843-936-6680
If there were one universal truth it would be that every family is different. We all have our own set of challenges to face and changes to go through. Sometimes those changes are happy like when a new baby is born. Other times these changes involve uncertainty and loss like in the event of a divorce.
If you are having to go through the pain of divorce deal with a complicated custody issue or are handling a different family-related legal matter you might need help. At Cobb Hammett LLC we understand that family issues are hard. Many of the family law clients that we work for have big questions about the future leaving them over-stressed and full of worry. They are concerned about their children their marriage or both. They are wrestling with uncertainty and anxiety having been served confusing documents that don't make sense. Sound familiar? A family law attorney in Bluffton, SC can help whether you need a level-headed moderator or a trusted advocate in the courtroom.
At Cobb Hammett LLC we have decades of combined experience serving the needs of families from divorce proceedings to family formation issues. Our team is fiercely committed to our clients and with a dedicated focus stays up-to-date on the nuanced world of family law in Bluffton. If you're looking for personal attention unbiased representation and a responsive family law attorney look no further than our law firm.
If you're unsure of whether you need a family law lawyers in Bluffton" ask yourself these questions:
- Are you getting married?
- Are you thinking about divorce?
- Has your spouse served you with legal papers?
- Are your kids not receiving the support that they are entitled to?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above know that we are here to help you figure out your next steps. With Cobb Hammett Law Firm by your side you can have the confidence to face even the most difficult family law issues. All of our attorneys have years of experience are incredibly responsive and fight for your family's rights. We are happy to take as much time as you need to answer questions and help put your mind at ease for whatever lies ahead.
Our firm specializes in a wide range of family law cases including:
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Alimony
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Mediation
- Property Division
- More
If you have been left to manage a foreign family law situation it's time to call Cobb Hammett LLC. We will sit down with you for an hour at absolutely no cost - because we understand what you're going through and know that you need answers not another bill to pay.
To help provide you with a basic understanding of family law keep reading for in-depth explanations on our areas of expertise.
Divorce lawyer in
Bluffton SC.
At Cobb Hammett LLC we know all-too-well that a one size fits all approach isn't going to work very well for your unique situation. That's why we approach each divorce case from a personalized standpoint - something that we feel like each of our clients deserves.
Our goal is to help solve your family law issues and focus on your needs when your divorce is finalized. We will help develop a strategy for:
- Meeting your post-divorce needs and objectives
- Dividing marital property for maximum benefit
- Maximizing time spent with your child as part of your divorce's parenting plan
- Strengthen your role as a decision-maker for your child
- Navigating your divorce proceedings and minimizing financial and emotional costs
By working together our divorce law firm will help you rebuild your life and secure a better future for your family.
Divorces in South Carolina
- Different Than Other States
Unlike divorce law in other states South Carolina divorce law doesn't allow spouses to receive an instant no-fault divorce. One or both spouses in the marriage must establish a legally acceptable reason for a divorce to happen. Grounds for a divorce in Bluffton, SC include:
- Desertion
- Physical Cruelty
- Habitual Drunkenness
- Separation for One Year or More
- Adultery
If you or your spouse do not have the necessary grounds for divorce in Bluffton our family law firm can file a Separate Maintenance and Support action. This step lets the court order child custody alimony and marital bills until you can file for your divorce. During this period Cobb Hammett LLC gathers pertinent info on your spouse's character and assets that can strengthen your case should it be necessary.
Common Issues Associated
with Divorces in Bluffton
A divorce in Bluffton means more than the end of a marriage. It involves dividing the parties debts and assets determines child support and custody parameters and can establish alimony. At Cobb Hammett LLC many of our clients are able to reach agreements with their spouse to resolve these issues. Reaching an agreement lets both parties customize the terms of their divorce to conserve resources avoid trial and meet the family's needs.
Sometimes however two spouses cannot or will not come to terms with an agreement. In these situations a trial is possible and litigation is necessary. Our family law attorneys in Bluffton, SC. are highly experienced litigators and are well-equipped to handle any disputes revealed in the conference or courtroom.
Common divorce issues include:
Child Custody and Visitation
One of the most heart-wrenching difficult decisions for parents going through a divorce is resolving child custody and visitation issues. Child custody refers to how much time each parent will spend with their child and whether they can make decisions for them. According to South Carolina law child custody and visitation time are based on what is best for the child.
Child Support
Like other U.S states a formula is used in South Carolina to determine how much child support a person must pay. This formula recommends the amount of child support based on factors like how much income the parents make the cost of childcare and the obligation to support children from other relationships.
Alimony
In South Carolina there is no formula to determine how much alimony a person must pay. However courts consider several factors when deciding if alimony is needed how much alimony should be paid and how long a spouse must pay it. Those factors include each spouse's ability and need to pay alimony how long the marriage lasted and any marital misconduct that occurred. To make matters more confusing there are different alimony types including lump sum rehabilitative and reimbursement.
Distribution of Property
In South Carolina marital property is the property that each spouse amasses from the date of the wedding to the time a spouse files for divorce. That property can often include marital debt. In a South Carolina divorce the courts will order an equitable division of property meaning fair under all circumstances but not necessarily equal.
Understanding Child Custody in Bluffton, SC.
As mentioned above decisions that involve child custody and visitation can be contentious for parents both emotionally and legally. As experienced empathetic divorce lawyers we understand how difficult this process can be. When we work with clients going through child custody battles we always make it a point to be with them through the ups and downs to help them stay centered. Whether you are the husband or wife in your divorce we share a common goal: finding an effective way to support your children and assure their wellbeing.
In South Carolina child custody is a loaded term. In the most general definition child custody determines when each parent is responsible for the physical care of the child and how much authority each parent has to make decisions in their child's life.
No two child custody cases are the same but a negotiated custody arrangement is usually preferred in the judge's eyes as each parent has input in the process. If the parents cannot come to an amicable resolution their fate is left in the hands of a Family Court Judge in South Carolina. The focus of child custody law is always on what is in the best interests of the child. What the judge determines to be the best interests changes depending on the judge.
There are different variations of custody in South Carolina (or custody arrangements) each with varying degrees of authority. When you consult with our family law attorneys at Cobb Hammett LLC we will go over the child custody process in detail and touch on each distinction to eliminate any confusion you have.
- Help develop cooperative solutions to disputes or mediate when needed
- Create an equitable parenting plan
- Discuss the implications of the different forms of joint and sole custody
- Problems related to child support
- Modify court orders if you or your child's circumstances change
- Enforcement of visitation and custody agreements
- Much more
Many of the family law clients that walk into our office have big questions that are leaving them full of stress and worry.
Understanding Child Support
in Bluffton, SC.
When children are involved in divorce cases child support is often ordered. Several factors can impact whether child support is ordered like the income-earning potential of the child's parents any custody arrangements that are created and what needs the child may have.
At Cobb Hammett LLC we have years of experience with child support issues relating to:
- Cases where child support is needed for stay-at-home parents
- Modifications and enforcement of child support mandates
- Resolving support and custody disputes
- Mediation arrangements to reach an agreement on child support. Compared to litigation going
- the mediated route often means less stress and is more cost-effective than trial.
When you trust our family law firm in Bluffton for representation we can help calculate an estimate of how much child support you or your spouse may be ordered to pay. We can also perform a needs-based analysis in cases that involve large amounts of income. At the end of the day our goal is to make this frustrating process as stress-free as possible for you so that you can focus on living life and caring for your child.
Understanding Alimony in
Bluffton, SC.
Alimony (sometimes called spousal support or maintenance) is ordered by the court or negotiated between parties. This kind of spousal support has many factors like the income of both spouses how long they were married and the age of each spouse. Like child custody and child support trusted legal guidance is strongly recommended if you are facing potential alimony payments. Our family law attorneys will help you reach amicable arrangements for fair and appropriate alimony payments.
At Cobb Hammett LLC your family law attorney in Bluffton, SC will help protect your interests and rights regarding:
- Alimony and business assets
- Permanent or long-term alimony
- Significant alimony in high-asset divorces
- Modifications to alimony arrangements when you or your spouse's circumstances change
- Enforcement of spousal support mandates when needed
Understanding Division of
Property in Bluffton, SC.
When there are no children marital property or issues of alimony divorces often proceed smoothly between amicable spouses. However most divorces in South Carolina are much more complex. Typically divorce involves a union between spouses that lasts for years and involves substantial marital property. This property can be personal property real estate family businesses debts out-of-state property debts bank accounts and more.
In these nuanced situations the applicable parties need assistance dividing their property. This help most often comes from seasoned family law attorneys like Cobb Hammett LLC.
When it comes to distribution of property certain types of properties that are controversial even under the property division rules in South Carolina. South Carolina is an equitable distribution state meaning that marital property is divided equitably but not always equally.
If you are going through a divorce it's important that you are aware of the following assets and the common issues their division presents:
Pensions:
Generally pensions are the second-largest asset in a marriage. When there are sufficient alternative income sources to compensate the non-pension holder South Carolina divorce courts may leave the pension rights with the spouse who earned it with future distribution available. Otherwise a divorce court may enter a Qualified Domestic Relations Order requiring the pension administrator to pay both the former spouse and worker.
Family Home:
The family home or the primary residential property owned by the divorcing couple is usually considered a marriage's biggest asset. Dividing this kind of property can be complex and frustrating especially when there are kids involved.
Many divorcing couples have a hard time reaching an agreement on property division. Because the division of property depends on the complexity of you or your spouse's assets and liabilities it is crucial to consult with an experienced family law attorney to provide guidance.
Latest News in Bluffton, SC
15 Best Things To Do In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Tara Massouleh McCayhttps://www.southernliving.com/souths-best/hilton-head-island-beach
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even mor...
One might argue that it's the quality of the beach that makes a place the best beach town of them all, but Hilton Head Island proves something even more true: It's the richness of the town that wins the day, and in this case, the hearts of its 40,000 locals.
Let's not dismiss Hilton Head's superb beach bona fides, however. Tucked snugly against the water-riven coast of South Carolina, the foot-shaped island exposes 12 miles of broad, tawny sands to the Atlantic Ocean's rolling swells.
Outside of its beach appeal, the sparkling eco-community (with a serious nod to golf)—that real estate developer Charles Fraser carved out amid the island's dense pine stands in 1956—has matured with time.
Today, it stands as a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants.
Keep reading for the 15 best things to do in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
What To Do In Arts And Culture
This regional art center does it all. Located in the heart of Hilton Head, the center produces its own theater series, in addition to welcoming musicians, performers, vocalists, and comics from across the country.
You can stop in to see a play, and fans of the visual arts can also check out the center's Walter Greer Gallery, which is operated in partnership with the Art League of Hilton Head and features the work of more than 150 local artists.
artshhi.com; 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3945
Hilton Head is home to one of the great American cultures, Gullah, which evolved from the beliefs and practices of Africans enslaved on (and later liberated from) Hilton Head's indigo and Sea Island cotton plantations.
In fact, the island is home to Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, site of the first self-governing village of liberated enslaved people—then called "freedmen"—in the nation. Set beneath arching oaks on Port Royal Sound, Mitchelville is now a center for touring and education and is emblematic of a welcome surge in Gullah-focused tours, festivals, and cuisine, as well as an increased awareness for the 2.67 million visitors who cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island every year.
exploremitchelville.org; 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-255-7301
For a town of only 40,000 to boast its own symphony is no small feat. With about four decades of performances under its belt, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concerts are a must for music lovers.
Series performances are held on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, but you can catch more casual performances by going to a free Symphony Under the Stars show at Colony Park when the weather is fair.
hhso.org; 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-2055
Hilton Head is home to one of the coolest jazz clubs on the East Coast. For an elegant evening out and a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations for The Jazz Corner. This jazz club has been swaying to the rhythm since 1999 and still hosts two shows a night, seven days a week—all without missing a beat.
thejazzcorner.com; 1000 William Hilton Parkway C-1, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-842-8620
What To Do Outdoors
All 12 miles of Hilton Head Island are public beaches that feel both expansive and inclusive (several access points include mats for wheelchairs). And with an average air and water temperature of around 70 degrees, that's about as pitch perfect as beach life gets.
In town and along the beach, there are enough outdoor activities on offer to keep you staying and playing all day long and into the night. They'll certainly tempt you to put off turning in until way past sunset.
Stroll the sidewalks to catch glimpses of blue skies and bluer waters, but the better way to see it all is by biking along the sands to see the sights. There are several outfitters where you can snag a set of wheels in town, but few have the longevity and service of Hilton Head Bicycle Company, which has been in business for more than 30 years.
hiltonheadbicycle.com; 112 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-6888
The fishing enthusiasts in your party can cast a line from the beach or book a chartered boat to take the fun to the deep blue. Popular shoreside spots include Jarvis Creek Park, the Charles C. Haigh Jr. Fishing Pier, and lagoons at Palmetto Dunes or The Sea Pines Resort.
When you're ready to delve into deeper waters, book a fishing charter to from companies like Drifter Excursions or Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, which will ferry you to the best spots to catch everything from king mackerel to giant tarpon.
hiltonheadboattours.com; 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-363-2900
sheltercovehiltonhead.com; 1 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-548-0532
With more than 26 championship courses sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is a golfer's paradise. You can play a course designed by some of the greats, including Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye. What's truly special about golfing on Hilton Head Island are the gorgeous landscapes to be admired everywhere you turn. Just a ride on a golf cart is a real treat for the senses.
For the most adventurous vacationers in the bunch, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water. Take your pick from kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and parasailing. Lowcountry Watersports offers dolphin and kayak tours as well as boat rentals. At H20 Sports, rent jet skis or book a parasailing trip for amazing island views. The world—or should we say the island—is your oyster.
lowcountrywatersports.com, 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
h2osports.com, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Where To Eat And Drink
First-time visitors are sure to fall in love with Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, founded by Andrew Carmines. The waterfront spot overlooking the Port Royal Sound serves fresh catch daily, and they've been doing things the same way for more than 50 years. You can't go wrong if you order the day's special—it was likely plucked from the ocean that very morning.
hudsonsonthedocks.com; 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926; 843-681-2772
Enjoy tasty French bistro staples like escargots (served with garlic herb butter sauce and crispy leeks), perfectly cooked cassoulet, and two kinds of moules-frites at Chez Georges. The wine list is impeccable, as well.
Catch the aperitif hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., when adult beverages are two dollars off and there’s a small plates menu offered. The restaurant also uses this time to host ticketed wine tastings complete with paired cheese plates.
chezgeorgeshhi.com; 37 New Orleans Road, Suite J, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-785-3200
Find the best croissants this side of the Atlantic at transplanted Philippe Feret's Hilton Head Social Bakery. In addition to classic French pastries like Kouign-Amann, mango peach turnovers, and almond brioche, the cozy cafe also offers about 20 varieties of tarts, plus more specialty desserts.
You'll also find a savory menu featuring dishes like quiche and jambon-beurre, a traditional French ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette. With a new second location on the island, it's easier than ever to get your fix.
hiltonheadsocialbakery.com; 17 Harborside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-715-3349
This lively cafe near Coligny Beach will put you on island time in a matter of minutes. All you need is one of their signature daiquiris, a basket of fried shrimp, and a shady spot under a tiki umbrella listening to live music.
frostyfrog.com; 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 843-686-3764
What To Do In Town
The red-and-white striped landmark has become the calling card for this very special island since it was erected more than five decades ago. Located on the Yacht Basin in Harbour Town, $7 will earn you admission to climb to the top of the lighthouse and to see the attached museum, where you can find out more about the lighthouse and Hilton Head's history.
harbourtownlighthouse.com; 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; 866-305-9814
After you've climbed to the top of the lighthouse, spend some time strolling through the town below to peruse the 20 locally owned shops, boutiques, and specialty stores located in Harbour Town. From Hilton Head souvenirs to handmade gifts and sweet treats, there's something for everyone in this charming corner of the island.
Beloved family restaurant in Bluffton to close its doors for good soon. Here’s when and why
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298991970.html
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the m...
Beloved family restaurant, Pour Richard’s, will be closing its doors on Jan. 31.
Located off of Bluffton Parkway, Pour Richard’s has been serving deliciously comforting Southern cuisine and wine since 2010.
Seemingly quaint and small, this restaurant has made a big impact on both locals and visitors to the Lowcountry for 15 years.
Known for their dishes like Southern French onion soup (which is the only item that never left the menu), chocolate bourbon pies and chicken dishes, Pour Richard’s has been a go-to spot for Bluffton families and friends to gather, unwind and enjoy a meal together for years.
Pour Richard’s is closing because another restaurant buyer bought the establishment, said Allyson Rogers, one of the owners of Pour Richard’s..
This new spot will bring a whole new array of dishes and drinks. There are also plans to entirely renovate the space and to open at the beginning of March, though details of the new concept are still under wraps. More information about the incoming location will be released soon.
The restaurant announced its closing on Jan. 20 through a post on Facebook, with frequent guests and community locals flooding the comments with heartfelt messages to say goodbye.
But above the food, the service is what made Pour Richard’s feel like home for so many. Over 200 guests reminisced in the comments that from birthdays, anniversaries, family dinners and even first dates, Pour Richard’s greeted every customer with a smile, served food that warmed you up from the inside out and made every customer feel like family.
Owners Richard Canestrari and Rogers have spent every day for the past 15 years waking up early and opening up the restaurant. Now their worlds are about to flip upside down.
“It all feels a little surreal and it’s all starting to sink in this week,” said Allyson Rogers, pastry chef.
But as all good things must come to an end, so many visitors of Pour Richard’s are anxious to know what’s next. Right now, Rogers and Canestrari aren’t entirely sure, but they are leaving the door open to reflect and recharge.
“For now, I think we are going to take a break and figure things out. Richard has always been involved with the food businesses, so I think sometime soon we may look into opening a new spot … maybe something with more drinks on the menu,” Rogers said.
As a final hurrah, you can still visit Pour Richard’s until the end of the month and even join them at 6 p.m. on Jan. 30 for a toast where they plan to celebrate until there’s nothing left to pour.
“I’m ready to get back to the things I often missed out on or forgot to do, like sleeping in, getting out on the boat or fixing my lawn, but it’s exciting to see what we’ll do next … something totally different,” Rogers said.
Pour Richard’s is located at 4376 Bluffton Parkway in Bluffton. They are open 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
This story was originally published January 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
Update: What Lowcountry areas got the most snow? Here are numbers for Hilton Head & SC
Anna Claire Millerhttps://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/article298958625.html
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperat...
The rumors are true. The Lowcountry has been covered in a blanket of snow for the first time since 2018.
Much of the snowfall happened overnight, with ice and sleet starting around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
It appears on latest snowfall totals from the National Weather Service that Bluffton received the most snow at 4 inches, followed by Hilton Head Island at 3.5 inches.
The area remains under a cold weather advisory until Thursday but the winter storm warning was lifted Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon. However, cold temperatures will continue through the next few days, making roadways potentially dangerous.
Follow our weather coverage here.
These temperatures, which will hover around freezing, will create driving risks and more dangerous roads on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Beaufort and Jasper county officials are advising residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
This story will be updated throughout the week as final data is recorded by the National Weather Service.
Here is how much snow accumulated in these areas in 2025 and how it stacks up to previous snowfall, according to the NWS:
Okatie: 3.5 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 2.5 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3 inches
Port Royal: 2.5 inches
Hilton Head Island: 3.5 inches
Charleston: 2 inches
Savannah: 3 inches
Tybee Island: 2.6 inches
With the current reported snowfall from the NWS, Bluffton saw the heaviest snowfall in Beaufort County, with 4 inches total.
In 2018, Charleston saw the most amount of snowfall with 5.3 inches covering the area.
Here are recorded levels of snowfall from the NWS during the 2018 storm:
Okatie: 4 inches
Hardeeville: 3 inches
Ridgeland: 6 inches
Bluffton: 4 inches
Beaufort: 3.5 inches
Port Royal: 3 inches
Hilton Head Island: 4.5 inches
Savannah: 2.8
Tybee Island: 1 inch
The Callawassie Island area saw the most amount of snowfall for Beaufort County, with 4.8 inches of snow covering the area.
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 9:58 AM.
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