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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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island" 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
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
A divorce in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island 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
Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, SC
Body of Man Who Went Missing From Hilton Head Rental Found Underneath Nearby Home One Week Later
Ingrid Vasquezhttps://people.com/stanley-kotowski-found-dead-missing-hilton-head-vacation-rental-8701698
Stanley Kotowski's remains have been found ten days after he went missing from his family's rental property on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island.The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Sea Pines home regarding suspicious activity at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.According to a ...
Stanley Kotowski's remains have been found ten days after he went missing from his family's rental property on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Sea Pines home regarding suspicious activity at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.
According to a press release from the department, upon their arrival, officers conducted an investigation that led to the discovery of the body of a deceased male underneath the residence.
Mass. Father, 60, Missing After He Was Seen Leaving Family's Vacation Rental Barefoot on Ring Camera
"It is believed that the deceased male is 60-year-old Stanley Kotowski of Massachusetts," the press release states.
The body is scheduled to undergo an autopsy by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to "determine the manner of death, as well as positively identify the decedent."
Kotowski's family, however, has confirmed to WJCL that the remains are his and were found beneath a home "four houses down" from their rental unit.
The Massachusetts native was last seen in the South Sea Pines Drive area on Friday, August 16, around 10:30 a.m.
A previous press release explained that Kotowski exited the rental home without personal belongings, such as his cell phone or wallet.
"Since Kotowski was reported missing the Sheriff's Office has continued search efforts. BCSO, along with other agencies and Sea Pines Security, have been using multiple resources to search for Kotowski to, include K9s, helicopters, drones, boats, and foot patrol," the press release said.
To aid in the search, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office released ring doorbell footage from the property that showed Kotowsk exiting the home barefoot in a dark-colored Coors Light T-shirt and shorts. He then stopped in the middle of the street and looked at the area around him before slowly walking out of the frame.
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"He just walked out the door. He had really bad insomnia for about a month," his wife, Jackie Kotowski, recalled at the time to WJCL. "He doesn't have dementia. His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse, and he started to get a little paranoid."
Mystery as Missing Mass. Man's Body Found Under South Carolina House
Marianne Williamsonhttps://www.newsweek.com/missing-man-massachusetts-body-found-1944867
The body of a Massachusetts man has been found underneath a house in South Carolina, sparking questions as to what happened.South Carolina authorities say they believe the body is that of 60-year-old Stanley Kotowski, who went missing while on vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was last seen in the South Sea Pines Drive area on August 16....
The body of a Massachusetts man has been found underneath a house in South Carolina, sparking questions as to what happened.
South Carolina authorities say they believe the body is that of 60-year-old Stanley Kotowski, who went missing while on vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was last seen in the South Sea Pines Drive area on August 16.
At 3:30 p.m. on August 26, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office discovered the body underneath a house also in the South Sea Pines area. The discovery was made after a report of suspicious activity at the 5,000-acre gated community on the morning of August 26.
Following the news of the body being found, Stanley Kotowski's wife, Jackie Kotowski, posted on Facebook: "It is with deep sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that Stan has been found. Sadly, he is no longer with us. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we begin to process this unimaginable loss.
"Zak, Ryan [Jackie and Stanley's sons] and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered their support, shared information, and helped in the search efforts. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us during this incredibly difficult time."
An autopsy by the Beaufort County Coroner's Office will positively identify the body and determine cause of death.
Newsweek has emailed the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office for more information.
Of his disappearance, Jackie Kotowski told WJCL 22 News: "He just walked out the door. He had really bad insomnia for about a month. He doesn't have dementia. His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse, and he started to get a little paranoid. He thought someone was chasing him."
On her personal Facebook page, Jackie added that her husband was not a fan of the ocean in Hilton Head and of late had become concerned about "exposure to the sun, jellyfish and sharks."
In the days after he went missing, Jackie wrote on her Facebook page that the current theory was he was taking shelter and hiding nearby.
Kotowski was last seen wearing a dark Coors Light T-shirt, dark blue or black shorts and no shoes. He did not have a phone or a wallet on him when he went missing.
Ring doorbell camera footage released by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office showed Kotowski dressed in these same clothes and barefoot leaving his vacation rental at 10:30 a.m. on August 16.
Posts by Jackie Kotowski on her personal Facebook page show there was also a sighting of Kotowski at The Salty Dog restaurant and recreation facility on August 16.
The 11-day search for Kotowski included helicopters, boats, drones, foot patrons and canine units.
Body found in Hilton Head, South Carolina believed to be Massachusetts man who vanished
Eric Lagattahttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/27/stanley-kotowski-missing-found-dead-hilton-head-sc/74962432007/
A Massachusetts man who had been missing for more than a week is believed to have been found dead underneath a home at the same resort in South Carolina where he was vacationing with his family, according to authorities.Stanley Kotowski, 60, vanished Aug. 16 after he left the vacation rental property at Hilton Head Island where the family was s...
A Massachusetts man who had been missing for more than a week is believed to have been found dead underneath a home at the same resort in South Carolina where he was vacationing with his family, according to authorities.
Stanley Kotowski, 60, vanished Aug. 16 after he left the vacation rental property at Hilton Head Island where the family was staying. Law enforcement officers in Beaufort County, which includes the island, spent days searching the area for Kotowski, who was believed to be having a mental health crisis.
That search came to an end Monday when sheriff's deputies called to a home for suspicious activity found the body of a man underneath the property, the agency said in an update on Facebook. The body was believed to be Kotowski's, according to the sheriff's office.
Missing hiker found dead:Remains found in Washington believed to be missing Oregon hiker
Stanley Kotowski left vacation rental with no shoes, phone
Kotowski and his family, who are from Methuen, about 30 miles north of Boston, were vacationing at Hilton Head Island when he disappeared.
Kotowski was last seen on the morning of Aug. 16 leaving his family’s rental at the Sea Pines Resort. When Kotowski left, he was shoeless and without his phone and wallet, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
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In home surveillance footage shared Saturday by the sheriff's office, Kotowski doesn't appear to be rushed or panicked as he calmly leaves the home. He can be seen in the footage walking barefoot to the street, where he pauses for a few moments before walking off camera.
His wife, Jackie Kotowski, said her husband had been struggling with anxiety, insomnia and paranoia.
"He thought someone was chasing him," Jackie Kotowski told ABC Savannah, Georgia, affiliate WJCL.
The sheriff's office deployed canines, drones, and helicopters to locate Kotowski, and firefighters helped to comb residential and wooded areas. But for days, the only signs of Kotowski came from sporadic recordings on neighbors' home surveillance cameras.
Kotowski believed to be found dead underneath Sea Pines home
After sheriff's deputies were called at 11:30 a.m. local time Monday to a home at the Sea Pines resort, "the body of a deceased male was located underneath a residence," the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said an autopsy would be performed.
Kotowski's family confirmed to WJCL that the body was his and was found beneath a home four houses down from their rental unit.
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
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