How do I choose an attorney?

thanks, lola.

I see the attorney tomorrow.

please do your homework becuase i know in the state of il. you have to be marriaged at least 10 years for you to get everything you would might miss out on(his pension,1/2 the business,savings in the bank,allimony-they don't call it that anymore.possible insurance coverageand the list might go on for you)so research,plan carefully,be patiant and make the move when it's right for you.and about him being a control freak make sure you documet everything-get a safty deposit box .if he hits you make sure to call police and gat a copy of the report and put it away in your box.good luck i hope it works out for you

SC is closed courtrooms too. I interviewed four attys. before I found the one I used. I found it is better to use an atty. who only takes divorce cases. They cost more but you get what you pay for.

I didn't use the one who kept throwing my age at me and telling me to stay for the money.

I didn't use the one who was in a gym class with me. I didn't like her in gym why would I want her for my atty?

I didn't use the one who said he would take care of everything don't worry. He said I could get the moon and the stars. Too good to be true.

I did hire the one that only did divorces and told me the good and the bad of divorcing my ex. What was reasonable to ask for and what I could expect all along the divorce process. The best $400 an hour I ever spent. He returned my calls promptly and none of my paperwork was ever lost. He actually saved me enough on health insurance to make a big dent in his fee.

Talk to your friends if you have some that are going thru or have been thru a divorce. They should be able to offer advise.
I am not sure that you can just walk into a family courtroom. Maybe it is different by state but in VA it is a closed courtroom. Nobody is allowed but the people involved and even if you are called to testify you leave as soon as you are done. You will have to check on that one.

I don't known how long you have, but going to the court house and listening to attorneys at work in family court is a good way to find out how they work. The room is open to the public. I went thru a divorce and went thru 3 attorneys. My x had a ass for his. I recommend you find one that is a fighter. You might think VERY strongly about getting a man attorney. And also one that is very good fighting for spousal abuse. I had all female and they weren't strong enough to fight my x's attorney. He was a jerk but I have friends refering my x's attorney to others. He knew how to say things that made me look stupid. Good luck

here's an article that should help:
http://www.divorce360.com/articles/295/how-do-you-pick-a-divorce-attorney.aspx