3 Times as a Mother When You Need to Hire a Lawyer (and How to Find the Right One)

Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Lori Pace

As a single mother, you bear the heavy load of making sure your children are safe and happy under your care. This also means you may have to fight a few legal battles, keeping the well-being of your kids in mind. 

But you’re already juggling multiple responsibilities and roles – you’re a breadwinner, caregiver, and role model (among others). Therefore, understanding the different nuances of laws in your state may not be your main focus. 

So, whether it’s asserting your rights during child custody battles, seeking compensation following a personal injury, or negotiating child support agreements, you will need proper legal guidance. 

Here’s why it’s important to hire a lawyer and a few tips on how to find the right one to represent your case.

1. Custody and Visitation Rights (In Case of a Divorce)

Going through a divorce is a difficult period in anyone’s life, but it’s a thousand times more difficult as a mother. You have to worry about the well-being of your kid(s), figure out what kind of relationship they’ll have with your former partner, and untangle a world of legal matters that you didn’t even know existed/

Let’s take the disputes over custody and visitation rights. These are matters that can quickly become complex and emotionally draining, even when you have the option to resolve everything amicably (which is not always the case). 

If negotiations fail or the other parent is uncooperative, you must have a good lawyer in your corner. Furthermore, if there are allegations of abuse or neglect from either side, professional legal assistance is a must-have to protect your child’s best interest.

To find the right legal representative for your case, look for an attorney specializing in family law with experience dealing with similar cases. Choose someone you feel you can trust (this is vital!) and who is open to communicating with you every step of the way. Also, check references and past case results to gauge their capability and success rate.

When you seek legal counsel for matters like child custody or visitation disputes, you get professional advice on strategic negotiation tactics, while regulatory paperwork is taken care of by experts who understand how the law operates and whom it serves. It’s the best way to get peace of mind during these troublesome times.

2. You’ve Suffered a Personal Injury (or Your Child Has)

Personal injury is harm caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional acts. This injury can manifest in physical damage like broken bones, burn injuries, or psychological trauma such as stress disorders. For your child, personal injuries might occur in a variety of settings – at school, on a playground, during sports activities, or in a car accident. 

If you or your child suffers a personal injury that leads to substantial medical bills, time away from work or school, pain, and discomfort, it may be time to consult with a lawyer. Particularly if the incident resulted from another party’s negligence (like poor maintenance of public property), you are entitled to seek damages. 

However, it can be rather difficult to find the right attorney to represent your needs (especially if your child is the one suffering). Start by looking for a local lawyer or law firm that specializes in personal injury law. For instance, a highly recommended Houston personal injury accident attorney has an intimate understanding of Texas laws and is well-acquainted with regional courts, judges, and other attorneys. 

This allows them to anticipate potential roadblocks and understand how best to present your case in the local court setting. Instead of grappling with unexpected procedural differences, they can focus their energy on designing an effective strategy.

Also, keep in mind that while expertise is important in choosing a lawyer, so too is finding someone who listens to your needs and concerns empathetically.

3. Child Support Agreements

Child support agreements are a crucial element in maintaining a child’s standard of living post-divorce or separation. These agreements determine how everyday expenses, education, and healthcare costs of the child will be split between parents. 

Furthermore, the amount of child support you’re owed as a single mother can differ from state to state. So, when negotiating these aspects, it’s crucial that you know your rights, which is why proper legal guidance is a must-have. 

A lawyer can help you calculate fair child support payments based on income, custody arrangements, and state-specific laws. They protect your rights while lobbying for an agreement supporting your child’s well-being.

Look for a lawyer or law firm focused on family law, specifically those experienced with child support cases similar to yours. Also, do a bit of digging and read reviews of past clients to get some insight into their competence and credibility.

Wrap Up

We hope it’s clear by now that having a legal professional by your side can help assert your rights to secure your child’s future (depending on the case). The proper lawyer will know the law and have high negotiation skills, plus they can take care of the paperwork. 

Overall, the right lawyer for your current problems is an investment in your family’s future and well-being.