What should I bring to a custody lawyer consultation?

A short timeline, a one-page summary of goals, and a small labeled evidence set. Clear dates and neutral facts save time and cost.

What if the situation involves safety concerns?

Focus on dated facts and neutral proof. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services and consider reaching out to a local advocate for safety planning.

How do courts decide custody?

Courts use “best interests of the child” factors. Ask your lawyer how those factors apply in your state and what evidence best supports your proposed plan.

Is this legal advice?

No. MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This is educational guidance.

Questions to Ask a Custody Lawyer

Consultations go fast. Use this deeper list to uncover strategy, evidence expectations, parenting plan details, safety concerns, and how courts decide custody in your state. Educational only - not legal advice.

Case strategy & goals

Based on my facts, what are realistic outcomes in my county?
What is the strongest path to the specific schedule I want?
Which facts hurt my case the most, and how should we address them?
What would you want the judge to remember about my case in 60 seconds?

Best‑interests factors (court focus)

What are the “best interests” factors in this state, and how do judges here weigh them?
Which factors are most important in my specific fact pattern?
What evidence best supports each factor we’re relying on?

Process & expectations

What are the likely next steps in my type of case?
What timeline should I expect?
What does success look like for the next 30–90 days?
Do we need temporary orders, and how do we request them?

Communication

How should I send updates (email, portal, weekly summary)?
How quickly do you respond?
Who is my day-to-day contact?
What should I avoid saying or sending to the other parent right now?

Evidence & preparation

What documents do you want first?
How do you prefer evidence delivered (PDF packet, folder, labeled exhibits)?
What evidence is high-signal vs. low-signal in your experience?
Should I summarize messages or provide full threads?
How do you want timelines formatted?

Parenting plan details

What schedule does this judge consider “workable” for my child’s age?
How should we handle holidays, travel, exchanges, and make‑up time?
How are decision‑making and tie‑breakers usually drafted?
What safety provisions are appropriate if conflict is high?

Safety, domestic violence, and risk

How do domestic‑violence concerns affect custody in this state?
Do we need a protective order or temporary safety plan?
What should I document to support safety concerns?

Relocation, travel, and moves

If I need to move, what legal standard applies?
What notice is required, and what evidence strengthens a relocation request?

Enforcement & noncompliance

If the other parent violates orders, what is the fastest enforcement option?
What documentation do you want for missed exchanges or gatekeeping?

Fees & billing

What is your hourly rate and retainer?
How do you bill (minimum increments, paralegal time, emails/calls)?
What should I do to reduce billable time?
What tasks can I do myself to lower costs?

Related guides

Want MCC to prepare your packet before you meet counsel?

MyCustodyCoach helps you build a one-page brief, timeline, and labeled evidence packet so you can spend your consult time on strategy and next steps.

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Safety note: If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. You can also contact a local domestic violence advocate or hotline for safety planning.

Disclaimer: MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information is for educational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.