Does your lawyer know the judge?

Does it matter if your lawyer knows the judge? In South Carolina Family Courts, judges can retain jurisdiction over a case and be the judge for the life of the case (or through a certain portion or issue); however, that is the minority of cases. While you may have several hearings during your divorce or custody case, the chances of having the same judge are pretty slim.

It is helpful for your lawyer to be familiar with the judges who regularly preside over cases in your county. Why, because judges are human too. Since they are not robots with programs telling them how to make decisions or to handle cases, they are all different. For example, temporary hearings are typically determined by the judge considering the pleadings, financial declarations, and affidavits of the parties. Some judges will painstakingly read every word in the packets submitted by the parties. Other judges will skim the packets and ask a lot of questions of the lawyers and parties. Knowing what your judge's preferences are will allow your lawyer to present your temporary hearing documents in a way that will most benefit your case.

On the other hand, while relationships with judges are important, I would be wary of a lawyer who represents to you that because of a relationship he has with a judge you will have a better outcome in your case.