When to Call a Pembroke Pines Lawyer for Custody

Custody disputes are often very unpleasant and even downright ugly. Children quickly become pawns in their parents' arguments and "bad blood" between one another, and many parents are unaware of their rights and how the law works when it comes to custody of children. While you may be loathe to call in a Pembroke Pines lawyer for custody issues in your divorce or separation, there are many times when this may be the most necessary step.

Knowing Your Rights

One thing to remember about child custody is that you may not know how the law actually works when it comes to your case. As an example, a child custody attorney in Pembroke Pines may explain that gone are the days when a mother automatically had full custody of the children and the father was given visitation every other weekend. While this may be the arrangement for some, fathers today may also file for full or joint custody or for increased visitation rights when the mother had custody. Courts are recognizing the rights of the father as readily as the rights of the mother when it comes to the family.

A child custody attorney in Pembroke Pines will also explain about support and how this works, and what a noncustodial parent may expect to pay. It's shortsighted to assume that a custodial parent can simply demand any amount they want, or that a noncustodial parent can dictate the amount they will pay. Seeing an attorney to find out how the law works is always advised before ever going to court for custody.

Circumstances Change

Another reason to use the help of a Pembroke Pines lawyer is when your circumstances change. If you pay support and your job or salary changes, you may want to speak to your attorney about modifying your support payments. You may want to move out of state but a child custody lawyer in Pembroke Pines can advise on how this would affect your custody arrangements.

It's also good to speak to an attorney if there is a change in circumstances on the part of the other parent. For instance, if they are paying support and they get a salary increase, you may (or may not) be entitled to more support.

Custody Violations

Before you assume anything about custody violations, you want to speak with a child custody lawyer in Pembroke Pines. Your ex-spouse may not be violating custody with their actions, such as if they take the children to their own church or don't take them to church, or buy them something of which you don't approve, or other things that may not actually be violations. Remember that your ex-spouse has certain rights when it comes to the children and their own parenting decisions, and assuming they have committed a violation can be shortsighted and costly. On the other hand, they may be in some violation and you may have recourse, as a good attorney would explain to you when consulted.