This is the second part of a question about a person who owns 50 percent of a property and wants the other owner to buy her out. The problem is she lives in Hawaii, and the property is in another state where the other owner lives.

Question: I don't want that property anymore, nor do I want my name attached to the other person on title. I've thought about getting an attorney, but is this the best way to go about it if we are no longer talking to each other? How do I go about selecting the right attorney?

Answer: In looking for a lawyer, ask around. Ask friends and relatives whether they have ever used a lawyer who is familiar with the same or similar issues. You could also contact the local bar association in that state and ask for a referral, just like you can call the Hawaii State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service in Hawaii (http://www.hsba.org). However, just getting a referral is no guarantee of skill or honesty. Make sure the fee arrangement is clear and the scope of the work to be done is clear. You can also check with the local bar association to see whether the attorney has had complaints or has ever been disciplined. You can also check online with Martindale Hubbell where they have peer ratings for lawyers that are pretty reliable. However, keep in mind that the lawyers with high ratings (AV or BV) usually charge the most, but this does not mean that a lawyer with an average rating of CV is not a good and competent lawyer.