Can I Get Child Custody Without a Lawyer?

Price Family Law

Few things are more trying for a loving parent than facing a custody battle — and if money is tight or you just think finding the right family law attorney is going to be too much hassle, you might wonder, “Can I get child custody without a lawyer?” Technically, you can, but you might want to think twice before representing yourself in a custody dispute in Denver.

At Price Family Law, we have the experience needed to guide you through even the most challenging of custody cases. Call us at 720-615-1750 to schedule your free consultation today.

Is It Possible to Get Child Custody Without a Lawyer?

Navigating Colorado Courts Solo

If you choose to, you can seek child custody without a lawyer in Colorado. Representing yourself is known as appearing “pro se.” “Pro se” is a Latin phrase that roughly translates to “for yourself.” There are some situations where representing yourself might be more appropriate than others, such as:

  • The other parent has no interest in custody or has abandoned the child.
  • There are few or no complicating factors in your custody case.
  • You and the other parent are on good terms and intend to negotiate between yourselves.

Representing yourself can put you at a significant disadvantage, though, especially if you think the other parent is determined to get custody. However, even if you and the child’s other parent will likely have no issue putting together a parenting plan, a family lawyer can still make the process easier. For instance, your lawyer can help you make sure your parenting plan meets court guidelines and is filed appropriately.

You can legally represent yourself while seeking custody, but doing so is risky. Unless you are extraordinarily well-prepared and know how to convincingly argue your case, there’s a good chance the child’s other parent will be awarded custody.

Is It a Good Idea to Try to Get Child Custody Without a Lawyer?

While the technical answer to the question, “Can I get child custody without a lawyer?” is yes, just because you can seek custody without an attorney doesn’t mean you should. When you work with a family law attorney, you can have a better chance of getting the outcome you want — but that’s far from the only advantage. Here’s a look at how a lawyer can make the process easier for you, your child, and the child’s other parent.

Your Case May Be Resolved More Quickly

Family lawyers handle child custody cases almost daily. This means that they know how to be efficient, whether they’re negotiating with the other side or representing you in court. Custody cases can be stressful, but they become even more stressful — and more expensive — the longer you drag them out. Most people who represent themselves in custody cases unwittingly extend the process because they don’t know the correct steps to take.

Communicating With the Child’s Other Parent May Be Easier

In some divorces and child custody cases, former partners are able to communicate civilly. However, more often than not, emotions are running high enough that it becomes difficult — or even impossible — to have a calm conversation about what’s best for your child. Sometimes, just having a lawyer present is enough to facilitate conversation. If you and your former partner simply cannot communicate, your attorneys can communicate for you.

The Process Can Be Less Stressful and Time-Consuming

Custody battles can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have someone knowledgeable to guide you through the process. Most parents who represent themselves also underestimate how long a custody case takes. When you have to invest significant time into building your case, filing paperwork, and making sure you meet legal deadlines, other areas of your life may suffer. Perhaps most critically, you may not be able to spend as much time with your child — and children involved in custody battles need ample support and reassurance through the process.

You’ll Better Understand Legal Nuances That Apply to Your Case

There are many different factors that go into the court’s custody decision, and some of those factors are more obvious than others. An experienced family lawyer will be able to offer you pointers on what to do — and what not to do — during your case to maximize your chances of getting the outcome you want.

For example, suppose that your case is an especially acrimonious one. You might be tempted to post negatively about the child’s other parent on social media, thinking that it’s just a bit of harmless venting. However, your lawyer would be able to point out that because the court considers the parents’ ability to work together to make decisions, you should avoid talking badly about the other parent on social media.

You Have a Better Chance of Resolution in Your Favor

In child custody cases, family lawyers know how to take your circumstances and put together a convincing argument for you to have sole custody or joint custody. If the child’s other parent is fighting you for custody, your attorney can try to find facts that could help your case. For instance, suppose that the child’s other parent is seeking full custody. Their attorney is making them out to be the perfect parent, but your lawyer discovers that they were once charged with child neglect in another state. Your attorney might be able to use that fact to argue that living with you is in the child’s best interests.

Are You Navigating a Custody Battle in Denver?

The Right Family Law Attorney Can Help

Custody battles can be confusing and exhausting, but they’re worth enduring if it means you can preserve your relationship with your child. While you can get child custody without a lawyer in Colorado, your chances of succeeding can be much higher with a lawyer’s help.

If you’re already involved in a custody dispute or think one may be around the corner, the best thing you can do for yourself and your child is to find an experienced family lawyer. At Price Family Law, we have helped countless Colorado parents like you fight for their relationships with their children.

Our firm is dedicated to helping you protect what matters most — your family. The sooner you get in touch with us, the faster we can get to work on your case. Call Price Family Law at 720-615-1750 to schedule your free consultation today.

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    Attorney Trista Price

    Trista McElhaney Price is a founding partner at Price Family Law, LLC. She specializes in high-asset divorce cases and legal matters involving complex business and financial issues as well as complex custody matters involving domestic violence, substance abuse issues, and mental health issues. Read Full Bio.