Divorce lawyer

Can a sperm donor claim parental rights if the recipient/donee and her spouse divorce?

This question was recently addressed by an unpublished NC Appellate Court opinion filed on May 17, 2022 in McLane v Goodwin-McLane and Peackock. Plaintiff McLane and Goodman-McLane (recipient) were married and Peackock was the sperm donor.  All three entered into a written contract where t...
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Child Custody

The South Carolina “stepparent adoption” statute provides solutions for single parents.

Most people know that a stepparent can adopt their new spouses children when the facts permit. However the South Carolina adoption statute states that “……… any person may adopt a child to whom he is related by blood or marriage.” Consider the following:  A one night stand,...
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Child Custody

Can a United States citizen be extradited to the United States from a foreign country for failing to pay child support?

When a person fails to pay court ordered child support a hearing is scheduled in the Family Court to determine if this person is in Contempt of Court. Contempt of Court requires a finding that a person has the ability to comply with a court order and has willfully chosen to disobey it. A person [&he...
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family law lawyer

Can the Family Court terminate the parental rights of an incarcerated inmate?

Andrew Myers was serving a prison sentence in Virginia. Prior to his incarceration his girlfriend became pregnant with their child and she gave birth after he was incarcerated. At some point, Social Services became involved and the child was removed from the mother’s home and placed in foster care...
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South Carolina Divorce

Can alimony be modified after the divorce is finalized?

Knowing when and under what circumstances an alimony award can be modified is critical to anyone who is about to commit to receiving or paying alimony. Certain kinds of alimony in South Carolina can be modified if there is a substantial and unanticipated change in circumstances affecting the income ...
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