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 Hanahan, 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 Hanahan. 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 Hanahan" ask yourself these questions:
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:
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.
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.
By working together our divorce law firm will help you rebuild your life and secure a better future for your family.
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 Hanahan, SC include:
If you or your spouse do not have the necessary grounds for divorce in Hanahan 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.
A divorce in Hanahan 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 Hanahan, SC. are highly experienced litigators and are well-equipped to handle any disputes revealed in the conference or courtroom.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many of the family law clients that walk into our office have big questions that are leaving them full of stress and worry.
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.
When you trust our family law firm in Hanahan 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.
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 Hanahan, SC will help protect your interests and rights regarding:
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:
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.
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.
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Hanahan sued its planning commission and a developer over the approval of a proposed development they claim violated the city’s zoning ordinance.The legal action concerns the Greenway at Foster Creek, which would include nine residential family lots and an alley inside the Bowen Waterfront Village.Originally filed on April 18, the lawsuit came after actions of the city’s planning commission at an April 2 meeting.According to the lawsuit, before the meeting where the commissi...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Hanahan sued its planning commission and a developer over the approval of a proposed development they claim violated the city’s zoning ordinance.
The legal action concerns the Greenway at Foster Creek, which would include nine residential family lots and an alley inside the Bowen Waterfront Village.
Originally filed on April 18, the lawsuit came after actions of the city’s planning commission at an April 2 meeting.
According to the lawsuit, before the meeting where the commission was set to vote on approving the development, Hanahan staff presented a detailed report and expressed two major concerns.
First, the Greenway at Foster Creek proposal included lot sizes that were significantly smaller than five acres. City zoning requires single-family residences to have a minimum lot size of five acres.
The staff report stated in legal documents, “if the developer desired a smaller lot size, they should have applied for a zoning text amendment to request a change in the regulation.”
Second, the proposed alley did not meet the standard with it not allowing the correct radius for fire trucks and meeting the city’s standards.
After receiving the staff report, the planning commission voted 4-3 on April 2 to approve the development’s application, despite the city sharing these concerns.
That’s when the city filed the lawsuit, stating it had no choice but to appeal the decision made by the commission due to inconsistency and incompliance with zoning ordinances and land development regulations.
Legal documents also state the city has an interest in ensuring that its quasi-judicial boards, such as the planning commission, do not exceed their legal authority.
On July 1, the city amended the decision and facilitated the minimum lot size proposed by the developer.
City officials said in a statement that the proposed subdivision must still go through final technical review prior to final subdivision approval.
That includes a licensed civil engineer, who must design and certify that the alley allows a curb-to-curb turning radius for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
The lawsuit also states that the city will review this, as well as all other required future submissions, to ensure compliance with all applicable local regulations.
Developers for the project and Wrenn Group Founder, Ray Wrenn, said the following statement in response to the lawsuit:
The Hanahan Planning Commission operated and voted appropriately. The suit never had any merit and we are pleased it was dismissed.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Former Hanahan Hawks standout Trey Pooser is in the conversation to become a College World Series champion this month.Pooser is in the pitching rotation for the University of Kentucky baseball team, a legitimate contender to win it all as the No. 2 national seed for the NCAA Tournament. Pooser is a graduate student for the Wildcats after spending three successful seasons on the diamond for the College of Charleston.“It’s always exciting to see your former players go on and play at that level,” said Brian Mitch...
Former Hanahan Hawks standout Trey Pooser is in the conversation to become a College World Series champion this month.
Pooser is in the pitching rotation for the University of Kentucky baseball team, a legitimate contender to win it all as the No. 2 national seed for the NCAA Tournament. Pooser is a graduate student for the Wildcats after spending three successful seasons on the diamond for the College of Charleston.
“It’s always exciting to see your former players go on and play at that level,” said Brian Mitchell, who coached Pooser at Hanahan. “I remember when Seth (Lancaster) played for Coastal Carolina, and they won the College World Series (in 2016). I followed that run quite heavily. It shows kids in your program what can be accomplished.”
Pooser (6-4, 200) last threw in the Lexington NCAA Regional against Illinois and earned the win from the bump with seven strong innings. He struck out seven batters and scattered five hits as the Wildcats won, 6-1.
Pooser previously hurled five scoreless innings against Arkansas during the Southeastern Conference tournament.
On the season, Pooser is 6-1 with a 3.77 earned-run average over 17 appearances, including 11 starts. Pooser has recorded 71 strikeouts in 76.1 innings for the Wildcats (43-14), who reached 40 wins for just the fourth time in school history.
Mitchell isn’t surprised to see Pooser setting people down at the highest level of college baseball. It’s a continuation of his time on Murray Drive and at Patriots Point.
“He’s always been able to get guys out,” Mitchell said. “His ERA was something like 0.27 with us. He just gets it done. He’s got great stuff, and he competes. He’s throwing in the 90s now, and he’s got three pitches he can get across the plate.”
Mitchell has the Wildcats marked as must-see TV on his calendar during the NCAA Tournament, as they have been for Kentucky fans this spring. Kentucky won a share of the SEC regular season title for just the second time, and the No. 2 seed is the highest in school history. The Wildcats are hosting a NCAA regional for the fourth time (2006, 2017, 2023, 2024).
The Wildcats won the Lexington Regional and advanced to the Super Regional round June 8-10 against No. 15 seed Oregon State. If they handled Oregon State (after press time), the Wildcats would make an appearance in the College World Series, which cranks up Friday, June 14.
At College of Charleston from 2021-23, Pooser made 36 starts and crafted a 17-7 career record with a 3.93 ERA. He fanned 179 batters in 220 innings and earned multiple postseason honors for the Cougars.
At Hanahan, Pooser was a two-time all-state selection for the Hawks, going 12-3 with a 0.27 ERA as a junior and senior.
“He developed a lot going into his senior year with us and kept growing in college,” Mitchell said. “I almost didn’t recognize him when I went to see him at the College of Charleston. In high school, he wasn’t a guy who was going to overpower you, but he never walked anybody and controlled the running game. He was just very consistent. You knew he would be successful wherever he went.”
Pooser is the son of Bryan and Jany Pooser, an employee with the Berkeley County School District at Hanahan High School.
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - Hanahan planning leaders will consider proposals for building three more parcels in the Bowen Village planned development.Bowen Village has been in the works since the early 2000s by the locally-owned Wrenn Group. The land currently features apartment buildings, single-family homes, parks and some businesses. The three newest parcels propose 185 housing units an...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - Hanahan planning leaders will consider proposals for building three more parcels in the Bowen Village planned development.
Bowen Village has been in the works since the early 2000s by the locally-owned Wrenn Group. The land currently features apartment buildings, single-family homes, parks and some businesses. The three newest parcels propose 185 housing units and about 12,700 square feet of commercial space.
Developers say the two market parcels and one waterfront parcel are the next step in building out a complete and walkable community at Bowen Market with businesses, restaurants, and more housing.
“So, it’ll provide lots of jobs, restaurants, businesses, we’re hoping to have the barber shop, the ice cream shop, the hardware store and restaurants, and in the middle of it will be what we’re calling the life square, which will be an about a 4000 square foot astroturf Plaza. And we’ll use that for everything from goat yoga to live concerts. And it’ll make the market come alive,” Wrenn Group Founder and CEO Ray Wrenn says.
The planning staff report takes a few issues with the general plans, saying they don’t show required sidewalks, they get rid of all open space, and have commercial space overlap with residential zoning. But ultimately the staff recommends the committee approve the plans with some conditional changes.
“It’ll give people a reason to come to the Bowen Market which helps our business owners, and it also adds something that’s desperately needed to the City of Hanahan, which it doesn’t have - a gathering place like downtown Summerville does or like the Market at Ion does and even the North Charleston Park Circle venue,” Wrenn says.
Wrenn has run the company for years, and now his daughter Sarah Wrenn, who also grew up in the area, works as the executive director.
“I think a lot of people are interested in our growth right now. Because Hanahan is kind of a hidden gem in a lot of ways in the Charleston region. But we’re starting to get noticed and that’s a good thing and it’s good for us and people just want to kind of have an idea of what’s going on and we’re happy to answer those questions,” Sarah says.
She believes the variety of housing that they continue to develop will help people find options that fit their lifestyle and the Bowen Market style will provide
“The multifamily projects we submitted for, will help I think, a lot with the housing affordability issue we have in the nation, but locally at the Charleston level. So young families, young professionals, seniors all need housing and it’s not one-size-fits-all housing, right? The traditional models don’t work for everybody. So Bowen brings that with all the diverse types of housing we have, though it’s an answer to the housing,” Sarah says.
Overall, the family-owned development company says they are about halfway done with the potential of Bowen Village. They still have plans to develop the waterfront along the Cooper River that moves into the Goose Creek Reservoir.
“We plan to have restaurants and shops as well as very nice homes for sale. Whether they be villas, condos, single-family residential, so the waterfront is really kind of what I would call the undeveloped part of Bowen. We kind of started at the at the road, slightly backed off the boulevard and kind of built up the middle and having these new residents is going to be huge for businesses which means the businesses in the Bowen market as well as the businesses on the waterfront,” Ray says.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — As you're going through the neighborhoods in Hanahan you'll see several signs that read "Say yes to moratoriums" and "Say no to more apartments and rezoning."Hanahan's mayor says she believes the signs came about after a proposal for a rezoning to build an apartment comple...
HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — As you're going through the neighborhoods in Hanahan you'll see several signs that read "Say yes to moratoriums" and "Say no to more apartments and rezoning."
Hanahan's mayor says she believes the signs came about after a proposal for a rezoning to build an apartment complex.
However, the city council voted that proposal down.
Proposal plans to build more housing in a newer Hanahan community are bringing up concerns for those living there.
READ MORE: "17 acres of land in Hanahan by Tanner Hall causes dispute between neighbors and developer."
It is a close-knit city many people enjoy calling home.
"I love this place," said Jeremy Watts, who lives in Bowen Neighborhood. "I mean, Hanahan is wonderful. It's a wonderful place to raise children. It's a wonderful place to live."
With proposals to develop, neighbors are making their voices heard by placing signs throughout the Bowen community against the possible additions.
"There's major concerns with putting more multifamily homes back here," Watts said. "You really increase the population, you really increase the traffic patterns, and you really put a strain on the schools."
READ MORE: "Proposed Hanahan development heads to planning commission."
Safety and infrastructure are some of the concerns. However, neighbors like Watts want to see responsible growth.
"I think that people are expecting development, but I think that they're looking for infrastructure to increase, different roads, avenues to come in and out of this area," Watts said.
As Mayor Christie Rainwater encourages this sort of growth for the city, she hopes neighbors keep an open mind too.
"I think some of them are hoping that the developer doesn't get to develop any further, and that's where the signs are popping up," said Rainwater. "I think what it needs to be is more of a conversation. How do we do this well? How do we honor the property rights of those who own the property while still working with those who now live there and wanna make sure that the quality of life in our city remains just as amazing as it is now? The good thing is our council has that same goal. We wanna maintain that amazing quality of life and hopefully, we will do that through responsible growth."
READ MORE: "Hanahan neighborhood residents demanding new rezoning plan be ditched."
The "say no to more apartments in Bowen" signs are found within and around the Waterfront Village.
The community is filled with single-family homes, apartments and even commercial development.
Responsible growth is the key factor Rainwater says will keep the city alive and thriving.
"There's some things that are still being planned out," Rainwater said. "There are people that live there that don't want that and it's understandable. We need to figure out what's gonna work well for those that are there while still honoring the property rights of the developer."
POWDERSVILLE – Walk-off obstruction.In a wild and controversial finish to a classic in the Class AAA state championship series, Powdersville baseball beat Hanahan, 5-4, in 12 innings Wednesday to force a deciding game in the best-of-three series.Powdersville appeared to have a runner thrown out at home to end the 12th inning. But Hanahan catcher Hudson Sprovero was called for obstruction, not giving runner Kolbe Giles a lane to the plate.Hanahan’s brief elation for a narrow escape turned into disbelief and th...
POWDERSVILLE – Walk-off obstruction.
In a wild and controversial finish to a classic in the Class AAA state championship series, Powdersville baseball beat Hanahan, 5-4, in 12 innings Wednesday to force a deciding game in the best-of-three series.
Powdersville appeared to have a runner thrown out at home to end the 12th inning. But Hanahan catcher Hudson Sprovero was called for obstruction, not giving runner Kolbe Giles a lane to the plate.
Hanahan’s brief elation for a narrow escape turned into disbelief and then disgust as the Hawks watched Powdersville celebrate its first win in a state championship.
“I feel for those guys,” Powdersville coach Wade Padgett said. “Two really good teams playing a great game. I hate that it ended that way. But we’ll get to play a third game.”
Powersville (24-10) and Hanahan (30-4) will settle it at 3 p.m. Saturday in a neutral site game at Gilbert High School.
Hanahan scored three in the top of the seventh to take a 4-3 lead and Powdersville forced extra innings with a run in the bottom half. With two outs and Giles on first base after a walk in the 12th, Jack Hunsinger also worked a walk on a full-count pitch to bring up Chance Kennedy, the team’s leadoff batter.
Kennedy drilled a line-drive single to center and Giles raced around third toward the plate, Sprovero caught the throw on the base line and waited there for Kennedy.
“We were going to be aggressive because that’s how we’ve had to win games the whole season,” said Padgett, who was also the third-base coach who waved Kennedy home. “The players and fans will probably tell you that I’ve been really good at getting us thrown out at the plate. But when you’re in the 12th inning and you have a chance to score, you have to try.”
SABRES SWEEP:Brothers hit homers as Southside Christian baseball wins third straight state championship
Eli Hudgins pitched 6.2 innings of shutout relief of starter Blane Jordan. Hudgins came on in the seventh and allowed a two-run single to tie the game, but he ended that frame with two strikeouts and gave up only one hit the rest of the way.
Hanahan left a runner on third base in the 11th as Powdersville first baseman Landon Fowler knocked down a wild throw on a grounder to keep the Hawks off the board.
Powdersville had the bases loaded and one out in the eighth. Kennedy singled, took second on an errant picked try and third on another. Hanahan intentionally walked two batters and got two infield outs to escape unharmed.
Todd Shanesy is a former award-winning writer who now covers high school athletics for the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail in the USA TODAY Network. Contact him by email at todd.shanesy@shj.com. Follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, at @ToddShanesySHJ.