bumpie lawyers-child supporty/custody ?

AngRx · October 2010

Not for me--a friend at work

Is it absolutely necessary to get a lawyer involved in this process? My friend's ex (never married) wants a friendly process where child support and custody of their son can happen. She doesnt know the process so that is why she is considering a lawyer. At the same time-can she get a case worker to help her through the process instead?

ETA: the "T" key wasnt working

rachel06 · October 2010

My personal experience is yes you need to have a lawyer involved. We have friends that are splitting amicably and agree on terms but they still have lawyers. You just want to make sure the custody is fair for both parties and everything is covered.

kel716 · October 2010

My parents hired one lawyer for their divorce. However, child support wasn't a "real" issue as my little brother (the youngest) was 3 mos from turning 18 when everything was final. They had been split for 5 years before the divorce was final, so most of the "how is this going to work" bit was already worked out.

If the child is younger, I'm not sure I'd go without a lawyer for each party.

KarmaKP · October 2010

I would say yes, definitely get a lawyer. The agency will look out for the child's interests whereas the lawyer will look out for the adults. I'd say they should each have their own lawyer. You never know when it could get sticky. The lawyers will ensure the paperwork is written to specify what could happen in different circumstances with custody in the future. That's where issues could arise and the more comprehensive the paperwork (decree, etc) the easier it will be on the parents...and the child.

sistrkate · October 2010

I would suggest involving a lawyer to make sure that they have a formal agreement in place regarding support and custody. While things might be amicable now, there is always the chance that things could get ugly, or someone could change their mind down the road.

My brother has a child with a woman that he never married. He does not have a good relationship with the mother and wants to establish a custody arrangement. Before he can do that, he has to establish paternity. There are lots of steps involved, so he is going to consult with an attorney.

I would suggest maybe contacting Beech Acres Parenting Center and asking them how to go about this process. I believe there are ways to establish an agreement through mediation with the help of a case worker, but I'm not 100% sure. At some point, schooling, etc., has to be considered as well as who carries medical insurance and all of that, so I think it's in your friend's, the child, and the child's father to have a legal agreement that can all agree upon.

Jscaggs · October 2010

Ky or OH? I know in KY if his name is on the birth certificate it makes things easier b/c you won't have to do paternity through the court and you can just contact the child support office to start support arrangements. As far as visitation goes they can work something out on their own without the court getting involved. If they want something more official and are in KY I handle these cases all the time. If Ohio, and in Cinci area let me know and I can recommend someone.

rachel06 · October 2010

Oh & if you do need a reccomendation of someone in OH let me know and I have some great reccomendations.

AngRx · October 2010

Thank you ladies! This helps!

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bumpie lawyers-child supporty/custody ?

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