Understanding the Benefits of Hiring an AAML Fellow for Your South Carolina Divorce
When it comes to divorce proceedings, it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer on your side. But in a smaller state like South Carolina, with a tight-knit legal community, it’s equally important to have a well-respected attorney who is as skilled at alternative dispute resolution methods as they are at courtroom litigation. That is why so many in South Carolina turn to AAML Fellows when they are confronted with the possibility of a divorce. AAML stands for American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an organization of highly skilled, experienced family lawyers across the nation who are dedicated to excellent advocacy and positive resolution of family law matters for families throughout the country.
In South Carolina, only 24 attorneys are currently AAML Fellows. These attorneys are located throughout the state and provide their guidance in helping families reach resolutions for divorce and child custody cases outside of court whenever possible through methods of mediation, arbitration, and (in some states) using the collaborative law process. When necessary, however, these same attorneys have a wealth of courtroom experience and years of experience in all family law matters and are well-prepared to litigate the matter at trial if out-of-court settlements prove impossible. AAML Fellows offer their clients close personal attention, with a focus on protecting and preserving the family’s assets.
Benefits for Family Law Clients of Hiring an Academy Fellow
There are numerous benefits associated with hiring an AAML Fellow. First and foremost, AAML Fellows possess extensive knowledge regarding the intricacies of South Carolina’s family law statutes, along with a deep appreciation for practicing with integrity to maintain a stellar level of professionalism among the bench (the judges) and the bar (the local and state-wide legal community). AAML Fellows also spend many hours each year to maintain their continuing education credentials, not just with updates in case law and statutory changes, but also to be able to better understand the emotional journey their clients and their client’s family members experience during the divorce process. These attorneys tend to take a more compassionate and yet comprehensive approach to resolving family court disputes.
Access to a Large Expert Professional Network
Another advantage of working with an Academy Fellow is their access to unique resources and professional contacts. It’s not uncommon for AAML Fellows to work on complex cases that present novel issues that are rarely, if ever, ruled upon by a family court due to their level of skill and experience in the practice area. They are also much more likely to be the attorney hired to handle cases where new laws may be made by the resulting appellate court decisions issued following an appeal of a trial court decision.
Advanced Training at AAML National Seminars
AAML Fellows, especially the ones who regularly attend and participate in the Academy’s national CLE programs and conferences, will form working relationships with experts from across the country who are the best of the best in their own industries and who are well-respected in family courts. This becomes beneficial for their clients when specific issues are disputed that will require expert opinions to be given at trial. For example, an Academy Fellow won’t be limited to hiring a local psychologist who occasionally dabbles in forensic custody evaluations and rarely testifies in Court as the expert for their client. Instead, they will have a long list of professionals to consult with in order to hire just the right expert whose credentials will likely be far superior to the local option, not to mention the years of experience in testifying in many family court trials across the country.
Fellows Offer Unique Solutions to Complex Disagreements
In addition to typically practicing exclusively in the area of family law, AAML Fellows are also equipped with invaluable problem-solving skills. Whether their clients are facing disagreements over assets (physical or financial) or fighting with their ex over complex custody issues during a divorce or post-divorce proceedings, these seasoned litigators will work diligently to find unique solutions that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. They understand how difficult this process can be on a deeply personal level and always strive hard to ensure that clients will be able to maintain their privacy and dignity while working to achieve desired outcomes.
Final Thoughts
No matter what issues may arise during your divorce proceeding, choosing to have an experienced, highly-respected professional like an AAML Fellow by your side can make all the difference between a satisfying outcome and missing out on key opportunities to achieve all of your desired outcomes in your case. Those considering a divorce or any other family law matter in South Carolina should seek assistance from a family law litigator who has intimate knowledge regarding applicable laws in South Carolina as well as decades’ worth of experience handling similar matters successfully for others across the state.
If you and your spouse are considering divorce, don’t make any decisions about how to proceed before talking with a trusted, well-respected attorney in your area. Your divorce and any settlement you create will be subject to your state’s divorce laws. Without discussing your situation with an attorney, your agreement may not be what you want or what is beneficial to your future. If you’re in South Carolina, it’s important to contact an experienced family court attorney like J. Benjamin Stevens today to discuss your specific situation. Even if you aren’t in South Carolina, Mr. Stevens is happy to offer referrals to a well-qualified attorney located in your state.
Ben Stevens is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and will become National President in November 2023. He is also a Fellow in the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a Board-Certified Family Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has represented parents in divorce, child custody, and other Family Court cases across South Carolina for over twenty-five years. If you or someone you know is facing a child custody or visitation case, contact our office at (864) 598-9172 or SCFamilyLaw@offitkurman.com to schedule a consultation.
Source Link: www.AAML.org
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Contact our office at (864) 598-9172 or SCFamilyLaw@offitkurman.com to schedule an initial consultation.
ABOUT J. BENJAMIN STEVENS
Ben.Stevens@offitkurman.com | 864.598.9172
Aggressive, creative, and compassionate are words Ben Stevens' colleagues freely use to describe him as a divorce and family law attorney. Mr. Stevens is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and is a Board Certified Family Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is one of only two attorneys in South Carolina with those simultaneous distinctions. He has held numerous leadership positions in the AAML, and he currently serves as one of its National Vice Presidents. Mr. Stevens has a statewide practice and regularly appears all across South Carolina. His practice is focused on complex divorce and child custody cases.
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