The divorce process and the determination of child custody are some of the most stressful and emotionally draining legal battles you will ever have to participate in. Although many custody cases are relatively simple and do not require the input and assistance of an attorney, it may be beneficial to seek the advice of a qualified expert if your situation is complicated, or if there is still a great deal of tension and hostility between you and your former spouse. In particularly painful divorce situations, it can be difficult to achieve the degree of rationality and cooperation that are necessary to craft a comprehensive and fair child custody agreement. If you have any friends or acquaintances that have recently gone through a divorce, solicit their recommendations for effective divorce custody lawyers in your community. Alternately, you can connect with a divorce advocacy group in your area for a list of attorney referrals.