In South Carolina, you file an order of protection by submitting a petition in family court and explaining the abuse or threat that led you to seek protection. To qualify, the abuse usually must involve a household or family member covered by state law. Who can ask...
When parents in South Carolina cannot agree on custody or visitation, a Family Court judge may appoint an independent representative to help evaluate what arrangement serves the child's best interests. That person is known as a Guardian ad Litem, or GAL. Understanding...
The promotion comes with a better salary, more responsibility and a chance to move forward professionally. But for a parent who shares custody, the decision may not feel like a simple career move. A later end to the workday could mean missing school pickups. Business...
Having a child brings joy. It can also raise legal questions for unmarried parents. In South Carolina, a man does not become the legal father just because he is the biological father. Parents may need to establish paternity to protect the child and both parents....
In South Carolina, spouses in a contested divorce case may need to attend mediation before a judge hears the dispute. During mediation, a neutral third party guides settlement discussions, but does not decide the case. A mediator manages the discussion but does not...
A parent who cannot care for a child during scheduled parenting time may wonder whether the other parent should have the opportunity to step in before a babysitter or other caregiver is used. A right-of-first-refusal provision can address this situation by giving the...
When a loved one dies, families may worry that probate will take too long or cost too much. South Carolina offers simpler options for some smaller estates. Knowing the basic rules can help families determine whether one of these options fits their situation. When can...
When a parent keeps you from seeing your grandchild, it can be difficult to lose a relationship that once felt like a regular part of your life. You may have shared visits, holidays or other important moments. At the same time, parents generally have the right to...
Yes. In South Carolina, continued cohabitation can end periodic alimony, but the paying spouse must prove more than just the former spouse’s dating relationship or occasional overnight visits. The issue often turns on whether the supported spouse has lived with a...
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of an uncooperative executor. When the person responsible for managing an estate fails to communicate or take action, heirs often feel helpless. Fortunately, South Carolina law provides legal remedies to...