What Is Step-Parent Adoption? Step-parent adoption allows a spouse to become the legal parent of their partner’s child. It’s one of the most common types of adoption in South Carolina — especially for blended families in Lexington who want to create lasting legal and emotional connections. Once the adoption is finalized, the step-parent gains full […]
How Does Step-Parent Adoption Work in South Carolina? Read More »
Why the House Matters in Divorce For many Lexington families, the home isn’t just the biggest financial asset — it’s where memories were made. Deciding who keeps it after divorce can be one of the hardest parts of property division. South Carolina follows equitable distribution, which means property is divided fairly — not always equally.
Who Gets the House in a South Carolina Divorce? Read More »
Grandparents often play a huge role in children’s lives, especially in close-knit Lexington families. But in South Carolina, courts prioritize parents first when deciding custody. Grandparents only gain custody in specific, limited situations. When Grandparents May Seek Custody South Carolina law allows grandparents to pursue custody if: Even then, the court’s focus is always the
Can Grandparents Get Custody in South Carolina? Read More »
South Carolina divorce law is stricter than many states. To protect families and encourage reconciliation, the law sets waiting rules before granting a no-fault divorce. For couples in Lexington, understanding this timeline is essential to avoid costly delays. The One-Year Separation Rule For no-fault divorce, South Carolina requires spouses to live separate and apart for
What Is the Waiting Period for Divorce in South Carolina? Read More »
Separation and Divorce in South Carolina South Carolina requires couples to live separate and apart for one year to qualify for a no-fault divorce. During this time, many people wonder: “Can I start dating?” The short answer is: yes, but it can come with serious risks. Even if you’re separated, you are still legally married
Can You Date While Separated in South Carolina? Read More »
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement? A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a contract signed before marriage that sets rules for dividing property or handling finances if the marriage ends. While common in many states, South Carolina has its own rules for whether prenups are enforceable. Are Prenups Enforceable in South Carolina? Yes — but not
Do Prenups Hold Up in South Carolina Courts? Read More »
Losing a Job Doesn’t Stop Support Automatically If you lose your job in South Carolina, you are still legally required to pay child support under your existing order. Stopping payments without court approval can lead to arrears, fines, or even jail time. How to Request a Child Support Modification To lower your child support, you
Can Child Support Be Reduced If I Lose My Job in South Carolina? Read More »
Why Custody Orders Matter When the family court issues a custody order, it becomes legally binding. Both parents are required to follow it, even if they disagree with the outcome. Ignoring the order isn’t just frustrating for the other parent — it’s a violation of the law. Common Ways Parents Violate Custody Orders In Lexington
What Happens If a Parent Refuses to Follow a Custody Order in South Carolina? Read More »
What Is an Uncontested Divorce? In South Carolina, a divorce is considered uncontested when both spouses agree on all major issues, including: Uncontested divorces are generally faster and less expensive than contested cases, but that doesn’t mean they’re without pitfalls. Filing Without a Lawyer: The Risks Technically, South Carolina law allows you to file an
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce in South Carolina? Read More »
Why Domestic Violence Matters in Custody Cases South Carolina law requires judges to make custody and visitation decisions based on the best interests of the child. When domestic violence charges are involved, courts take them seriously. Judges in Lexington County family court may limit or restrict visitation to protect a child’s safety and emotional well-being.
Can Domestic Violence Charges Affect Visitation in South Carolina? Read More »
