Divorce Is Hard - The Right Attorney Makes It Easier.

Divorce Attorney in James Island, SC

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 James 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 James 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 James Island, SC ask yourself these questions:

whether you need
  • 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
  • Adoptions
  • Property Division
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Property Division
  • Alimony
  • Mediation
  • 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 James 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.

post-divorce needs

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 James 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 James Island, SC 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.

legally acceptable reason

Common Issues Associated with Divorces in James Island, SC

A divorce in James Island, SC 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 James Island, SC. are highly experienced litigators and are well-equipped to handle any disputes revealed in the conference or courtroom.

Common divorce issues include:

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.

Understanding Child Custody in James Island, SC

Understanding Child Custody

Many of the family law clients that walk into our office have big questions that are leaving them full of stress and worry.

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.

Understanding Child Support in James 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 James Island, SC 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.

At Cobb Hammett

Understanding Alimony in James 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 James 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
Alimony business assets

Understanding Division of Property in James Island, SC

children marital property

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.

What Our Clients Say

Cobb Hammett LLC: James Island's Most Trusted Family Law Attorneys

Divorces are rarely easy to handle. If your spouse is pulling the trigger on divorcing you we understand that your life may seem like it's in shambles. However with time and a team of trusted family law experts by your side there is light at the end of the tunnel. Together we can work through this while protecting your rights and assuring your children's stability.

If divorce seems inevitable time is of the essence. Call our family law offices in James Island, SC today for your legal consultation so that we can get a sense of your unique circumstances.

Latest News in James Island, SC

Popular Folly Beach restaurant opens all-day breakfast spot. Here’s where to find it.

JAMES ISLAND — Coffee, biscuits and bulgogi cheesesteak.That’s the spread at Trading Post, the new James Island café from the team behind Folly Beach’s popular Jack of Cups Saloon.They’re bringing their signature globally inspired menu to a café format and introducing something new for the team: breakfast all day.The menu includes buttermilk biscuits with butter and jam, classic egg-and-cheese biscuits and a larger “All Day Breakfast Situation” menu item featuring two egg...

JAMES ISLAND — Coffee, biscuits and bulgogi cheesesteak.

That’s the spread at Trading Post, the new James Island café from the team behind Folly Beach’s popular Jack of Cups Saloon.

They’re bringing their signature globally inspired menu to a café format and introducing something new for the team: breakfast all day.

The menu includes buttermilk biscuits with butter and jam, classic egg-and-cheese biscuits and a larger “All Day Breakfast Situation” menu item featuring two eggs, cheese, tomato, whipped potatoes and maple mayo all on a jumbo biscuit.

Fans of Jack of Cups Saloon’s rotating lunch and dinner menu will spot familiar soups, sandwiches and stews, such as the Thai ginger peanut soup, potato popcorn soup and the tamari-ginger cucumber salad.

First announced in 2023, Trading Post officially opened its doors at 8 a.m. on Dec. 5 in the Walgreens-anchored Shoppes of Folly shopping center, located on James Island at 915 Folly Rd.

Like the unique menu at its Folly Beach flagship, the James Island outpost will routinely roll out rotating “fun, unique bites” in a counter-service format, co-owner Lesley Carroll said.

Current lunch options include the vegetarian-friendly harissa garbanzo burger and heartier bulgogi cheesesteak made with sirloin and topped with spicy Korean BBQ sauce and queso blanco.

During the soft-opening phase, Trading Post will operate from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. with a smaller menu while the owners await a beer and wine permit. Once approved, hours will extend to 8 p.m.

The current beverage menu includes coffee with house-made syrups, seltzers and lemonades.

Trading Post took over the former Odyssey Greek Restaurant, where it sat vacant for a decade and needed a full renovation, Carroll said.

Customers are now greeted by a blue-tiled pastry case and counter in front of deep blue walls with plenty of plants along the counter and shelves. There is bar seating with leather stools, tall community tables and high booths inside the eclectic, cozy interior.

“The name Trading Post came from thinking about places where people meet and gather — inspired by travel,” Carroll said. “Jack of Cups has been a destination at the beach and now we get to be part of the neighborhood here on James Island, where we live.”

The eatery isn’t the team’s first foray into quick-service breakfast on James Island. Carroll said Jack of Cups BeBop, a location inside a permanent food truck at The Pour House Charleston, has been serving breakfast on the weekends.

Jack of Cups Saloon also hosts occasional brunch events throughout the year.

Trading Post now gives the team a dedicated space for everyday morning fare.

The Shoppes of Folly shopping center has long been a food destination on James Island with global cuisine, despite being located behind a Sonic fast-food restaurant. Thai Elephants restaurant has operated in the center for 10 years.

In October, 27-year-old Italian restaurant Mondo’s opened an expanded dining room and announced it was adding pizza to the menu for the first time.

Football Recap: James Island's Win on Friday Extends Winning Streak to Five + How To Watch

With a playoff win on the line, James Island rose to the challenge on Friday. They came out on top against the Sumter Gamecocks by a score of 42-35. The victory almost wasn't to be: the Trojans were down 28-14 in the second quarter. Connor Dantzler had another great game (as he tends to do), throwing for 265 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 60 yards and a pair of TDs. He has been hot, having posted three or more passing touchdowns the last five times he's played. Raphael Puiu did his part for the team as well, scorin...

With a playoff win on the line, James Island rose to the challenge on Friday. They came out on top against the Sumter Gamecocks by a score of 42-35. The victory almost wasn't to be: the Trojans were down 28-14 in the second quarter.

Connor Dantzler had another great game (as he tends to do), throwing for 265 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 60 yards and a pair of TDs. He has been hot, having posted three or more passing touchdowns the last five times he's played. Raphael Puiu did his part for the team as well, scoring a TD off of 121 receiving yards.

When it comes to explaining why Sumter lost, don't look at Franklin Richardson. Despite the final result, he rushed for 236 yards and a pair of scores while picking up 12.4 yards per carry.

11/14/25 @ Sumter42-35
11/07/25 vs Wando48-0
10/30/25 vs Stall55-0
10/24/25 vs Ashley Ridge28-21
10/17/25 vs Fort Dorchester48-7

The win (which was James Island's fifth in a row) raised their record to 11-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 44.2 points over those games. As for Sumter, the defeat snapped their winning streak at eight games and leaves them with a 9-2 record.

Looking ahead, James Island will head out on the road to square off against Stratford at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Trojans will need to watch out since the Knights have now posted at least 31 points in their last four matchups. Sumter does not have any more games scheduled as of now.

Dollar Tree set to open second James Island store

CHARLESTON — Bargain hunters on James Island will soon have a new spot to score deals as Dollar Tree adds a second location this week.The store will open its doors on Dec. 4 at 856 Folly Road, according to manager Jim Ruquet.It’s the latest tenant to join the shopping center near Camp and Folly roads, anchored by an Aldi grocery store that opened last October, and Planet Fitness which opened in 2022 in the space previously occupied by a Bi-Lo supermarket.Already, aisles are stocked with home goods, kitchen es...

CHARLESTON — Bargain hunters on James Island will soon have a new spot to score deals as Dollar Tree adds a second location this week.

The store will open its doors on Dec. 4 at 856 Folly Road, according to manager Jim Ruquet.

It’s the latest tenant to join the shopping center near Camp and Folly roads, anchored by an Aldi grocery store that opened last October, and Planet Fitness which opened in 2022 in the space previously occupied by a Bi-Lo supermarket.

Already, aisles are stocked with home goods, kitchen essentials, party supplies, and a cooler along the back wall for refrigerated items. “Now Hiring” signs with QR codes for applicants are posted on the doors.

The Dollar Tree joins the company’s other location at 1291 Folly Road, in the Food Lion-anchored Island Plaza. It location will remain open, according to store manager Rich Granville.

The Chesapeake, Vi.-based retailer, which operates about 9,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, including 195 in South Carolina, has been opening more stores in the Lowcountry.

In October, Dollar Tree opened its second West Ashley location in October, nine months after it opened on Orleans Road, across from Citadel Mall.

In March, the chain announced it was divesting its Family Dollar business, selling it to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for $1 billion.

The sale was finalized in July, with net proceeds from the sale estimated to total approximately $800 million, according to the the company.

Mike Creedon, Dollar Tree’s chief executive officer, told investors Oct. 15 that more than 1,100 new stores had opened nationwide since 2023, capturing a budget-conscious market as customers are “looking to recover from highest inflation in decades.”

According to the company, 85 percent of products at Dollar Tree cost $2 or less.

36th annual Holiday Festival of Lights opens at James Island County Park

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Charleston County Parks' most anticipated events of the year is back for the holiday season.The 36th annual Holiday Festival of Lights opened at James Island County Park on Friday, Nov. 14."It's one of the most popular holiday attractions here in the Lowcountry," said Sarah Reynolds, the public information coordinator for Charleston County Parks. "The Holiday Festival of Lights is a three-mile drive through over 750 light displays and an estimated 2 million lights."...

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Charleston County Parks' most anticipated events of the year is back for the holiday season.

The 36th annual Holiday Festival of Lights opened at James Island County Park on Friday, Nov. 14.

"It's one of the most popular holiday attractions here in the Lowcountry," said Sarah Reynolds, the public information coordinator for Charleston County Parks. "The Holiday Festival of Lights is a three-mile drive through over 750 light displays and an estimated 2 million lights."

Visitors can expect to see their favorite light displays, and new additions.

"We always have a little something new in the lights every year, so you'll have to come out and see what's new," said Reynolds.

New for this year? A New Year's Eve fireworks display on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.

In addition to the drive of fantastical lights, visitors are also encouraged to park the car and head over to Santa's Village.

"We have gift shops. There's a sweet shop. Santa is here every night through December 23rd. We have special entertainment and live music on other nights. And so there's really so much more to do and see. There's a carousel, a festival train," said Reynolds. The village also features food vendors, s'mores, and a rock-climbing wall.

In addition to Santa Claus, the Grinch also stopped by for opening night to promote 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical' at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Charleston County Parks encourages visitors to the Holiday Festival of Lights to buy tickets in advance, and to take advantage of discount-pricing days.

"We have over 200,000 people typically each year that come to the Holiday Festival of Lights. So that's a lot. And I think it's around 60,000 cars," said Reynolds.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is open every night at 871 Riverland Drive, from 5:30pm to 10pm through Dec. 31, 2025.

High school football: Final scores from this week’s SC playoff games

It is Week 3 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.Class 5A Division IUpper StateDutch Fork 21, Byrnes 0Dorman 35, Ridge View 14Lower StateSummerville 29, Carolina Forest 28James Island 45, Stratford 42Nov. 28Upper State(2) Dorman at (1) Dutch ForkLower State(6) James Island at (5) SummervilleClass 5A Division IIUpper StateNorthwestern 52, Gaffney 45Indian Land 43, TL Han...

It is Week 3 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.

Class 5A Division I

Upper State

Dutch Fork 21, Byrnes 0

Dorman 35, Ridge View 14

Lower State

Summerville 29, Carolina Forest 28

James Island 45, Stratford 42

Nov. 28

Upper State

(2) Dorman at (1) Dutch Fork

Lower State

(6) James Island at (5) Summerville

Class 5A Division II

Upper State

Northwestern 52, Gaffney 45

Indian Land 43, TL Hanna 41

Lower State

Irmo 28, White Knoll 14

Berkeley 61, Myrtle Beach 13

Nov. 28

Upper State

(3) Indian Land at (1) Northwestern

Lower State

(2) Berkeley at (1) Irmo

Class 4A

Upper State

South Pointe 56, AC Flora 14

Westside 24, Camden 21

Lower State

South Florence 49, North Augusta 14

Gray Collegiate 31, Hilton Head Island 28

Nov. 28

Upper State

(3) Westside at (1) South Pointe

Lower State

(3) Gray Collegiate at (1) South Florence

Class 3A

Upper State

Powdersville 52, Mountain View Prep 30

Belton-Honea Path 13, Woodruff 3

Lower State

Oceanside Collegiate 42, Dillon 0

Loris 51, Newberry 21

Nov. 28

Upper State

(3) Belton-Honea Path at (1) Powdersville

Lower State

(3) Loris at (1) Oceanside Collegiate

Class 2A

Upper State

Fairfield Central 42, Clinton 7

Strom Thurmond 31, Chester 8

Lower State

Hampton County 56, Manning 6

Central 57, Philip Simmons 47

Nov. 28

Upper State

Fairfield Central at Strom Thurmond

Lower State

Central at Hampton County

Class A

Upper State

Lewisville 42, CA Johnson 14

Lamar 44, Hunter-Kinard Tyler 22

Lower State

Cross 42, Johnsonville 14

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 48, Carvers Bay 20

Nov. 28

Upper State

Lewisville at Lamar

Lower State

Cross at Bamberg-Ehrhardt

SCISA Championships

Friday

8-Man: WW King 50, Laurens Academy 36

Class 4A: Northwood 61, Heathwood Hall 7

Saturday

Class 2A: Bethesda 54, Pee Dee Academy 15

Class A: Colleton Prep vs. Williamsburg Academy, 3:30 p.m. (at SC State)

Class 3A: Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep, 7:30 p.m. (at SC State)

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