Single Parenting Child Custody Print 7 Signs You Need to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer By Jennifer Wolf twitter linkedin Jennifer Wolf is a PCI Certified Parent Coach and a strong advocate for single moms and dads. Learn about our editorial process Jennifer Wolf Updated on October 13, 2019 More in Single Parenting Child Custody Child Support Are you struggling to decide whether you really need to hire a child custody lawyer? While representing yourself pro se is always an option, there are definitely times when grit and determination just aren’t enough. Here are 7 such scenarios, when you really should think twice about heading into the courtroom without hiring an experienced child custody lawyer. 1 Your Ex Has a Lawyer GARO/PHANIE / Getty Images If you already know your ex is working with a private child custody attorney, then it’s time for you to consider hiring a child custody lawyer, as well. If money is an issue, look for free legal aid in your area. The last thing you want is to feel as though your case didn’t turn out the way you wanted because your ex hired a lawyer and you did not. 2 Your Case Has Become More Complicated Morsa Images / Getty Images Sometimes you start out with a pretty simple case that becomes increasingly complicated as you go along. For example, say you learn that your ex has changed her mind about sharing custody, or you suspect that he’s going to try to convince the court that you’re unfit to have the kids overnight. These complications would indicate that it’s time to hire a child custody lawyer. 3 Your Case Crosses Jurisdictions Ed Bock / Getty Images If you and your ex live in different states or even different countries, then you should consider getting a lawyer to represent you. You should still do all you can to learn about the child custody laws impacting your case, especially if it’s international. Seeking counsel is generally recommended for any inter-jurisdictional cases. 4 You Believe Your Children Are in Danger Images By Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images The costs of losing your child custody case are just too high when you believe your kids’ safety is on the line. In addition, any time you believe your children are in immediate danger, you should call 9-1-1. In this type of situation, you should also consider getting a restraining order, as well. If you are worried about potential repercussions, share your concerns with your lawyer. This is a situation that always demands qualified legal representation. 5 Your Ex Is Trying to Prevent You From Seeing the Kids Hero Images / Getty Images If your ex is attempting to limit your contact with the children, denying visits, or canceling at the last minute, then you should consider hiring an attorney to represent you. These types of behaviors could indicate that you’ll need a well-qualified, experienced lawyer by your side in court. 6 The Court Is Requiring You to Participate in Treatment or Take Classes altrendo images / Getty Images If the court is requiring you to take parenting classes or anger management classes or to enroll in drug or alcohol treatment, then you’re probably already at a disadvantage in the eyes of the court. In this situation, it’s best to hire a lawyer to represent you. The only exception would be if all parents in your country or state are required to participate in parenting or anger management classes as a standard part of any child custody proceeding. (While not common, some jurisdictions do require some type of parental education for all child custody cases.) 7 The Circumstances of Your Case Have Changed Significantly Gary Burchell / Getty Images Finally, if either your circumstances of your ex’s have changed significantly, then you’ll want to hire a child custody lawyer to represent you. For example, if either of you are relocating, remarrying, or even moving in with a significant other, then it may be a good idea to hire an attorney rather than representing yourself pro se. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Fortson R, Payne TC. Lawyering up: the effects of legal counsel on outcomes of custody determinations. UC Davis J Juv L & Pol'y. 2018;22(1): 1–36. Saunders DG, Oglesby KH. No way to turn: Traps encountered by many battered women with negative child custody experiences. J Child Custody. 2016;13(2-3):154-177. doi:10.1080/15379418.2016.1213114 Nielsen L. Re-examining the research on parental conflict, coparenting, and custody arrangements. Psychol Pub Pol'y & L. 2017;23(2):211-231. doi:10.1037/law0000109 Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Family Law Self Help Center. Important requirements: COPE class and mediation.