorney to provide accurate legal information rather than making assumptions about case outcomes.

Question Templates

The Rights Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "What are my rights as a parent and what factors will the court consider in custody decisions?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the different types of custody arrangements and which might be best for my situation?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "What is the custody process and what steps should I expect?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "What evidence should I gather to support my case?"

The Child Protector

1
Step 1: Start with: "How do I protect my child's best interests during the custody process?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the potential outcomes of my case and what factors might influence them?"
3
Step 3: Explore with: "How do I handle visitation and parenting time during the custody process?"
4
Step 4: Assess with: "What are my options if the other parent violates custody orders?"

Further Reading

The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blyth
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation