Important provisions to include in all parenting plans
Here 5 topics that should be included in all agreements to avoid problems...
Tips On Social Security After Divorce
Many people are confused about Social Security payments after a divorce. Below is a quick primer. A divorced spouse gets either their own social security benefits upon retirement, or ½ the value of their former spouse, whichever is greater. If they take ½ the value of the former spouses bene...
What rights do stepparents have towards their stepchildren?
Stepparents generally have no more rights than a babysitter. On the other hand, in certain circumstances, they can get legal custody of their stepchildren. A stepparent is a family member once they marry the parent of minor children. But unlike Mom and Dad, StepMom/StepDad have limited legal rights ...
Tips for therapists to help clients facing the trauma of divorce and separation.
Divorce and separation are emotionally and physically difficult. Many people involved in this process suffer with a diminished capacity to make important decisions and seem overwhelmed by lethargy. Here are a few tips that I hope will help you help your clients that are facing the trauma of divorce ...
Can a person be “common law married” while legally married to someone else?
An older gentleman met with me recently to discuss his desire to end his marriage. Both he and his wife were on their second marriages. They had no children and only some jointly acquired property. He told me that they decided to be Common Law married in 2010 so his girlfriend could get on his...
Punishment for marital fault
What are the penalties the family court can impose on a spouse who commits adultery or other marital fault? It is very common for me to consult with an emotionally distraught person whose spouse has committed marital fault. The most common form being adultery.For obvious reasons, they want their spo...
The operation of the South Carolina Family Courts during Covid-19.
The Family Courts, unlike other courts, simply can not wait. People suing for money can wait and delay is the name of the game in criminal practice. Family Court is different. Family emergencies can be fatal; children can be harmed or worse, money can quickly disappear, and immediate interventi...
Cooperative Family Law
Lawyers have a bad reputation, and much of it is well deserved. But did you know that lawyers brought us Mediation, Arbitration, Collaborative Law and other forms alternative dispute resolution? Today we are welcoming the latest development in alternative dispute resolution- The Charleston Cooperat...