If there's one thing that most people can agree on, it's that every family is different. We all have challenges and changes that we must go through. Sometimes, those changes are joyful, like the birth of a new baby. Other times, those changes involve loss, uncertainty, and ultimately end with divorce.
There's no doubt that divorces are unpleasant. Sometimes, they're unavoidable. According to recent statistics, there were 2.4 divorces per every thousand residents in South Carolina. If you're one of the many people suffering through the pain of a divorce, dealing with a custody issue, or trying to juggle a family-related legal problem, you're not alone. At Lauren Taylor Law, many of our family law clients have major questions about what lies ahead. Their uncertainty often leaves them extra stressed and over-worried. They have concerns about their marriage, their kids, or both. After being served confusing papers from their spouse, they're wrestling with the anxiety of the unknown.
If that sounds all too familiar, a divorce attorney in Camden, SC, can help, whether you need a seasoned advocate in the courtroom or an unbiased moderator behind closed doors. Unsure whether a divorce attorney is truly necessary at this stage? Ask yourself these questions:
If the answer to any of those questions was "yes," Lauren Taylor Law is here to stand by your side during one of the most difficult times in your life. Our law firm in several areas of family law, including:
There are few events in your life more infuriating and traumatic than a divorce. If you're like most, it feels like you're on an emotional roller coaster with life-changing legal and family consequences around every turn. During this difficult time, it's crucial to have a divorce attorney in Camden, SC, on your side. That way, you can overcome the hurdles of divorce, achieve the outcome you need, and move on with your life.
Whether you're the one seeking out a divorce or it's your spouse's choice, making the decision isn't ever easy. After all, divorce is painful. When you took your wedding vows, you expected a life with your partner until death separated you. You spent untold amounts of money on a beautiful wedding, caterers, musicians, and more. You invited your high school friends from South Carolina and spent time together with out-of-towners who flew in, especially for you.
Unfortunately, reality is starting to set in: You won't be married to the person who once told you, "I do." Truth be told, getting a divorce is a heartbreaking turn of events. But now, more than ever, it's important to retain experienced legal counsel to oversee your divorce proceedings. Having helped many clients through the process of divorce, we know you may think that everything is falling apart around you. But as successful divorce lawyers in South Carolina, we have the proverbial tools to help you pick up the pieces and start fresh.
During your first divorce consultation at our offices, our primary goal is to hear your story. We simply want to listen. We want to understand your desires, fears, needs, and questions about divorce. Once we've had the opportunity to understand your needs, we will continue to ask pertinent questions. Why? Because listening and understanding the nuances of your story helps us do the very best job possible. After all, as your divorce attorney in Camden, SC, your best interests are our primary concern.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we find providing a personalized approach helps us better serve our clients. Unlike other divorce lawyers, we don't believe in "cookie-cutter" or "one-size-fits-all" solutions. Your divorce is unique, and your lawyer's strategy should be, too. Our team will help by:
By advocating for you during your divorce, Lauren Taylor Law will help you make the first steps toward reclaiming your life and securing your future.
It's safe to say that nobody goes into a marriage expecting to get a divorce. But for many couples, divorce proves to be in their family's best interest. Before you go through with such a serious choice, it's prudent to ensure that you and your spouse agree that divorce is best. Sometimes, therapy or marriage counseling can save marriages. That's especially important if you have kids with your spouse.
If you have made efforts to salvage your marriage and have concluded that divorce is the only option, our team of passionate divorce lawyers is here to help. Divorces are complicated and often contentious, but in South Carolina, getting a divorce is different than in other states.
For example, in other areas of the United States, judges are obligated to split marital assets equally between spouses. However, South Carolina is not classified as a community property state. The judge in your divorce case could award your husband or wife a larger portion of the marital property you once shared. That scenario is even more likely if the judge decides you were the ultimate cause of the divorce.
Similarly, divorce judges in South Carolina have a higher chance of making you pay more substantial alimony payments for longer periods of time when compared to other states. To make matters even more complicated, divorce laws and tax consequences in South Carolina change often. Additionally, our state does not recognize the concept of "irreconcilable differences," meaning you cannot use it as a reason to divorce your spouse (or vice versa).
In order to get a divorce in the state of South Carolina, a person must have legal grounds to do so. As such, you have two options:
Many couples opt for a no-fault divorce, but in order to qualify, you and your spouse must prove that you haven't been living together for at least a year. Choosing this option is popular because it often helps couples avoid getting in a fight when one spouse blames the other for the marriage breakup.
Apart from one year of continuous separation, which is grounds for a no-fault divorce, the legal grounds for divorce in South Carolina include:
Each fault-based reason listed above can play a part in the outcome of your divorce case, including decisions on child custody, alimony, division of debts, and division of marital property. When you account for the unique nature of divorces in Camden and the rest of the state, foregoing a divorce attorney is a poor decision.
It's possible to get divorced in South Carolina without needing a lawyer. However, we've encountered situations where clients come to Lauren Taylor Law because they tried the process on their own with no success. When it comes to divorces in South Carolina, there are many procedural requirements to meet.
Your paperwork must be correct across the board. For instance, you and your spouse must both file accurate financial declarations in family court. If you've come up with a divorce agreement, the family court must still decide whether it's equitable and fair for your spouse and in the best interests of your kids.
If you choose to try and get a divorce in South Carolina on your own, we strongly recommend that you schedule a consultation at the very least. That way, you know your rights and have a minimum understanding of the divorce process in South Carolina.
Some of the most common benefits of hiring a divorce lawyer include:
Child custody cases present unique challenges for you, your spouse, and your family law attorney. They are almost all resolved through mediation or settlement conferences.
Unfortunately, when two parents have disagreements about child custody, calm discussions often devolve into quarrels and contentious disputes. If you and your spouse do not agree about visitation and custody rights for your child or children, a divorce judge will make those tough decisions for you. In this circumstance, child custody is determined by what the judge deems as the best interests of your children.
Fortunately, contrary to urban myth, divorce laws in South Carolina do not favor mothers of fathers or vice versa when it comes to child visitation and custody. There is also no "standard" schedule presented for child visitation. Factors that your divorce judge will pay close attention to include:
At the end of the day, children have the right to love each parent freely. However, protecting children during a custody battle is crucial. At Lauren Taylor Law, our team works closely with you, your children's Guardian Ad Litem (who represents the children in the legal case), their school teachers, and any third party working with your children. Advocacy for the best interest of your children requires deep understanding, legal skills, and years of relevant experience. With the Lauren Taylor Team in Camden, SC, you can rest easy knowing your child's future is of utmost importance.
If you're getting a divorce, and you have a child or children with your former spouse, there's a good chance you're worried about how much child support you'll have to pay. You may be wondering, "How is child support in South Carolina determined?"
The amount of child support you must pay is dictated by the child support guidelines in South Carolina. These guidelines not only calculate temporary child support but permanent support as well. These guidelines are applied to any case where the parent's gross combined income is less than $15,000 a month. According to the law, child support amounts are calculated with these factors in mind:
Without a divorce attorney in Camden, SC, navigating the turbulent waters of child support is nearly impossible. With years of experience, we have the tools and resources to protect your rights and guide you through the child support process. To get a rough estimate of how much child support you will need to pay in your divorce, contact Lauren Taylor Law today.
Alimony is financial support that you must pay to your former spouse. In South Carolina, there are different types of alimony. Permanent, periodic alimony is paid on a set schedule over time. However, alimony terminates when you or your spouse dies or when a receiving spouse begins to cohabitate with another person or chooses to remarry. Alimony in South Carolina can be modified based on a showing of a substantial change in circumstances.
In some cases, spouses choose to pay a lump sum alimony. The amount is agreed upon by both parties. This can usually be paid all at once or in a schedule of payments. It should be noted that spousal support may be ordered, pending your final divorce.
South Carolina law requires Family Law Courts to consider a number of factors in making a ruling on an alimony request. Those factors include:
To learn more about laws and factors regarding alimony in South Carolina, call or click to speak with someone who can help at no obligation to you.
There's no way around it - divorce is an unpleasant and sometimes unavoidable part of being an adult. As you consider taking this major step, you must consult with a seasoned divorce lawyer who knows the intricacies and challenges of divorce law in South Carolina. If you have given the subject plenty of thought and diligence and decided that divorce is your best option, the time to act is now. Contact Lauren Taylor Law today so that you can proceed with confidence tomorrow.
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.SCHSL Class 5A Division IUpper StateDutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21Dorman 44, Blythewood 13Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21Lower StateCarolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27James Island 42, Sumter 35Stratford 40, River Bluff 35Nov. 21Upper State(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork(3) Ridge View at (2) D...
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.
Upper State
Dutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7
Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21
Dorman 44, Blythewood 13
Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21
Lower State
Carolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0
Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27
James Island 42, Sumter 35
Stratford 40, River Bluff 35
Nov. 21
Upper State
(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork
(3) Ridge View at (2) Dorman
Lower State
(5) Summerville at (1) Carolina Forest
(6) James Island at (2) Stratford
Upper State
Northwestern 42, Catawba Ridge 7
Gaffney 38, Greenwood 31
Indian Land 40, Hillcrest 10
TL Hanna 38, Greenville 14
Lower State
Irmo 41, Lugoff-Elgin 16
White Knoll 14, Lucy Beckham 10
Myrtle Beach 24, West Florence 21
Berkeley 48, Westwood 20
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Gaffney at (1) Northwestern
(3) Indian Land at (2) TL Hanna
Lower State
(4) White Knoll at (1) Irmo
(3) Berkeley at (2) Myrtle Beach
Upper State
South Pointe 49, Fountain Inn 0
AC Flora 34, Seneca 21
Westside 55, Wren 20
Camden 52, Daniel 14
Lower State
South Florence 43, Bishop England 0
North Augusta 35, Gilbert 7
Gray Collegiate 49, Hartsville 28
Hilton Head 31, Wilson 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) AC Flora at (1) South Pointe
(7) Camden at (3) Westside
Lower State
(4) North Augusta at (1) South Florence
(3) Gray Collegiate at (2) Hilton Head Island
Upper State
Powdersville 30, Pendleton 7
Mountain View Prep 50, Crescent 49
Belton-Honea Path 52, Southside Christian 6
Woodruff 40, Christ Church 37
Lower State
Oceanside Collegiate 24, Marlboro County 7
Dillon 42, Silver Bluff 7
Loris 56, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 20
Newberry 41, Hanahan 21
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Mountain View Prep at (1) Powdersville
(3) Belton-Honea Path at (2) Woodruff
Lower State
(4) Dillon at (1) Oceanside Collegiate
(3) Loris at (2) Newberry
Upper State
Clinton 35, Saluda 26
Fairfield Central 36, Andrew Jackson 0
Chester 42, Batesburg-Leesville 28
Strom Thurmond 48, Liberty 21
Lower State
Hampton County 28, Cheraw 10
Manning 46, Timberland 24
Central 49, East Clarendon 28
Philip Simmons 17, Atlantic Collegiate 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
Fairfield Central at Clinton
Chester at Strom Thurmond
Lower State
Hampton County vs. Manning
Central at Philip Simmons
Upper State
Lewisville 29, Abbeville 28
CA Johnson 28, Blackville-Hilda 0
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 36, Ware Shoals 12
Lamar 36, Wagener-Salley 6
Lower State
Cross 38, Bethune Bowman 0
Johnsonville 38, Scott’s Branch 14
Carvers Bay 56, Lake View 8
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 49, Latta 6
Nov. 21
Upper State
CA Johnson at Lewisville
Hunter-Kinard Tyler at Lamar
Lower State
Johnsonville at Cross
Carvers Bay at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Northwood 34, Porter-Gaud 20
Heathwood 16, Hammond 13
Wilson Hall 50, Hilton Head Christian 29
Pinewood Prep 45, Florence Christian 6
Pee Dee Academy 34, Hilton Head Prep 33
Bethesda 32, Greenwood Christian 14
Colleton Prep 22, Dorchester Academy 16
Williamsburg Academy 37, Thomas Heyward 20
WW King 74, Jefferson Davis 28
Laurens Academy 30, Holly Hill 24
Nov. 21
At Greenwood Christian
8-Man: WW King vs. Laurens Academy, 7:30 p.m.
At South Carolina State
Nov. 21
Class 4A: Heathwood Hall vs. Northwood, 7 p.m.
Nov. 22
Class 2A: Pee Dee Academy vs. Bethesda, noon
Class A: Colleton Prep vs. Williamsburg Academy, 3:30 p.m.
Class 3A: Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep, 7:30 p.m.
Camden is cracking down on long-vacant downtown buildings with a new ordinance requiring owners to file reuse plans and help keep the city’s growth moving.CAMDEN, S.C. — As downtown Camden continues to grow and attract new businesses, the city is taking steps to make sure no properties are left behind.On Tuesday night, City Council passed an ordinance aimed at holding owners of vacant downtown buildings accountable.The new rule creates a registry of vacant buildings. If a property sits empty for more than 125...
Camden is cracking down on long-vacant downtown buildings with a new ordinance requiring owners to file reuse plans and help keep the city’s growth moving.
CAMDEN, S.C. — As downtown Camden continues to grow and attract new businesses, the city is taking steps to make sure no properties are left behind.
On Tuesday night, City Council passed an ordinance aimed at holding owners of vacant downtown buildings accountable.
The new rule creates a registry of vacant buildings. If a property sits empty for more than 125 days, the owner must file a plan outlining what they’ll do with it. There are also fees for repeat filings — the first registration is free, the second costs $100, and the third increases to $500.
The city says property owners will be contacted directly if their building qualifies for the registry. Code enforcement officers will also inspect vacant structures to ensure they meet safety and maintenance requirements.
Camden Mayor Vincent Sheheen says that while most of downtown has seen major growth in recent years, a few properties are still being left behind.
“It is really a small percentage, maybe 10 or less, that are still chronically unoccupied,” Sheheen said. “But those buildings are really important to the city, and having large buildings in key places just sit empty and become dilapidated — and in some situations unsafe — is a real problem.”
Sheheen says many property owners have recently been inspired by others who found success revitalizing their spaces.
“We’ve seen many buildings that were on the sidelines for the last decade or more come to life over the last three to four years as building owners say, ‘Hey, this can work,’” he said. “That’s probably the most powerful thing — seeing the success of other building owners.”
The city is also encouraging revitalization by offering resources such as help with permits, property tax incentives like the Bailey Bill, and other programs.
At 511 Rutledge, one long-vacant building is getting new life as a restaurant after its Bailey Bill property tax incentive was approved Tuesday night. Just two doors down, a local barber named Champ has transformed another once-empty building into a thriving shop — and he’s now opening a new business in another long-vacant space.
“New floors had to be put in, new walls had to be put in — it was just old, old everything,” Champ said. “We’re making everything new. We’re part of the new culture here in Camden, and it’s the building culture.”
He says it has been a long time coming.
“It feels great to see the town come alive and live, because it needs some momentum around here. It was so dormant.”
Other projects, including the renovation of the historic King Haigler Hotel and a new restaurant on Broad Street, are also underway.
The cCty of Camden will notify property owners if their building sits vacant for more than 125 days, giving them a chance to file a plan before penalties begin.
Kershaw County, S.C. (WACH) — Erica Johnson says her 9-year-old son, Andrew Johnson, has level three autism and was mistreated at Midway Elementary School and it was caught on tape. She said her son had been trying to tell her what was going on at school, but she didn’t believe him until he came home with bruises.Body camera footage from a school resource officer at Midway Elementary School shows Andrew having what his mother says is an episode of being overstimulated on September 30, 2024. She said the behavior stems from...
Kershaw County, S.C. (WACH) — Erica Johnson says her 9-year-old son, Andrew Johnson, has level three autism and was mistreated at Midway Elementary School and it was caught on tape. She said her son had been trying to tell her what was going on at school, but she didn’t believe him until he came home with bruises.
Body camera footage from a school resource officer at Midway Elementary School shows Andrew having what his mother says is an episode of being overstimulated on September 30, 2024. She said the behavior stems from her son’s severe autism. Her attorney recently got the video after it was subpoenaed.
Johnson said though she realized after the incident that Andrew did not have a Behavioral Intervention Plan (B.I.P) in place, she notified the school of his diagnosis, submitted his paperwork from the Marcus Autism Center in Georgia and told them what to do when her son gets overstimulated.
“When you have autism, it’s something in the brain. There is no medication to cure that," said Johnson.
The video shows the school principal at the time, Elizabeth Stehle, toss an object in the direction of Andrew. The principal is then seen slapping an object out of his hand while telling Andrew how much his mother will have to pay to get the items replaced.
“This is a grown woman throwing something at a nine-year-old at the time, and no adult should have the right to throw anything at a child or be excused for that kind of behavior," said Johnson. "If you’re having a bad day, like the district told me she was having a bad day and at her tipping point, you shouldn’t have showed up for work.”
Experts, including psychologist Dr. Katie Frankie with ABS Kids, say children who have severe autism can become overstimulated by different external factors and, in some cases, be unable to communicate their true feelings.
“They may not be able to use spoken words and might rely on assistive technology, such as an iPad with speech output, to communicate,” Franke said. “They may also struggle with generating spontaneous language, so they may repeat phrases they hear from others even when it’s difficult for them to express their own thoughts.”
According to the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, Stehle requested the incident be reported. The report stated that Andrew was picking up school supplies and tossing them, and at one point picked up a chair but did not throw it. It also stated the principal began shouting at Andrew and threw several items as well.
“I was always on the principal’s side, no matter what she told me her work was right,” Johnson said.
Johnson says there were other incidents, but she didn’t believe her son until he came home with bruises on September 6 and September 19, 2024.
“September 6 was the day my son came home and put a pillowcase over his head and said he wanted to die,” Johnson said. “Mommy, they pinned me down in the chair. They pinned me down on the floor and had my hands behind my back and my neck like this.”
Johnson said Andrew was written up for behavior issues in both incidents where she found bruises.
“As a parent, it’s sad to say, you know, I want my child to be normal like everybody else. He wants to be normal like everybody else,” Johnson said.
WACH FOX News reached out to the school district about the incidents, requesting information about the investigation and any actions taken. A district spokesperson responded by saying it was a personnel privacy issue and they were not able to provide a comment or any information.
Johnson said her son is now at a different school where they have a safe room that includes different sensory activities for Andrew and other students. According to Johnson Andrew was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a result of the incidents at Midway Elementary School.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Some Camden residents said they’re left with more questions than answers after getting a notice from a local accounting firm, warning that their personal information may have been exposed.According to a notice on Sheheen, Hancock & Godwin, LLP’s website, an unknown actor downloaded files from its network earlier this year.When Robert Baskins checked his mail, he didn’t expect to find a notice saying his personal information may be in the wrong hands.“This is ridiculous, ...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Some Camden residents said they’re left with more questions than answers after getting a notice from a local accounting firm, warning that their personal information may have been exposed.
According to a notice on Sheheen, Hancock & Godwin, LLP’s website, an unknown actor downloaded files from its network earlier this year.
When Robert Baskins checked his mail, he didn’t expect to find a notice saying his personal information may be in the wrong hands.
“This is ridiculous, and we can’t get no answers about it,” he said.
The firm said the unusual activity happened in April. After investigating in May, they learned an unknown person had downloaded files from the company’s network. Just last month, they confirmed those files may have included personal information — like Social Security numbers, bank details, and even medical records.
Baskins’ mother, Eva Baskins, also got a notice but said her family has never done business with the firm.
“That’s concerning. It’s real concerning, and somebody needs to check it and see what’s happening,” she said.
The firm said in its notice that it has since secured its systems and is strengthening its cybersecurity policies. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions, including how many people were impacted, why notifications took months to send, and why some non-clients were notified.
WIS went to the firm in person to get answers, but was told to speak with their attorney. The firm has yet to provide the name of its attorney.
Richard Brooks, a computer engineering professor at Clemson University who specializes in cybersecurity, says data breaches like this are becoming more common.
“That is getting worse and worse,” he said.
He added that there are things people can do to try to safeguard their information.
“The best thing you can do is take care of the monitoring solutions that they have,” he said. “And just be aware and try to limit how much of your personal data you’re putting out there — but that’s getting to be more and more difficult all the time, simply because your data is valuable and people are trying to take advantage of it."
The firm is urging anyone who received a notice to keep a close eye on their accounts and credit reports. It’s also offering a year of free credit monitoring and identity protection services.
According to the notice, anyone with questions or concerns can call the firm’s call center at 1-833-844-8187.
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