The cost of a child custody lawyer in South Carolina depends on the circumstances of your case and the attorney you choose to hire. For example, complicated cases that take longer than average to resolve will generate more legal expenses. If you hire a reputable attorney with many years of experience, this will likely cost more than hiring someone new to practicing law. Discuss legal expenses in your initial consultation to ensure they fit your budget.
Sumter Family Lawyer
Sumter Family Attorney
Family law cases can be emotionally taxing as one tries to navigate unfamiliar legal hurdles while also facing disputes in their personal life. A Sumter family lawyer can assist by providing the legal skills and resources needed in these intense family law cases. Having this extra support can help resolve your case quickly and restore stability back into your life.
At Kinney Law Firm, our attorney has spent years practicing law in the Sumter area. We understand how distressing familial disputes can be, which is why we take on the legal responsibilities so our clients can spend more time focusing on their personal matters. Whether we are negotiating a settlement on your behalf or defending your interests in court, our family law attorney can be there every step of the way to maximize your legal success.
What Cases Fall Under Family Law?
Cases involving disputes between family members fall under the umbrella of family law. Depending on the circumstances, these legal battles can be extremely contentious when parties disagree on the most favorable outcome for the family’s welfare. Some of the most common cases include the following.
Divorce and Legal Separation
When a couple in Sumter, SC decides to divorce or legally separate, they must begin the process of formally dissolving their marriage. This process can be extremely complicated, depending on how long the two individuals were together.
They will need to make final decisions on how to split up marital assets, such as real estate properties and retirement savings. South Carolina’s equitable distribution statute means that divorcing couples don’t necessarily split everything 50/50. Rather, their property is divided in a fair manner according to the law.
Child Custody and Visitation
If the splitting couple has children, both physical and legal custody arrangements will need to be made. Factors that will influence this final decision include the capacity of each parent to provide a stable home environment, whether they can accommodate a child’s needs, and whether their parenting record is free from any neglect or abuse. If one parent receives full custody, the other parent could be granted visitation.
Child Support
To determine if a child support arrangement is necessary, the courts in South Carolina will assess each parent’s ability to support a child on their own. The court will apply the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. If child support is deemed necessary, these monthly funds should go toward the child’s basic needs, like food, education, health, and clothing costs.
Alimony
A large discrepancy in incomes between divorcing spouses could also trigger the need for an alimony arrangement. This would require one individual to make monthly payments to their ex-partner to help them maintain the type of lifestyle they grew accustomed to during the marriage. These payments are often issued temporarily to give the lower-earning spouse enough time to adjust to life on their own and secure more channels of income.
Protection Orders for Domestic Violence
If one partner has engaged in an act of domestic violence, the other partner may wish to pursue a protection order. This would keep them safe from any threats of violence or harassment as they move on with their life. These orders are often temporary and last until the issue of domestic violence can be dealt with in family court. It will help to deter the alleged abuser from contacting the individual who issued the order, both in person and online.
While these are some of the most prevalent cases a family law attorney is needed for, many others exist. If you are struggling to resolve a family law matter on your own, connect with an attorney to review the situation. They can identify an appropriate path to reach a resolution.
FAQs
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in South Carolina?
Is South Carolina a 50/50 Custody State?
South Carolina is not automatically a 50/50 custody state. Rather, it works to uphold the standard of what is in the best interest of the child. This means that the court will look into factors in the SC Code.
Who Pays for Lawyer Fees in South Carolina?
Both parties are responsible for paying their own attorney fees in South Carolina unless the court says otherwise. For example, if one parent prevails in the family court action and is not in as good a financial position as the other parent, the court might make this decision to help accommodate a clear discrepancy between each individual’s ability to access legal funds.
How Long Do Family Law Cases Take to Resolve in South Carolina?
The length of a family law case in South Carolina is generally dependent on how complicated it is. Straightforward cases where both parties can easily come to an agreement will often have the shortest timelines. These timelines become longer when there are numerous contested issues to discuss. These cases often require numerous negotiation attempts and lengthy court battles to resolve.
Contact Kinney Law Firm Today
If you are having a family dispute, connect with the family law attorney at Kinney Law Firm today. We have spent years helping our clients resolve some of the most pressing family law issues, and we would be honored to do the same for you and your family. Contact us now!
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