Divorce may be the only avenue for most married couples. In some instances, however, it may be that your marriage can be annulled on legal grounds.   Annulment & Prohibited Marriages While divorce ends a legally binding marriage, in an annulment, the Court finds that the marriage did not legally exist. The grounds for annulment in [...]

The conversation surrounding gender identity continues to evolve. Although it may seem arduous at first, updating your legal gender identity can be made simpler with help from the proper legal counsel. At Bleecker Family Law, our team is here to guide and support you throughout this process. Step 1: Obtain a name change order. For [...]

The ability to live openly and honestly should be among the most basic and important human rights. To simply be oneself and freely love is a beautiful thing, and, as the fight for that equality continues, Bleecker Family Law stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.   As social justice victories are won, rights extend, and [...]

After a federal court ruling in November 2014, same-sex marriages were legally recognized in South Carolina. In South Carolina, laws for marriage and divorce are the same for same-sex marriages as they are for heterosexual unions. Thus, same-sex couples in South Carolina have the right to file for divorce on equal terms. Same-Sex Divorce in [...]

South Carolina law defines harassment as “a pattern of intentional, substantial and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person that causes…mental distress.” Stalking is defined by the state as “a pattern of words or conduct that is intended to cause and does cause a targeted person…to fear.” Harassment and stalking are serious [...]

From property division to custody battles, divorce can be a challenging experience for any individual, no matter the circumstances. While couples undergoing a split may already have a handful of issues at the forefront of their minds, it is also important to keep mindful of how this could affect future financial processes – specifically effects [...]

When a couple is going through divorce proceedings that involve children, it is important to know how South Carolina law addresses custody issues.  Many factors are important to a Court in determining who has custody of a child, but the controlling factor is always the best interest of the child.   How is child custody decided? [...]

Though relatively simple for most couples, determining child support can become more complicated for those in high-income cases. When you and your ex each have substantial salaries, how much child support is enough? How is child support determined? Under South Carolina law, child support payments are traditionally based upon the pro-rata share of the separated [...]

The central focus of every custody hearing is always the child's best interest. With the assistance of your legal counsel you will navigate your custody case to reach a result in your child’s best interest.   Under South Carolina law, custody is divided into two categories: legal and physical custody.  Legal Custody Rulings A parent who [...]

From aunts and uncles to grandparents, cousins and beyond, surrounding a child with a dependable support network is the key to happy and healthy development. However, separation and divorce may create difficulty for that support system to remain intact. Relatives seeking to stay in regular contact with children following custody rulings may benefit from extended [...]