West Columbia Divorce Lawyer

Trusted West Columbia Divorce Attorney

Walking through the divorce process is one of the most difficult experiences anyone will ever have to face in their lifetime. Whether you live near Saluda Gardens or call Brookwood home, taking on divorce by yourself is risky and unnecessary. This is a difficult time, and you deserve legal counsel you can trust. When you hire a West Columbia divorce lawyer from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, you can rest easy knowing someone is protecting your rights.

Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III: Your Highly Rated Divorce Attorneys in West Columbia, SC

When you need help getting through the emotional and challenging time divorce brings, the highly rated attorneys at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III are here to serve you. Since 1996, we have helped families just like yours walk through the divorce process and into a brighter and better future. As a trusted West Columbia Family Lawyer, we have the skills, resources, and experience needed to support you toward healthy solutions every step of the way. Trust us to protect your interests today.

Grounds for Divorce in West Columbia, SC

South Carolina sees a divorce rate of 2.2 cases for every 1,000 residents, and 7.5% of Lexington County, home to West Columbia, is divorced. Before you seek divorce, however, it is important to understand how South Carolina dictates residency requirements. When filing for official divorce, one of the following two residency requirements must apply to your situation:

• Either you and your spouse have lived as residents in the state of South Carolina for at least one year.
• If you and your spouse both live in South Carolina, you can file for divorce after you have lived in the state for at least three months.

In addition to this, you will need to have a legal reason for seeking divorce. This reason is referred to as “grounds.” Like most other states in the U.S., South Carolina recognizes the following two forms of grounds for divorce:

• No-fault divorce. In these cases, neither spouse blames the other spouse for a breakdown in the marriage. Instead, they simply can claim that the marriage has experienced an irretrievable or unreconcilable difference and they have lived separately for at least one year.
• Fault-based divorce. This kind of divorce places blame for the breakdown of the marriage on an act of misconduct on the part of one of the spouses. In South Carolina, fault-based grounds can include drug addiction or habitual drunkenness, adultery, physical cruelty, or one year of desertion or abandonment. These grounds can have a large impact on decisions regarding property, child custody, and spousal support.

Resolving Common Divorce Issues in SC

Before you can finalize a divorce in South Carolina, there are a number of issues you and your spouse must agree on. If you and your spouse cannot reach agreements on your own, it is left to the courts to make these decisions for you. These issues typically include the following:

• Division of property. Any property or debt that was acquired by either party during the marriage needs to be divided in a fair, but rarely equal, manner. Factors that can influence these decisions include the length of the marriage, the ages and health conditions of both spouses, if there is any spousal support involved, the income and earning capacity of both spouses, and any kind of marital misconduct.
• Child support. In West Columbia, both spouses are responsible for the financial support of their children. In certain cases, one parent may be ordered to pay the other parent support payments to help with the basic needs of the child.
• Child custody. In South Carolina, there are two main types of child custody you may be able to seek. The first is known as legal custody, which is the legal right to make important decisions regarding your child’s well-being, such as those related to health, education, and religion. Physical custody is where your child will primarily reside. 62% of divorced parents say they have an excellent relationship with their child.
• Spousal support. Factors that can impact an award of spousal support in a South Carolina divorce include the length of the marriage, the financial resources of both spouses, and the standard of living that existed during the marriage.

FAQs About West Columbia, SC Divorce Laws

What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Divorce?

There are a number of mistakes you should avoid making in a divorce, the most serious being not hiring an attorney. Other mistakes can include acting out of anger or hurt feelings, agreeing to a one-sided agreement before speaking with your lawyer, not considering the tax implications of your divorce, and refusing to communicate with your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

To hire a divorce lawyer in West Columbia, the costs involved can vary case-to-case and lawyer-to-lawyer. However, there are a few factors that can be applied to most final cost analysis. These factors include the duration and complexity of your divorce case and the skill level, education, and experience of your attorney.

What Is Considered Habitual Drunkenness in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, habitual drunkenness is defined as frequent and repeated intoxication by injecting an excessive amount of intoxicating liquor. In order to use this as a ground for divorce, it is important that you speak with an attorney who can help gather the necessary evidence to prove this claim.

Can I Get Divorced in SC Without an Attorney?

While yes, you can file for both a contested and uncontested divorce in South Carolina without an attorney on your side, doing so presents an excessive amount of unnecessary risks. The dissolution of your marriage will involve a number of legal and financial rights, and it is wise that you look out for your future and the future of your loved ones by hiring an experienced lawyer.

Hire a West Columbia Divorce Lawyer Today

When you need to hire a divorce lawyer you can trust, the team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is here to help. Allow us to come alongside you during this difficult time and offer the legal and emotional support you and your loved ones deserve. Contact our offices today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.