Navigating Divorce with Compassion and Expertise
If you've decided to file for divorce in Mullins, we know that your decision hasn't come easy. Contact us for your initial consultation.
Divorce Attorney Near Me Mullins, SC
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.
- The Lauren Taylor Law Difference
- A Divorce Near Me Mullins, SC
- Understanding the Two Types of Divorces in South Carolina
- Do I Really Need a Divorce Attorney Near Me Mullins, SC?
- Understanding Child Custody in Your Divorce Case
- Child Support Laws in South Carolina
- What is Alimony in South Carolina?
- A Divorce Attorney in Mullins, SC, with Experience You Can Count On
If that sounds all too familiar, a divorce attorney in Mullins, 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:
- Is Your Marriage on the Rocks?
- Are You Thinking About Divorce?
- Have You Been Served with Legal Papers from Your Spouse?
- Are Your Children Not Getting the Support to Which They're Entitled?
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:
- Divorces
- Alimony
- Child Custody
- Mediation
- Property Division
- Adoptions
- Questions About Divorces or Family Law
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 Mullins, SC, on your side. That way, you can overcome the hurdles of divorce, achieve the outcome you need, and move on with your life.
DifferenceThe Lauren Taylor Law Difference
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 Mullins, 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:
- Providing Skilled Representation Throughout Every Phase of Your Divorce
- Overseeing Divorce Proceedings to Minimize Emotional and Financial Costs
- Protecting Your Rights and the Rights of Your Children
- Protecting Your Assets
- Dividing Marital Property
- Achieving an Equitable and Fair Resolution
- Providing Guidance for Alimony and Child Custody Issues
- Helping with Adoption Challenges
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.
Getting a Divorce in Mullins, SC
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).
Understanding the Two Types of Divorces in South Carolina
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:
- A "Fault-Based" Divorce
- A "No-Fault" Divorce
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:
- Physical Cruelty (Does not include mental cruelty or emotional abuse)
- Adultery (Heterosexual or homosexual)
- Habitual Drug Use or Drunkenness
- Desertion (when one spouse leaves the marital home for longer than one year)
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 Mullins and the rest of the state, foregoing a divorce attorney is a poor decision.
Do I Really Need a Divorce Attorney in Mullins, SC?
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:
- Handling and Filing All Necessary Paperwork
- Having an Advocate on Your Side
- Protecting Your Children's Rights
- Having Access to Reliable Legal Advice and Guidance
- Amicable, Purposeful Communication with Your Spouse
- Having a Simplified and Streamlined Divorce Process
- Reminders About Pertinent Appointments and Court Dates
Understanding Child Custody in Your Divorce Case
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:
- Who is the Primary Caretaker of the Child?
- Is There Any History of Abuse or Neglect?
- What Are the Conduct and Fitness of the Parents?
- What are the Wishes of the Children?
- Do Any Third Parties Have Opinions on the Child's Best Interests?
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 Mullins, SC, you can rest easy knowing your child's future is of utmost importance.
Child Support Laws in South Carolina
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:
- The Number of Children in the Marital Home
- How Many Nights the Child Spends with Parents
- Whether or Not Alimony is Paid
- Who Will Be Paying for the Child's Health Insurance
- How Much That Parent Will Pay for Their Child's Health Insurance
- Who Will Be Paying for the Child's Extraordinary Medical Expenses
- How Much That Parent Will Pay for Extraordinary Medical Expenses
- How Much That Parent Will Pay for Work-Related Childcare
- Who Will Be Paying for Work-Related Childcare
Without a divorce attorney in Mullins, 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.
What is Alimony in South Carolina?
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:
- Duration of Your Marriage, Including You and Your Spouse's Age at the Time of Marriage and Divorce
- Employment History and Earning Potential of You and Your Spouse
- Current and Reasonably Anticipated Earnings of You and Your Spouse
- Current and Reasonably Anticipated Expenses and Needs of You and Your Spouse
- The Physical and Emotional Condition of You and Your Spouse
- Marital and Non-marital Properties Belonging to You or Your Spouse
- Fault of Either Spouse or Marital Misconduct
- Existence and Extent of Support from a Previous Marriage
- Tax Consequences of Support Award
- Custody of Minor Children
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.
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A Divorce Attorney in Mullins, SC, with Experience You Can Count On
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.
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