How to Hire a Family Lawyer
When you are going through a divorce, a separation or if you find yourself mired in a complicated custody dispute, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, minimize stress in a situation fraught with emotion, and help you to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Of course, you will first have to find an attorney who you feel comfortable with and in whom you can place your confidence. How do you go about locating the professionals who are best suited to helping you address complex family issues and navigate the legal system?
Here are a few things you will want to look for:
Experience
When you are sifting through a long list of attorneys, it can feel overwhelming. How can you choose the law firm that will be best for your case? The first thing you will want to look for is an attorney experienced in family law.
A family law firm will offer specific assistance in areas like:
- Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements; and,
- Separation and divorce; and,
- Property division and alimony; and,
- Child custody and visitation; and,
- Child support.
Keep in mind that mediation is a mandatory part of the legal process in South Carolina Family Courts, so you will also want to look for a law firm that offers mediation services and perhaps has a certified arbitrator on staff when you are dealing with family law matters.
Transparency
The last thing you need when you are mired in a messy divorce or a child custody battle is to get hit with hidden fees from your lawyer. When you consult with a law firm, full transparency is critical. You need to know what services will be provided and what the costs for those services will be.
Ask for an explanation of any fees in writing. Most family law attorneys will provide you with a written fee agreement which details their services and the costs you can expect.
You also need to understand what access to information you will have as your case progresses, so do not hesitate to ask whether a law firm will provide regular updates. Ask about what you can expect in terms of callback times when you have questions or concerns. You want to make sure you have access to the level of service and support that will give you peace of mind.
Inclusivity
For members of underserved populations there is a natural concern that bias could impact the level of service they receive. You want respectful representation, therefore, your best bet is to seek out a diverse law firm that advertises their inclusivity and proudly represents diverse communities and cultures.
Finding the Right Family Law Attorney in Charleston
Whether you are concerned about equitable distribution of assets in a divorce or you are facing a complicated custody battle, you need experienced and caring lawyers by your side to guide you through the legal process and help you to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact the qualified professionals at Bleecker Family Law today at 843-571-2725 or online to schedule a consultation and learn more about what we can do for you.