In many states, recent years have given way to simplification in the child custody process, as custody courts have attempted to make it easier for parents to work through the custody process without being forced to engage the assistance of a family law attorney. These changes have been enacted to make the process more family-friendly and less adversarial, as well as to help jurisdictions streamline their own procedures and save time and money. However, even with simplified child custody procedures in place in many states, most parents report that they still find the requirements they face somewhat confusing and overwhelming. Having the right legal custody papers is of paramount importance, and in some cases, if you are missing even one document, your case may be set back significantly. For this reason, it may be beneficial to engage the services of an experienced family law attorney who has a comprehensive understanding of the custody requirements in your state.