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A Charleston family lawyer can assist with some of the most monumental events in your life. Whether you are considering a divorce, negotiating a child custody agreement, or looking to adopt, a seasoned legal professional can guide your proceedings from start to finish. While family matters can be a lot to manage, working with a Charleston family lawyer from Geel & Gentry, LLC can help. Contact us today to discuss your unique situation.
Marriage is a legal commitment, and South Carolina law does not allow couples to walk away without lawful reasons. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-3-10, the only no-fault grounds for divorce is a one-year separation. Otherwise, you must prove fault-based grounds such as:
Adultery or Abandonment
Habitual drunkenness
Physical cruelty
Proving fault can be stressful; often, separating for a year is the best option for local families. A Charleston family lawyer from our firm can help you develop agreements that allow you to maintain separate households while protecting your parental rights.
South Carolina recognizes each parent as having an equal right to custody. Ideally, parents will create a co-parenting plan that a judge must review to ensure it promotes the child’s best interests. When spouses cannot agree, the court typically appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). Our team can coach you on what to expect from a Charleston GAL and how to best navigate their investigation.
Dividing assets is often the most time-consuming aspect of a divorce. If you cannot agree on property division, the judge uses equitable distribution principles. A Charleston family lawyer is essential in ensuring the court considers the duration of the marriage and each spouse’s contributions fairly.
Alimony: A spouse can request support to allow them time to become self-supporting.
Child Support: This is determined by a specific formula accounting for income, parenting time, and health insurance costs.
Whether you are adopting through a private agency, the state’s foster care system, or pursuing a stepparent adoption, the process is complicated. While South Carolina law does not expressly authorize second-parent adoption, any resident can petition to adopt. Our family attorneys in Charleston can help you complete the application and prepare for the mandatory home study.
When you need assistance with a sensitive legal matter, speak with a Charleston family lawyer from Geel & Gentry, LLC immediately. Knowing what to expect from these processes helps you make informed decisions. Schedule your free consultation with our devoted attorneys today.
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