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 Charleston, 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 Charleston. 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 Charleston" 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
Charleston 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston 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 Charleston
A divorce in Charleston 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston 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
Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, SC
‘We should play every year:’ After hiatus, USC and CoC play entertaining exhibition
Jordan Kayehttps://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-baseball/article295228654.html
CHARLESTONSouth Carolina played a baseball game against the College of Charleston on Thursday. And really, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But time transforms small things into big things.It’s why a few months ago, Charleston coach Chad Holbrook sat in his office and looked like a man who had just been told a great-great uncle he never met left him a hefty inheritance. In shock, he told everyone that new South Carolina co...
CHARLESTON
South Carolina played a baseball game against the College of Charleston on Thursday. And really, it shouldn’t be a big deal. But time transforms small things into big things.
It’s why a few months ago, Charleston coach Chad Holbrook sat in his office and looked like a man who had just been told a great-great uncle he never met left him a hefty inheritance. In shock, he told everyone that new South Carolina coach Paul Mainieri had not just agreed to play his squad, but USC would come to Charleston for an exhibition.
“I think there was a hesitation because I think Chad fell off his chair and he had to pick himself up. He said, ‘Are you serious?’ ” Mainieri said. “I just noticed on the schedule that the College of Charleston hadn’t been on for a couple years and I didn’t really understand why.”
The answer made even less sense after Thursday. After 3,412 folks bought tickets for a fall scrimmage at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, home of the Charleston RiverDogs. After CoC beat its Division I counterparts to the northwest, 12-11.
It was the first time South Carolina baseball played the College of Charleston since 2018 — a 9-0 CofC win in Holbrook’s first year as Cougars coach. The last time the Gamecocks played the Cougars in the Lowcountry was in 2013, Holbrook’s first season as the head coach at South Carolina. (USC won that game 3-1.)
Before taking over the Gamecocks program, Holbrook served on coach Ray Tanner’s staff for four seasons — including the 2010 and 2011 national championship campaigns. In that time, Holbrook said, Tanner shared a philosophy.
“Hey, you’re the head coach at South Carolina,” Holbrook said Tanner told him. “You should play all the teams in the state of South Carolina.”
“He thought it was his responsibility as the flagship university in the state,” Holbrook said. “I hope we’re back on that. I think Paul agrees with Coach Tanner in that regard: ‘We’ll play South Carolina any time we can.’ ”
Mainieri seemed to enjoy the experience, just not the final outcome. He is one for using his platform as an SEC head coach to lift up smaller programs. A few weeks ago, Air Force — where Mainieri coached from 1989-94 — came to Founders Park for a unique fall exhibition.
Though South Carolina had released its full non-conference schedule, it was announced Thursday that the Gamecocks and Cougars will meet again on Tuesday, March 18 at Segra Park in Columbia.
And just like Thursday, it won’t be a guaranteed victory for the Gamecocks. Last season, College of Charleston went 41-14 but was left out of the NCAA Tournament.
“I wanted to play as good a team as we could find,” Mainieri said. “And I thought College of Charleston was a great team. I know how much Chad appreciated that we came over here.”
Holbrook joked that he came into the scrimmage with this plan for all the pitchers he wanted to use and a real solid idea about how to use the exhibition to help his squad.
Then he got into the sixth inning. The Cougars hit two home runs, scored seven runs and led 10-5. Holbrook’s plan flew to the Charleston wind.
“Oh, the hell with that. You’re trying to win,” Holbrook said with a grin.
South Carolina provided drama in the ninth inning, with a two-run Evan Stone home run that put the Gamecocks down one with one out to spare. They couldn’t pull out the miracle.
Will Tippett grounded out. CoC second baseman Ethan Plyler snatched the ball and spiked it into the dirt, letting out a primal scream. A few Cougars sprinted out of the dugout like this was a win in May.
Don’t tell them Thursday was just an exhibition, perhaps answering a question that should have never been asked.
“Yes,” Holbrook said, “we should play every year.”
This story was originally published November 7, 2024, 10:41 PM.
Charleston maritime partners calling on community to help fill shipping container with toys for SC foster children
American Journal of Transportation On-Linehttps://www.ajot.com/news/charleston-maritime-partners-calling-on-community-to-help-fill-shipping-container-with-toys-for-sc-foster-children
| Nov 07 2024 at 11:30 AM | Ports & TerminalsSC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina are partnering again this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.Charleston’s maritime community is encouraging its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling a 40-foot...
| Nov 07 2024 at 11:30 AM | Ports & Terminals
SC Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18 and the Maritime Association of South Carolina are partnering again this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.
Charleston’s maritime community is encouraging its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling a 40-foot ONE shipping container with toys by Dec. 13. Donations will be distributed to foster children in South Carolina by the S.C. Department of Social Services.
This is the maritime community’s third annual toy drive in Charleston. These efforts have collected thousands of toys for foster children in South Carolina.
“SC Ports is dedicated year-round to connecting with local communities and giving back to our citizens,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “South Carolina’s maritime community is teaming up again to make the holidays brighter for foster children in our state. We encourage people and businesses to join us in supporting such a wonderful cause.”
“The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422, Local 1422-A and Local 1771 believe in service and giving back to our community,” said Yvette Flowers, Secretary Treasurer of ILA Local 1422. “We hope others in the Lowcountry will join our maritime community and support South Carolina children this holiday season.”
“The trucking community delivers goods to homes and businesses every day, and we are proud to participate in the Maritime Toy Drive to give back to children who are so deserving of happy holidays,” said Juan Gordon, president of trucking organization Coalition 18. “We want to inspire the community to go even bigger this year. Every little bit counts.”
"Collaboration and community service are at the heart of the maritime industry," said Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. "We're honored to support this meaningful initiative and invite others to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of South Carolina children during this season of generosity."
How to donate:
Please bring unwrapped toys to SC Ports headquarters (200 Ports Authority Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC), or purchase toys online through the wish lists below. When checking out, please make sure to select the gift registry shipping address.
• Amazon Gift Wish List
• Target Gift Wish List
• Walmart Gift Wish List
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South Carolina Stingrays Partner with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston to Launch "Sprinting Forward, Winning for Stem" Initiative
South Carolina Stingrayshttps://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/south-carolina-stingrays-partner-with-mercedes-benz-vans-charleston-to-launch-sprinting-forward-winning-for-stem-initiative/n-6162973
November 7, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays are proud to announce a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston for the 2024-25 hockey season. Together, they are launching the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" initiative to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Lowcountry.For every Stingrays victory this season, Mercedes-Benz Vans...
November 7, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays are proud to announce a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston for the 2024-25 hockey season. Together, they are launching the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" initiative to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Lowcountry.
For every Stingrays victory this season, Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston will pledge $100 towards a scholarship fund that will be awarded to a local teacher or school. This scholarship will help provide essential equipment and materials for STEM education in the classroom, furthering the community's commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.
The initiative will be celebrated as part of the Stingrays' annual STEM Night, which engages students and families in hands-on learning activities. This year's STEM Night will take place on March 21, 2025. By tying each Stingrays win to a positive impact on education, the "Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM" program will bring added excitement to every game while making a lasting difference in local classrooms.
"The partnership was a natural integration for our STEM Night," said Kerri White, Stingrays Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. "The initiative provides an opportunity to further connect our fans with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston and showcase their impact in the community."
This partnership aligns with Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston's broader corporate responsibility platform, Sprinting Forward, Giving Back, which focuses on supporting the communities in which they operate.
"At Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston, we are proud to strengthen our commitment to the communities we serve through this exciting partnership with the South Carolina Stingrays. The 'Sprinting Forward, Winning for STEM' initiative is more than just a sponsorship; it's a tangible investment in the future of our children and the industries that will shape tomorrow. By supporting STEM education in the Lowcountry, we are fostering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Together with the Stingrays, we are not only cheering for victories on the ice but also empowering educators and students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world," said Axel Bense, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston.
Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Charleston County residents make voices heard on half-cent sales tax vote
Hollie Moorehttps://charlestonbusiness.com/charleston-county-residents-make-voices-heard-on-half-cent-sales-tax-vote/
Listen to this articleAfter months of ‘Vote Yes’ and ‘Vote No’ throughout Charleston County, residents overwhelmingly voted against passing a third transportation sales tax with about 60% voting no.As the 2004 half-cent sales tax reaches the end of its timeframe,...
Listen to this article
After months of ‘Vote Yes’ and ‘Vote No’ throughout Charleston County, residents overwhelmingly voted against passing a third transportation sales tax with about 60% voting no.
As the 2004 half-cent sales tax reaches the end of its timeframe, this tax was proposed to replace it, leaving people paying no more than they were previously. The sales tax would have generated funds for over a dozen infrastructure projects including the long-debated Interstate 526 extension — deemed a priority by the Charleston County Council and Charleston Mayor William Cogswell.
The extension, also known as the Mark Clark extension, has been in planning for nearly 40 years and was planned to receive the most funding from the tax. Other projects the tax was intended to fund included:
Related: Got questions on the half-cent sales tax in Charleston County? Here’s a primer
Related: Groups clash over half-cent sales tax vote in Charleston County
Hesitation for the approval of the sales tax focused primarily on environmental concerns for marine life and various bodies of water, as well as impacts on small businesses along its path. Faith River James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, said there are other ways to solve the traffic issues in the area.
“We are so proud of Charleston County voters standing up for the environment in our community,” James said. “One of our opportunities now is to move forward with traffic solutions that will enhance the way of life for folks who are living on Johns and James islands.”
James said that the CCL intends to focus their efforts on more small-scale solutions to better traffic flow as well as safety measures. Additionally, they plan to contribute to completing the 2016 referendum project list such as the Main Road Corridor in Johns Island.
In July, the CCL filed a lawsuit with the Southern Environmental Law Center against the county regarding the language of the options on the ballots about the tax. The lawsuit was dismissed after the election and James said the legal team will look back into it soon.
“It was definitely a team effort, it was a successful grassroots campaign, and I think the people of Charleston spoke very loudly,” James said. “We hope council will hear their concerns and give us an opportunity to come back to the table to work on traffic and safety solutions.”
Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Honeycutt said that since the tax wasn’t approved, the projects it was intended to fund will not go through at this time. She said Charleston does have a contract with the state to complete the Mark Clark extension so how to do it will be further discussed.
Honeycutt said the state views Charleston as self-sustaining, so it doesn’t typically send as much funding for projects such as these.
“This does not mean that the problems we were trying to solve don’t exist anymore,” Honeycutt said. “We will continue to look for solutions to solving those problems, mainly the impact that rapid growth has had on our region and keeping pace with infrastructure to address those needs.”
This story has been updated.
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