People in today's society often don't see eye-to-eye on controversial topics, especially with the prevalence of social media platforms and discussion forums. But if there's one thing that most folks can agree on, it's that everyone's family is unique. Each member has their own journey, filled with changes, challenges, and life-changing circumstances. Sometimes, those events are joyous and worth celebrating, like graduating from college or having a new baby. Other times, those events can cause frustration and grief, like messy divorces.
If you're trying to keep your life together while dealing with a complex child custody case or contentious divorce, chances are you're hurt and confused. You probably have big questions about the future. You're wondering what's going to happen to your marriage, your children, your career, and more. You're over-stressed and in need of a strategy to resolve it. In times like these, relying on the compassion and expertise of a family law attorney in Gramling, SC, can turn what seems like a hopeless situation into a much more manageable experience, given the circumstances.
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we're acutely aware of the hardships that come with changes to your family dynamic, such as tension and emotional turmoil. Our team of family law attorneys is available to assist you in navigating these challenges and providing guidance on the most effective approach to your case. That way, you can move forward with confidence, and look ahead to a brighter future.
At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, our family law attorneys have decades of combined experience serving the needs of families, from divorce proceedings and alimony issues to family formations and adoptions. While every one of our family law clients has unique needs and circumstances, they all rely on our law firm for personal attention and a responsive family law lawyer in Gramling, SC. If you require zealous representation and a time-tested approach to family law, we're here to help.
As a full-service family law firm in South Carolina, we're proud to serve a wide range of clients: men and women, husbands and wives, business owners and executives, and just about every type of person in between. When they come to us, they're often distraught, confused, and anxious about the steps ahead. We consider those issues and make it a point to provide compassion and advice on the best possible approach to their situation or case. That way, they can rest easy at night knowing we have their back, no matter what hurdles may lie ahead.
Unsure whether you need to speak with a family law attorney? Ask yourself this:
If your answer to any of those questions is in the affirmative, it's time to give our family law firm in South Carolina a call today. Though time is often of the essence in family law matters, our team would be happy to sit with you to review your situation and provide an easy-to-understand roadmap for your legal future.
Divorce is a difficult decision for anyone, whether it's you or your partner who initiates it. It's a painful experience that can leave you feeling shattered and alone in the dark. When you made your wedding vows, you did so with the intention of being together for life. You invested a lot of time and money into your wedding, inviting friends and family from all over South Carolina to share in your joy.
Now, you're faced with the harsh reality that you and your former spouse are no longer together. As your family law attorney in Gramling, SC, we understand how overwhelming this can be. We've assisted many clients through the divorce process and had the knowledge and tools to help them work through it and move on to greener pastures.
When a couple decides to end their marriage in South Carolina, they have the option of a No-Fault dissolution which relieves either of having to bring and prove a fault-based divorce ground. This can help to avoid hostility or ill-feeling that may arise during a fault-based divorce.
In order to qualify for a no-fault divorce, the couple must have been living apart for a year prior to the divorce being granted. This means that they must have separate residences and cannot simply have been living in separate quarters within the same home. If you're thinking about divorce but don't want to pin the demise of the relationship on your spouse, speak with a family law lawyer in Gramling, SC, soon. This option allows you both to accept responsibility and move on.
When initiating the divorce process in South Carolina, the first step is for one spouse to file a complaint for divorce in the county where generally, the other spouse resides. To be eligible for divorce in South Carolina, residency requirements must be met. Generally, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for a minimum of one year. If both spouses live in South Carolina, they both must have resided there for at least three months.
There are five grounds for divorce in South Carolina, including a single no-fault ground that applies only if the spouses have been living separately for one year. The other four grounds are fault-based and include the following:
At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, one of the most common family law questions we're asked is, "Why type of divorce is best? Should I get a no-fault divorce?" Those questions aren't always easy to answer and depend on the dynamics of your marriage.
In a fault-based divorce, successfully proving fault can impact support and equitable division of the marital estate in favor of the "innocent" spouse. Proving wrongdoing can provide a sense of vindication during a divorce. In contrast, a no-fault divorce can make it a more unilateral process.
Did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau states that 25% of children younger than 21 live with just one parent while the other parent resides elsewhere in the country? In such circumstances, many families must navigate the complicated and legally complex process of child custody. As seasoned family law attorneys, we have represented clients in all aspects and legal stages of child custody and support.
We focus in providing services for a range of issues, including but not limited to:
Every family has its own distinct characteristics, and as such, child-related agreements must also be customized to fit each unique situation. In South Carolina, our team of skilled family law attorneys takes the time to understand our clients' individual goals and needs and tailor our services accordingly.
When you get married, you go into the partnership believing that you'll be together forever. It makes sense, then, that most divorcing couples don't know very much about alimony in South Carolina (also referred to as spousal support). They ask questions such as:
Fortunately, working with a family law lawyer in Gramling, SC, can answer those questions and make alimony easier to understand and approach.
Many individuals often mistake alimony for child support, but they are, in fact, two distinct forms of financial obligation and not mutually exclusive. Alimony was established to safeguard a supported spouse in the event of a divorce or separation. For example, a spouse who did not work during the course of the marriage would generally have a stronger alimony claim than a spouse who worked throughout the marriage. Likewise, a spouse who worked throughout the marriage but made less than the other spouse would have a stronger alimony claim than a spouse who worked and earned equivalent income to the supporting spouse.
In many cases, a spouse may choose to stay at home to tend to the children and manage the household. Oftentimes, the spouse who remains at home has sacrificed their career or education to care for the family. In such instances, a divorce could leave the financially weaker spouse in a state of financial turmoil. Without that support system, they will have to start over from scratch. These are some factors the Court will consider in evaluating an appropriate alimony case. Throughout your marriage, you have structured your quality of life based on a budget determined by your finances. While all expenses are shared by both partners, what happens if you have been financially dependent on your spouse and need to support yourself?
At Cobb, & Hammett, LLC, we aim to assist you in securing the alimony you need to support both yourself and your children. At the same time, we want to ensure that you are not overpaying your spouse, if you are the one required to pay. You may be required to pay an amount that could leave you in a difficult financial situation. Regardless, it's crucial to have the right legal representation to guide you through the alimony process in South Carolina.
Some people may assume financial responsibilities to a former partner are end with the filing of a divorce decree. However, if the court has mandated alimony payments, then the financial obligations survive. Failure to meet those obligations can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Family law attorneys at Cobb Hammett, LLC have years of experience representing clients throughout the divorce process, including alimony determinations.
Our legal services cover many aspects of alimony law, such as:
Though our family law attorneys are fearless negotiators and litigators, we always strive to keep your legal proceedings as seamless and straightforward as possible. Our goal is to help reach an agreement on alimony that is reasonable for both you and your spouse. However, compromises aren't always possible. If needed, our lawyers will fight aggressively on your behalf to help ensure your financial rights are protected.
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
Dealing with family law cases can be incredibly trying, particularly when it comes to matters of separation or divorce. As your family law attorney in Gramling, SC, we recognize the challenges you're facing. With that in mind, know that we're committed to offering empathetic legal counsel on your behalf, no matter how contentious or confusing your situation may become. Contact our law offices today for your initial family law consultation.
District 1 Schools recently announced its 2012-13 Teachers of the Year for each school and the Teacher of the Year.Teacher of the Year for District One Schools and Chapman High School Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Erin Gramling, English/ language arts. Gramling is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate, has a master's degree in education and has been teaching for seven years, all at Chapman High.Gramling teaches ninth and 10th grades and serves as cheerleading coach for the Chapman Competitive Cheer Squad. She is ...
District 1 Schools recently announced its 2012-13 Teachers of the Year for each school and the Teacher of the Year.
Teacher of the Year for District One Schools and Chapman High School Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Erin Gramling, English/ language arts. Gramling is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate, has a master's degree in education and has been teaching for seven years, all at Chapman High.
Gramling teaches ninth and 10th grades and serves as cheerleading coach for the Chapman Competitive Cheer Squad. She is married to Trey Gramling.
Mrs. Gramling says, “With support, a student can be successful. I want to teach because I have an opportunity to give, selflessly, every day. Teaching is rewarding because my heart almost bursts with happiness when I am able to help children believe in themselves. Since I am only one person, the reality that I am expected to be the teacher, parent, mentor and counselor for each child is overwhelming. Since I rely on prayer to guide me through life, I am able to achieve a sense of peace as I begin each day.”
Mrs. Anna Hodge is the Campobello-Gramling School Teacher of the Year. She has been the art teacher at Campobello-Gramling School for 12 years and holds a master's degree in education.
The Teacher of the Year for Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary School is Mrs. Melissa Lark, who teaches third grade. Lark has been teaching for 20 years, all at Holly Springs Motlow Elementary. She holds a master's-plus-30 degree.
Mrs. Mary Somers, special education teacher, is Inman Elementary School's Teacher of the Year. She has taught for 32 years, 17 of those at Inman Elementary. She has a master'splus- 30 degree.
Media specialist Amber Keeran is the Teacher of the Year for Inman Intermediate School. She has taught for 26 years as a media specialist, special- education teacher and public library media specialist.
Col. Robert Sanders is the Landrum High School Teacher of the Year. Sanders holds a B.S. in engineering from West Point and a master's degree in counseling from Auburn University. He spent 28 years in the Army and has been an ROTC instructor for eight years.
Landrum Middle School's Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Jackie Putman. Putman has been teaching for 28 years and for six years at Landrum Middle School. She has a master's-plus-30 degree.
Mrs. Tammy Starosto is the Teacher of the Year for Mabry Middle School. Starosto has taught for 28 years and has been a math teacher at Mabry Middle for four years. She holds a master's degree.
O.P. Earle Elementary Teacher of the Year is Ms. Anna Mathis, who teaches fourth grade at O.P. Earle. Mathis holds a B.A. in elementary education and is elementary and middle level math-certified.
Mrs. Gayle Elrod serves as guidance counselor for New Prospect Elementary School and represents the school as Teacher of the Year. Elrod has taught special education for nine years and has been school counselor at New Prospect for five years. She has a master's degree in guidance and counseling.
Teacher of the Year for Swofford Career Center is Mrs. Tracy Thornton, who teaches graphics and printing at the school. She has been in that position for 11 years. She has degrees from Spartanburg Community College and career certification from Clemson University.
The Teachers of the Year were honored by the District 1 Board of Trustees at a dinner in their honor on Aug. 13. Each teacher received a name plaque to be placed outside the classroom door identifying him or her as Teacher of the Year. They were also recognized at the annual District 1 Convocation of all staff on Aug. 16.
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With the fall sports season winding down, it's time to look forward to the basketball season. Here's a look at some of the top girls basketball players from the Spartanburg area to watch in the 2022-23 season.Note: Stats were submitted by coaches or found on MaxPreps or Hudl. Players are listed in alphabetical order.SPARTANBURG PLAYERS TO WATCH: ...
With the fall sports season winding down, it's time to look forward to the basketball season. Here's a look at some of the top girls basketball players from the Spartanburg area to watch in the 2022-23 season.
Note: Stats were submitted by coaches or found on MaxPreps or Hudl. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
High Point, Sr.
Beason led High Point in scoring with 17.7 points a game, while adding 6.4 rebounds and a berth to the Upper State championship game. With guard Adiyah Owens graduating, Beason will most likely continue to carry the scoring load for the Grizzlies and could add a layer to her game as a playmaker for new coach Jamaal Brown.
Landrum, Jr.
Brown led Landrum with 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, and two assists per game and was the driving force behind a young Cardinals team making a run to the AA Upper State championship game. Brown's handle, size and scoring ability from anywhere on the court is what makes her a special player.
Woodruff, So.
As a freshman, Burnette led the wolverines in scoring averaging 11.8 points a game, while adding 4.6 rebounds and 3.2 steals. With Burnette leading the way, Woodruff also brings back four of its top five scorers and should lean on her scoring but will also force defenses to stay honest when playing the Wolverines.
Byrnes, So.
The all-region team selection returns to Byrnes for her Sophomore season after averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebound, 2.2 assists and 2.3 steals a game. Dowling should have more opportunity to be the primary offensive weapon for Byrnes as scoring leader Savannah Porterfield has graduated.
Dorman, Sr.
Ferguson is the top returning scorer and rebounder from a great 2020-21 Dorman team, averaging 11.4 points, 7.5 rebound and 3.2 steals for the Cavaliers. Ferguson is a defensive stopper, constantly causing turnovers and crashing the defensive boards to end possessions, but this season with both of Dorman's leading scorers graduating, she'll need to increase her production on the offensive end for new coach Ashlen Dewart Dorn.
Blacksburg, Jr.
Foster was a force for Blacksburg in the middle of its offensive and defensive structures as a sophomore last year, averaging 7.4 points, 10.2 rebound and 3.3 steals. With scoring leader Tyty Tate graduating, there is a clear void on the offensive end for the Wildcats that Foster has the ability to fill.
Chapman, Sr.
Gramling averaged 15.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals last season for a Chapman team that returns most of its roster. Expect Gramling to help lead an improved Panthers team with her scoring and experience.
Gaffney, Sr.
Page is a versatile big guard/forward that can put the ball in the basket and find her teammates, she averaged 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for a Gaffney team that finished 2nd in the region, and should be favored to win the region this season.
Gaffney, Jr.
Along with Page, Parker was another big reason for Gaffney's success last season, averaging 16 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals -- leading the team in scoring and rebounding.
High Point, Sr.
Martin returns to High Point as one of the top interior players in the area, the senior averaged a double-double last season, 11.8 points and 10.3 rebounds a game. The front-court combo of Beason and Martin will be one the deadliest in the area and in all of the 1-A classification.
Chapman, So.
Wilder lead Chapman as a freshman in scoring, assists and steals with 16.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.4 steals a game while adding 6.8 rebounds.
Byrnes, Sr.
The North Greenville commit and all-region selection, Workman averaged 12.3 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1.9 steals last season for Byrnes. Along with Dowling, Workman should be one of the go-to scorers and leaders for the Rebels team this season.