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 North 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 North 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 North Charleston" 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 North Charleston, SC include:
If you or your spouse do not have the necessary grounds for divorce in North 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.
A divorce in North 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 North Charleston, 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 North 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.
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 North Charleston, 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.
FULL STORYNorth Charleston, South Carolina – Steinberg Law Firm announced the opening of its new office in North Charleston. Located at 3955 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300, the 6,100-square-foot space reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to providing exceptional legal services and enhancing accessibility for its clients.The Class A office space was completely built out for the firm, incorporating the firm’s history as well as encompassing many updated technology and desig...
FULL STORY
North Charleston, South Carolina – Steinberg Law Firm announced the opening of its new office in North Charleston. Located at 3955 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300, the 6,100-square-foot space reflects the firm’s longstanding commitment to providing exceptional legal services and enhancing accessibility for its clients.
The Class A office space was completely built out for the firm, incorporating the firm’s history as well as encompassing many updated technology and design features. The space includes four conference rooms and 19 offices to better support the needs of injured clients and the growing firm. The building is visible from I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) and boasts a centralized North Charleston location with immediate access to I-526 and close proximity to I-26.
This expansion reflects nearly a century of dedication to the area and ensures that Steinberg Law Firm will continue to be a pillar of legal advocacy in the Charleston area for years to come.
“By placing ourselves at the heart of the community, we are reaffirming our commitment to better serve the needs of our neighbors. This move reflects our dedication to ensuring greater accessibility to our legal services, enabling us to make a positive impact where it’s needed most,” shared Michael Jordan, Managing Partner.
For nearly a century, Steinberg Law Firm has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to justice and personalized service. The firm’s attorneys focus primarily on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, helping clients navigate challenging circumstances with compassion.
Founded in 1927, Steinberg Law Firm has been a cornerstone of the Lowcountry legal community, advocating for clients with integrity and passion. The firm handles a wide range of cases, including personal injury, car accidents, workers’ compensation, and more. For more information, visit www.steinberglawfirm.com or call (843) 720-2800.
Steinberg Law Firm has offices in Goose Creek, Summerville, and now North Charleston, serving clients throughout the Lowcountry.
3955 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300 North Charleston, SC 29405
https://www.steinberglawfirm.com/
Patti Baron
(843) 720-2800 [email protected]
Eight people are facing charges in a federal corruption investigation, including three North Charleston city council members. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI made the announcement Wednesday.“They pledged to uphold the law,” acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Brook Andrews said during an afternoon press conference.“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”Authorities say the federal charges range from bribery, to extortion, to kickba...
Eight people are facing charges in a federal corruption investigation, including three North Charleston city council members. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI made the announcement Wednesday.
“They pledged to uphold the law,” acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Brook Andrews said during an afternoon press conference.
“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of that trust.”
Authorities say the federal charges range from bribery, to extortion, to kickbacks and money laundering schemes. They involve the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site as well as grants to reduce violence in North Charleston.
“The defendants used their positions of power and influence to orchestrate backdoor deals for personal gain,” FBI special agent Steve Jensen said.
Authorities named three council members they say were involved, Jerome Heyward, Mike Brown and Sandino Moses. Heyward and Moses are expected to plead guilty in federal court in Charleston Friday while Brown will be arraigned in March.
Five others are named as associates, with two pleading guilty Friday as well. Two of the associates are from North Carolina and one is the founder of a nonprofit.
Authorities say 61-year-old Heyward faces the most charges as he’s accused of participating in three separate schemes. The first accuses him of extorting a businessman by soliciting money in exchange for his actions on city council.
A second alleges he conspired with fellow council member Mike Brown to accept bribes for his support rezoning the hospital site. And a third accuses him of conspiring with three others to embezzle funds meant for the city of North Charleston by soliciting and accepting money from non-profits.
Heyward is expected to plead guilty to more than a dozen charges Friday. His attorney Andy Savage confirms the councilman has since stepped down and provided a copy of his resignation letter which reads in part, “I resign with deep contrition for my past actions that led to this decision.”
North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess released a statement Wednesday night saying, “the city has fully cooperated with this inquiry, embracing the opportunity to ensure the continued trust and confidence of our community.”
The U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI say they received a tip last February and have been investigating since.
Updated: Jan. 15, 2025 at 4:18 PM PSTNORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston is considering putting a cap on the number of short-term rentals in the city.Surrounding communities already have caps like Charleston and Folly Beach.Tim Macholl, Director of Planning and Zoning, said council members raised concerns about having too many short-term rentals in their district. They worry that neighborhoods like these may no longer have the same feeling of community with new people always walking in and out the door....
Updated: Jan. 15, 2025 at 4:18 PM PST
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - North Charleston is considering putting a cap on the number of short-term rentals in the city.
Surrounding communities already have caps like Charleston and Folly Beach.
Tim Macholl, Director of Planning and Zoning, said council members raised concerns about having too many short-term rentals in their district. They worry that neighborhoods like these may no longer have the same feeling of community with new people always walking in and out the door.
“Right now, that cap is proposed to be no more than 600 units that excludes existing units that are already permitted and in good standing. That also excludes individual room rentals,” Macholl said.
The cap would be divided evenly among the 10 districts, meaning each district would be permitted to have 60. Those living in North Charleston have mixed feelings about the potential cap.
“I’ve been here for 8 years and I’ve definitely seen the growth so I can understand why they would want to put a cap but as far as businesses go, I can understand that everyone wants a piece of the pie,” North Charleston resident Gunther Prado said.
“I think that the more that the government stays out of our pockets and our homes the better. I think if it’s your land, your house, you should be able to do what you want to do with it,” North Charleston resident Jason Ayers said.
“I own an Airbnb in Myrtle Beach, so I get both sides. But I do think housing affordability is a big problem in North Charleston,” North Charleston resident Bertrand Valero said.
Despite owning an Airbnb, Valero said he believes there should be a cap in North Charleston because he says it’s a different situation. Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination, and North Charleston has a lot of people who live here long-term. The cap would also allow the city to crack down on rentals not permitted. Macholl said there are around 570 permitted within the city. But they are aware of about 1200 operating without a permit.
“Once we’ve identified that they are operating without a permit, let them know that they need to cease and desist, stop operating if they’re in a district that does not have any space to get a permit they would have to just stop,” Macholl said.
There are some districts like 8 and 10 that already have far more than the cap. For those with permits in good standing, Macholl said the city would not take them away and they could keep operating.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Three members of the City Council in South Carolina’s third-largest city accepted kickbacks and bribes to give out grant money and rezone land or lied about what they knew, federal prosecutors said Wednesday,Charges against North Charleston councilmen Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses and Mike A. Brown along with five others were announced Wednesday after a yearlong investigation by the FBI and state officials.Heyward took a $40,000 kickback from two nonprofit organizations in return for steering to them part of a $1.3 millio...
Three members of the City Council in South Carolina’s third-largest city accepted kickbacks and bribes to give out grant money and rezone land or lied about what they knew, federal prosecutors said Wednesday,
Charges against North Charleston councilmen Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses and Mike A. Brown along with five others were announced Wednesday after a yearlong investigation by the FBI and state officials.
Heyward took a $40,000 kickback from two nonprofit organizations in return for steering to them part of a $1.3 million grant to fight gun violence in North Charleston, according to court documents.
Heyward and Brown were part of a scheme by a boat maker to rezone land on the Ashley River in North Charleston that was once a hospital and before that a fertilizer plant to sell to a boat manufacturer. The company offered to build a park but also wanted a plant on the site.
The councilmen accepted bribes to try to get the rezoning passed and by that time the FBI was listening to Heyward’s call, catching Brown saying he was annoyed it was taking too long to get his money because he needed to pay for his son’s wedding, prosecutors said.
The rezoning plan was rejected.
Moses also took money to support the rezoning. He returned it, but he lied about the offer and what he knew about his fellow councilmen being on the take, according to charging documents.
Heyward is charged with extortion, bribery and wire fraud. Brown is charged with bribery and wire fraud, and Moses is charged with lying to federal investigators.
Heyward and Moses plan to plead guilty to their charges on Friday, acting U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Brook Andrews said.
A lawyer for Heyward didn’t comment Wednesday. The other councilmen and their lawyers didn’t immediately respond. Heyward and Moses have resigned from council, North Charleston officials said.
“The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of trust,” Andrews said at a news conference. “These council members used their positions not to serve their communities, but to enrich themselves.”
North Charleston is South Carolina’s third-largest city with about 125,000 people. Mayor Reggie Burgess thanked the FBI and state investigators for their work to make sure residents remained certain with their city government. He said the city fully cooperated with the investigation.
“Transparency and accountability remain core principles of this administration, and we welcomed this review as a necessary step to uphold those standards,” Burgess said.
President Joe Biden shares gratitude and hope as he celebrates MLK day early during his final full day in office in Charleston.As President Joe Biden and the first lady carefully descended the stairs of Air Force One, on a slick, overcast day at Joint Base Charleston Sunday, there was a familiarity about the visit, a kind of homecoming if you will.The first family has vacationed on Kiawah Island. They’ve grieved with the families of the Mother Emanuel massacre, unexpectedly finding solace in the loss of their own son Be...
As President Joe Biden and the first lady carefully descended the stairs of Air Force One, on a slick, overcast day at Joint Base Charleston Sunday, there was a familiarity about the visit, a kind of homecoming if you will.
The first family has vacationed on Kiawah Island. They’ve grieved with the families of the Mother Emanuel massacre, unexpectedly finding solace in the loss of their own son Beau. President Biden has debated, campaigned, and even received a key endorsement in Charleston.
But this trip to the Lowcountry is how the outgoing president decided to spend his final, full day in office; showing gratitude for the state that paved the road to the White House and celebrating the message of one of his childhood heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We know the struggle toward redeeming the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing,” President Biden told worshippers at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston.
“The distance is short between peril and possibility,” he said.
“But faith teaches us the America of our dreams is always closer than we think.”
It was a family affair at the historic church as the president was flanked in the first pew by not only his wife, but his son Hunter Biden as well as longtime colleague and friend Congressman Jim Clyburn. Sitting behind them, a who’s who of dignitaries including the recently elected and first Black mayor of North Charleston, Reggie Burgess.
But of all the dignitaries in attendance, it was Clyburn’s endorsement in 2020 that made Biden’s presidency possible.
“I would not be standing here in this pulpit if it were not for Jim Clyburn,” Biden said.
After more than an hour of joyful, soul lifting song and a sermon about the gifts of struggle, the president’s heavily guarded motorcade whisked him away to a site in Charleston where historians estimate nearly half of all Africans enslaved in this country were brought ashore in shackles, Gadsden’s Wharf.
The hallowed land is now home to the city’s new International African American Museum. The President and first lady, Jill Biden, toured two of the museum’s galleries, paying tribute to people who persevered despite being kidnapped, sold and stripped of their identities.
Former longtime Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who dreamed of sharing the untold stories of African Americans and made the museum possible, held his wife’s hand as he proudly looked on.
“You should have a statue of Joe in here,” President Biden remarked.
Outside, beneath the lofted museum, people gathered to hear from the president on his final day. A large banner hung above the stage reading, "President Biden, Soul of the Nation.”
Among those waiting in the crowd was Charles Brave who shared his concerns about the days ahead, with the inauguration of a new president, Donald Trump.
“The Democratic process has taken place whether we like it or not,” Brave said. “We got what we got now. We've got to figure our way through.”
The sun came out and a chilly wind whipped through the waterfront stage, as Congressman Clyburn took the began to speak. He touted the president’s numerous accomplishments, especially for women and African Americans.
“Joe looks beyond our zip codes and addresses our needs,” Clyburn said. “He is the most compassionate public servant that I’ve ever worked with.”
Then, Clyburn invited the president to join him, gifting him with handwoven sweetgrass basked adorned at its center with Carolina Maplewood. The gift is symbolic as the wood is from land where enslaved Africans once labored and sweetgrass fanner baskets have long been used by Africans for winnowing rice, that is separating the hull from the chaff.
The gift’s sentiment wasn’t lost on President Biden.
“There has been a long line of Black patriots who have helped make the promise of America real for all Americans, who have helped us become the nation we say we are and want to be.”
As Biden wrapped up his final, official trip as president and headed back to Joint Base Charleston, people lined downtown streets, waving and holding signs. Many read, “We love Joe”.