In South Carolina, the Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction to handle all matters involving domestic and family relationships, including:
Separate Maintenance and Support
When you and your spouse have physically separated but do not yet have grounds for divorce, you can file an action for separate maintenance and support to address issues of child custody, child support, visitation, spousal support/alimony, and/or property division.
Equitable Division
When you and your spouse cannot agree on how to divide your marital property (assets and debts), the Family Court will make the decision for you.
Custody & Visitation
When parents cannot agree on who should have custody of their minor children, then the Family Court must decide. There are many different versions of custody and visitation that can be awarded, and there are several factors that the court will consider in making its determination. The overriding concern of the Family Court will always be the best interest of the child(ren).
Child and Spousal Support
Both parents have a legal responsibility to provide economically for their children. A noncustodial parent usually will be required to pay a specified amount of child support to the custodial parent. The Family Court uses child support guidelines to help determine the appropriate amount.
Separating/Divorcing spouses may be entitled to spousal support from the other spouse. There are different types of alimony and certain factors that the Family Court will consider to determine if and how much spousal support is appropriate in your case.
Agreements & Mediation
By working together, parties are often able to decide issues without court intervention. If you are not able to reach an agreement on your own, mediation is a process that can help you reach an agreement and allow you to control the outcome of your case. Most counties in South Carolina, including Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester are mandatory mediation counties.
Call 843-577-3700 today to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney who can help you with all of your divorce and custody matters.
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