Once you decide it is time to seek legal representation in your divorce, your next step is to find a suitable candidate. You will benefit from a representative with experience and up-to-date knowledge of South Carolina divorce laws, but that is not the only criteria to fill.
Attorneys are as different and unique as those they serve, meaning that you might not mesh with even the most skillful representative. To ensure you find someone prepared to protect your interests, ask a lot of questions.
What should you ask your candidates?
Many of the questions you ask will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you fear violent spousal retaliation, ask them about their experience handling divorces involving domestic violence.
It is wise to make a list of the issues relevant to you and formulate questions around your concerns. Examples of what to ask those on your shortlist include the following.
- Are you the individual who will handle my divorce?
- How available are you for phone calls and case updates?
- Will you seek my input when creating divorce strategies?
- Is your caseload light enough to accommodate my needs?
- Do you have experience handling complex property and assets?
- Are you prepared to help me assert my child custody and visitation rights?
No question is too small or insignificant to ask when considering who should look after your legal interests during a divorce. If you are unsure how to start on your list of questions, consider learning more about state divorce laws. Your research into the legal side of divorce can help you determine which issues to address when vetting potential legal representatives.