How to find a child custody lawyer in Los Angeles?

California has some of the best child custody attorneys in the entire United States. But how do you locate them? Searching the internet may help because it will throw at you a list of family law attorneys in Los Angeles. Friends and acquaintances may also help with referrals. While all this sounds good, do you know what questions you will have to ask to distinguish the best child custody attorney from the chaff of paralegals? Do not worry, if you do not know the answer. This blog will help you make an educated decision. 

•  Right experience

While it is good to possess experience, not any kind of experience will do. That explains the tile - right experience. The American legal system is complex. Many top attorneys practice only one or two kinds of law. So when you go out to find a lawyer, make sure he or she has the right experience. Professionals who have deals in child support and custody cases are usually the right ones. Family law lawyers can also help. In contrast, it is a futile attempt to hope that a criminal lawyer can help you get the custody of your child.

•  Testimonials

Experiences of old clients speak louder than any advertisement. Ask your lawyer for testimonials

•  Out-of-court settlements are not bad

Sometimes your lawyer may suggest you to settle on an agreement outside the court. In some cases this is a good decision because out-of-court settlements are faster and less expensive. So when you hear that a case can be settled without the need for a trial; do not shrug off the suggestion as weak-minded or a cowardly act. Also such settlements are usually good for children - whose sensibilities can get extremely hurt by the proceedings of court. Finally, such suggestions can suggest you that you have found the right lawyer for your child custody case.

Understanding Child Custody and Support Law in California

August is Child Support Awareness Month. This is the time of the year when a number of events are held to increase consciousness about importance of money paid to the meet a child’s essential needs; such as food, clothing, housing, and childcare. Child support does not end at these basic needs. Sometimes a court may order one or both parents to pay for other things, such as camps, vacations, music lessons, and private tuition's.

Childcare is good. Unfortunately, the issue more often arises in the context of a contentious argument between separated couples and less so with the full interest of the benefits to the child. Battles over child support constitute a big problem in the U.S. But amid all the press coverage - that celebrities’ court battles receive - some crucial issues remain unnoticed. This blog is an attempt to look at those problems. It lists ten under-reported facts about child support that everyone - at least the separated couple - should be aware of; if only because it is in the interest of their child:

• Women make up 15 percent of individuals who pay for child support. This shatters the long held myth that men are the sole providers after separation.

• The average child support payment across the 50 states is over $400 a month.

• In 30 percent cases, the custodial parent never receives a cent of court-ordered child support payment.

• The federal government doesn’t mandate an adequate amount for child support.

• Although the custodial parents receiving child support payments does not pay tax on the amount, for the paying partner, it is taxable.

• Visitation rights and child support are legally different. It is not possible for a parent to stop paying because he or she is not allowed to meet his or her child.

• Bankruptcy is not a legal reason to stop child support.

• A family law attorney in Los Angeles can help parents make changes in child support.

• Asset seizure, wage garnishment, passport denial, and credit bureau reporting are some of the consequences for the parents not paying for child support. Sometimes the court can order a prison sentence.