No one plans to find themselves in a situation where they need to hire a child custody attorney. But once you’re in that position, who you choose to work with can help you prepare for the next steps. So what should you consider when choosing a lawyer to guide you through a custody matter?
Start with experience and expertise. Look for a lawyer who focuses on family law and understands the complexities of child custody cases. It’s also important to choose an attorney who knows your state’s laws and is prepared to advocate for your rights and your child’s best interests. When you meet with a potential attorney, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A consultation is an opportunity to learn about their experience and how they can help you navigate your specific circumstances.
Michelle Cimino brings nearly 30 years of experience representing parents and grandparents in custody and visitation matters, where the court considers the child’s best interests. She’s available to listen to your concerns with compassion and explain the legal options available in your situation.
Look for a Child Custody Attorney With Experience
When evaluating a custody attorney, you can, and should, ask questions about their experience and credentials to assess whether they’re ready to work through your specific situation. You can ask a potential custody lawyer:
- What are your qualifications?
- How long have you practiced custody law?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine? How did they turn out?
Michelle Cimino has been practicing law since 1997. In that time, she has built her practice around family law, working directly with parents and grandparents on custody matters throughout Pittsford and the greater Rochester area.
Choose an Attorney Who Focuses on Family Law
Child custody disputes come with specific challenges, and it’s critical to choose an attorney who keeps up with family case law and precedent. They should also be ready to litigate and go to trial if necessary. Child custody often overlaps with other aspects of family law, like divorce and separation agreements. Choosing an attorney who can navigate the complexity of family law can help you address concerns in a coordinated way.
Questions you can ask include:
- Do you specialize in family law?
- Do you prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation, and how do you decide which approach fits a case?
Michelle Cimino focuses on various aspects of family law, including divorce and child custody. When she learns about your situation, she tailors her approach to what best serves your family.
Consider a Lawyer’s Familiarity With Local Considerations
A child custody attorney should know state laws and local courts. Family law can vary widely between states, so it’s critical that you work with an attorney highly experienced with New York’s Domestic Relations Law. It’s also helpful that an attorney has a respected reputation with the Monroe County Family Court system.
You might want to ask an attorney the following:
- Do you hold a license to practice in New York State?
- How familiar are you with the judges and court staff in Monroe County Family Court?
Michelle Cimino holds membership in the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, the New York Bar Association, and the Monroe County Bar Association. She’s also currently Chair of the Monroe County Bar’s Family Law Section Membership Committee. With extensive experience supporting Pittsford parents and grandparents through custody issues, Michelle wants to aid you through your custody matters.
Speak Privately With a Pittsford Child Custody Attorney
If you are facing a custody dispute, your situation is personal, and you deserve to discuss it privately and without judgment. A confidential consultation gives you the chance to lay out your circumstances and get a sense of how an attorney would approach your case before you commit to anything.
Michelle Cimino is one of the Top 30 Matrimonial and Family Trial Lawyers, an award designated by the National Trial Lawyers Association. She offers confidential consultations where you can go over the facts of your case in detail and decide whether she’s the right fit to represent you.
Book a confidential consultation today.
