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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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.
COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC. vs. Gamecock NotablesBy the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 season...
COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC.
vs.
Gamecock Notables
By the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.
9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 seasons, including each of the last five.
12 – Senior Raven Johnson needs 12 points to reach 1,000 in her career.
Gamecocks Against the FieldThis season, South Carolina has faced 13 of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament field, four of which are also in the Sacramento 4 Region, including both of its potential second-round opponents. The Gamecocks went 13-3 against those 13 teams.
In addition to their nine league rivals in the field – Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt – South Carolina played non-conference games against Clemson, vs. Southern Cal, vs. Duke and at Louisville.
The 13 teams include a No. 1 seed, two No. 2 seeds, two No. 3 seeds, a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds, a No. 6 seed, a No. 7 seed, a No. 8 seed, a No. 9 seed and a No. 11 seed.
Home Sweet HomeThe Gamecocks are 562-168 (.770) in home games (some records prior to 1976-77 did not include location of games). Current head coach Dawn Staley is 250-35 at home for a program-best .877 winning percentage.
Playing in its 24th season at Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina boasts a 313-68 (.822) record in the building, including four undefeated seasons since 2013-14. Staley’s share of that record is 247-35 (.876).
South Carolina is 28-5 (.848) in postseason play at home, including a 20-8 (.714) mark at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks are 21-2 (.913) in NCAA Tournament games at home.
Tournament TalkSouth Carolina is in its 22nd NCAA Tournament and its 14th straight under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks are 55-18 overall in the event with 15 Sweet 16 appearances, nine Elite Eight seasons, seven Final Four showings and three National Championships.
The Gamecocks have been a regional No. 1 seed 10 times, including three seasons as the overall No. 1 seed (2022, 2023, 2024). They are 39-5 as a No. 1 seed.
In her 26th season as a head coach, Staley has taken a team to the NCAA Tournament 20 times. She is 49-16 at the event, including a 47-10 mark at South Carolina and a 21-2 mark over the last four tournaments.
All-American GirlsA trio of Gamecocks have received All-America honors this season, led by forward Joyce Edwards who has been on every list’s second team. She is just the eighth Gamecock sophomore all-time to earn All-America status, most recently joining Staley-era greats Aliyah Boston (2021), A’ja Wilson (2016) and Tiffany Mitchell (2014).
Senior Raven Johnson earned third-team honors from the Associated Press and honorable mention nods from USA Today and the USBWA. It is the first season she has received the label.
Senior Ta’Niya Latson claimed All-America recognition for the fourth straight season as she drew honorable mention honors from the Associated Press.
This season marks the seventh-straight that multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.
Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.
Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in a 12 oz. can and would need to be kept behind a counter.
Under the bill, higher-potency drinks like 12 oz. cans with up to 10 milligrams of THC, and 750 milliliter bottles would be allowed to be sold at liquor stores alongside gummies. The gummies, restricted to packs of four that are 10 milligrams each of THC, 40 milligrams total in a pack, would also need to be kept behind the counter at liquor stores.
“That’s the number one thing,” said Sen. Michael Johnson (R-York). “We want to regulate this product, make sure those who shouldn’t be around it aren’t and so that was the entire intent of today.”
“We are going to force alcoholics into liquor stores to get gummies,” said Sen. Ed Sutton (D-Charleston). “I think that is a very bad mistake.”
The measure would still need to formally pass the Senate through a third reading on Tuesday. The amended bill would then need to pass the South Carolina House of Representatives, which struggled to pass its own hemp regulations earlier this year.
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The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and...
The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.
The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and maintained by incarcerated women.
The workforce development project aims to bring modern agricultural practices into rehabilitation programs inside prisons. Program participants will get classroom instruction and hands-on training, officials said at the project’s unveiling March 19.
Leaders said the initiative is designed to increase access to nutritional foods within the facility and give prisoners a chance to learn employable skills, including operating and maintaining advanced farming systems.
Impact Justice CEO Alex Busansky hopes the vertical farm will be a catalyst for “a national movement” to prove that these farms work, create opportunities and improve lives.
The organization will also work with S.C. agribusiness partners to help connect inmates with job opportunities upon release. The goal is to create a pipeline to employment.
The opening was attended by S.C. Department of Corrections Director Joel Anderson, S.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and AmplifiedAg CEO Dave Flynn.
The farm is built out of retrofitted shipping containers and outfitted with LED grow lights, climate control systems and vertical growing racks. Crops such as leafy greens and herbs can be grown in the controlled environment. Vertical farming is the process of growing groups in vertical layers within an enclosed environment, using soilless systems like hydroponics. Vertical farms enable year-round high crop yield with up to 95 percent less water and significantly less land.
The greens grown in the vertical farms mature within a 36-day period, as opposed to the average 55 days in a traditional field.
Two other farms in Oakland and Chowchilla, California, are poised to receive a similar system. A third farm will be opened at the Impact Justice office in Oakland, as well.
Officials emphasized that programs like this play a role in reducing recidivism rates — or someone returning to prison after release — by providing practical skills and a sense of purpose. They hope the initiative will serve as a model for programs nationwide.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SCCOLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women i...
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SC
COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women in Publishing Summit was built on the belief that women who have a story to tell deserve every resource, connection, and strategy necessary to bring that work into the world at full volume. With 35,000+ email subscribers, 8,000+ Facebook group members, 1,000+ annual virtual summit attendees, and 200,000+ podcast downloads, WIP has become one of the most engaged communities in independent publishing. WIPCON is its fullest in-person expression.
“WIPCON was built differently. You leave with work done—content created, collaborations identified, a revenue strategy mapped. Not plans. Results.” —Alexa Bigwarfe, Founder A Working Conference — Not a Passive One WIPCON is not a traditional writing or publishing conference. Over 2.5 days, women authors and publishing professionals stop consuming and start building — leaving with real content, a mapped revenue strategy, identified collaboration partners, and a 90-day action plan.
Thursday, March 26: Welcome Happy Hour and networking mixer (6:00–8:00 PM)
Friday, March 27: LEARN: Expert-led sessions on storytelling, social media strategy, visibility, and revenue — closing with the Genius Games, an interactive experience to identify strengths and collaboration partners.
Saturday, March 28 — BUILD: Small-group implementation labs with the same experts: Social Media and; Content, Sales and Collaboration, and Visibility and Speaking. Closes with a 90-Day Collaborative Action Plan.
Sunday, March 29 — VIP Day (capped at 15): 1:1 strategy sessions, mentorship, and content filming.
Featured Speakers: Alexa Bigwarfe • Porsché Mysticque • Julie Lokun • April Pertuis • Tayler Simon • Annette Flavel • Cayce LaCorte • Raewyn Sangari • Jennifer Wilkov • Tara Abbott • Parchelle and; Portia Michele Osumaré.
Event Details: Dates: March 26–28, 2026 • Location: Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC, 630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201
Tickets: $347 General Admission • Register: writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/wincon-26/ Info: womeninpublishingsummit.com/columbia • Media: support@womeninpublishingsummit.com
About Women in Publishing Summit: Founded by Alexa Bigwarfe, Women in Publishing Summit exists to amplify women’s voices, elevate women’s stories, and build a community where women in publishing are better together. WIP hosts an annual virtual summit with 40+ workshops, monthly programming, and a growing ecosystem of resources for authors and publishing professionals at every stage.
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NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.LEXINGTON 3Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.The district says there will be no work for students to do on Mo...
NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.
LEXINGTON 3
Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.
The district says there will be no work for students to do on Monday. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.
All after-school events, including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc., scheduled for Monday, March 16th, are cancelled.
LEXINGTON ONE
Lexington One is switching to eLearning on Monday, March 16, 2026
All after-school events and activities are canceled, and campuses are also closed for the day.
You can click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions.
LEXINGTON TWO
Lexington Two is closing all offices and schools on Monday, March 16.
All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.
DISTRICT 5 OF LEXINGTON AND RICHLAND COUNTIES
LR5 will not have school due to previous scheduling.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day. All after-school programs, extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and games scheduled for tomorrow are canceled due to the expected weather conditions.
LEE COUNTY
Lee County School District has designated Monday, March 16, 2026, as an eLearning Day.
KERSHAW COUNTY
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday. All Monday after-school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
WIS will update this article with more school changes once announced.
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