The topic of college expenses has been a hot one in the South Carolina Family Courts over the past decade. The short answer is yes, you can be required to contribute to college expenses, BUT this issue is at the sole discretion of the Family Court judge and they will ultimately decide whether or not [...]
There is no denying the upheaval caused by COVID-19. Lockdowns have left many adults either out of work or forced to work at home. With children learning remotely, both working and non-working parents have had to change their routines to watch children and help with schooling during the day. For separated or divorced parents, the [...]
In South Carolina, family courts operate under the presumption that it is in a child’s best interests to remain in the custody of their natural parents unless it can be proven otherwise. That said, there might be cases in which a non-parent can seek legal custody of a child, especially if the child’s natural parents [...]
CHARLESTON, SC – (04/5/2021) Over lunch, media executives LaDonna Andrews of Kirkman Broadcasting and Vanessa Gongora of Norsan Media discussed the strong intersection of social issues that affect both Black and Brown communities disproportionately in the Lowcountry. Both women decided there was more they could do to support the local nonprofits that serve their communities [...]
What is a QDRO? QDRO stands for “Qualified Domestic Relations Order” and it is the Order that is used to divide certain retirement accounts. When do I need a QDRO? Not all retirement accounts require a QDRO for division. For instance, IRA accounts can be divided without a QDRO while 401(k) accounts require a QDRO [...]
Family law cases—which include issues like separation, divorce, child custody and visitation, and asset division —can be complicated to say the least. Not only are the parties likely dealing with immense emotional strain, but the logistics of separating a family can quickly become contentious. For many reasons, South Carolina requires mandatory mediation prior to scheduling [...]
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is a government agency with many functions under state law. The agency’s role in family law cases primarily encompasses two main parts: abuse and neglect, and child support. Whether you have been accused of neglect or abuse or you suspect that your child is suffering at the hands [...]
In general family law pertains to legal issues that focus on families, including spouses, parents, and children. According to the South Carolina Bar, family law specifically relates to a number of common concerns, which can include: Marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships; and, Divorce; and, Alimony; and, Child custody; and, Child support matters. While some [...]
How to Hire a Family Lawyer When you are going through a divorce, a separation or if you find yourself mired in a complicated custody dispute, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, minimize stress in a situation fraught with emotion, and help you to achieve the best possible outcomes. Of course, [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health precautions have altered every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, that includes the ability to appear live in court. For families dealing with issues like divorce, separation, child custody, child support, or other complex family problems, this has proven to be a major setback. Thankfully, courts have adjusted by [...]
