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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.Although home prices have infl...
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.
The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.
High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.
Although home prices have inflated all across the U.S., there are some cities that command a higher price tag than others. Location, size, age, and condition are all contributing factors to home value.
Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in the Hilton Head Island metro area using data from Zillow. Charts show the monthly typical home value since January 2018. All 11 cities and towns with data available were included in the list.
- Typical home value: $177,805
- 1-year price change: -11.0%
- 5-year price change: +24.7%
- Typical home value: $200,172
- 1-year price change: -10.2%
- 5-year price change: +12.6%
- Typical home value: $305,618
- 1-year price change: -4.8%
- 5-year price change: +46.4%
- Typical home value: $338,709
- 1-year price change: -2.8%
- 5-year price change: +68.2%
- Typical home value: $386,452
- 1-year price change: -0.8%
- 5-year price change: +49.1%
- Typical home value: $405,125
- 1-year price change: +1.1%
- 5-year price change: +60.3%
- Typical home value: $447,626
- 1-year price change: -2.7%
- 5-year price change: +72.3%
- Typical home value: $465,805
- 1-year price change: +2.1%
- 5-year price change: +73.1%
- Typical home value: $498,987
- 1-year price change: -1.6%
- 5-year price change: +56.0%
- Typical home value: $759,982
- 1-year price change: +0.8%
- 5-year price change: +74.9%
- Typical home value: $2,146,987
- 1-year price change: +1.3%
- 5-year price change: +53.8%
© Stacker Media, LLC.
Cranes, concrete and construction crews have become a familiar sight along Buckwalter Parkway, where Bluffton’s landscape — and its services — are changing fast.From new hospitals, businesses and a towering new water tank, five major projects are now underway in the heart of Bluffton, expanding the town’s health care offerings and its infrastructure.Here’s what we know about each of these projects and how they’ll reshape this area within the next year.High Tide Pediatric Dentistry in ...
Cranes, concrete and construction crews have become a familiar sight along Buckwalter Parkway, where Bluffton’s landscape — and its services — are changing fast.
From new hospitals, businesses and a towering new water tank, five major projects are now underway in the heart of Bluffton, expanding the town’s health care offerings and its infrastructure.
Here’s what we know about each of these projects and how they’ll reshape this area within the next year.
A new pediatric dental practice is coming to Washington Square, with a shell space already under construction at 5 Mott St.
High Tide Pediatric Dentistry, owned and operated by Dr. Melissa Connell, will serve Bluffton’s youngest residents. Connell had a practice in the Chicago area, but sold it in 2024 to relocate south.
High Tide is currently operating at a temporary location at 10 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 100, but according to Connell, this new Washington Square location is set to be operational by the spring or summer of 2026.
A second phase of this project is also in the works and will be completed in 2028, Connell said. It includes a second building and garden space that will be used for events and administrative work.
High Tide Pediatric Dentistry will have space for nine chairs, Connell said, and a website for the practice is coming soon.
In the lot next door, a two-story daycare facility is in early planning stages, but the development proposal has not received final approval from the Town of Bluffton.
Right across the street, construction is underway for Novant Health’s new medical hub. The project includes two major components:
The site will include improved traffic flow and a new signal at Buckwalter Parkway and Parkside Drive to enhance safety, according to Novant Health.
This project is separate, but expected to be complementary to the $320 million, 50-bed hospital less than half a mile away that will be located along Lake Point Drive, past the light at Buckwalter Place Boulevard.
The facility is slated to open summer 2026.
Just across Bluffton Parkway, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has quickly broken ground on a new 28-bed community hospital at the corner of Innovation Drive and Buckwalter Parkway.
This full-service facility will feature an emergency department, surgery center, cardiac catheterization lab, inpatient acute nursing unit and comprehensive imaging services.
The new Bluffton hospital is anticipated to be completed by late 2026 and will be located at 10 Innovation Drive.
Adding to the healthcare scope, the Medical University of South Carolina Health is expanding its presence in Bluffton with a new three-story, 54,000 square-foot medical office building set to open in spring 2026.
The Bluffton Medical Pavilion will consolidate existing MUSC services in the area and introduce six new specialties to the community, including a cancer clinic offering oncology and infusion treatments. Additional services will include:
This new facility will be located at 700 Buckwalter Towne Boulevard.
Rising more than 100 feet tall, the new Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority water tower will soon become a prominent landmark off Bluffton Parkway, across from the future Beaufort Memorial Hospital campus.
The $28 million structure can hold 1.5 million gallons of water and is designed to support 11,500 customer connections in the Bluffton area.
This project, first unveiled in 2021, addresses the region’s rapid population growth and increasing water demand fueled by developments in Sun City, Hampton Lakes, Lawton Station, Hilton Head Lakes, and Margaritaville – along with these ongoing medical facilities.
It is the opening week of the high school football playoffs in South Carolina.Here is a look at how Hilton Head area schools did Friday night:Hilton Head 52, South Aiken 24: Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski threw three touchdowns and Thaddeus Czarnecki rushed for three scores as the Seahawks won their opener in the Class 4A playoffs.HHI will host Wilson in the second round next week.Raniszewski was 14-of-16 for 271 yards passing. Kaden Stewart caught four passes for 168 yards and two TDs. Ty Wiedemann also h...
It is the opening week of the high school football playoffs in South Carolina.
Here is a look at how Hilton Head area schools did Friday night:
Hilton Head 52, South Aiken 24: Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski threw three touchdowns and Thaddeus Czarnecki rushed for three scores as the Seahawks won their opener in the Class 4A playoffs.
HHI will host Wilson in the second round next week.
Raniszewski was 14-of-16 for 271 yards passing. Kaden Stewart caught four passes for 168 yards and two TDs. Ty Wiedemann also had a TD catch. Czarnecki rushed for 84 yards. Jayvin Risher had a TD run and led HHI with 11 tackles.
Hilton Head Christian 42, Trinity Collegiate 20: Quarterback Kres Langhals had a big night, including TD passes to Joey Haupt and Jackson Richardson in the Eagles’ win in the SCISA 3A playoffs. HHCA will go to Wilson Hall next week.
Langhals also had a TD run in the game.
Hilton Head Prep 27, Calhoun Academy 26: The Dolphins went on the road and provided the night’s biggest win in the SCISA 2A playoffs.
It was HHP’s first playoff win in a decade. The Dolphins entered the game with a 2-8 record and Calhoun was 8-2. Hilton Head Prep will travel to Pee Dee Academy next week. PDA beat the Dolphins, 44-0, earlier this year.
Thomas Heyward 47, Carolina Academy 20: Tony O’Banner had five touchdown runs as the Rebels advanced in the SCISA Class A playoffs.
THA will travel to Williamsburg Academy next week. WA defeated the Rebels, 40-12, earlier this year.
THA quarterback Joshua Gibson added two TD runs and a TD pass.
Gilbert 38, Bluffton 21: Kitt McLauchlin threw two touchdown passes to Chandler Guthrie and Gray Gunter threw a TD pass and ran for a score as the Indians went on the road and knocked off the Bobcats in the 4A playoffs.
Bluffton led 14-3 in the first half as Malcolm Gordon returned an interception for a touchdown QB Aedan McCarthy threw a TD pass to Carnell Warren and also had a TD run for Bluffton.
Wilson 36, May River 28: Tristen Howard threw two touchdown passes as the Tigers eliminated the Sharks from the Class 4A playoffs.
Kayden Bethea had a TD run, caught a touchdown pass and Zyeir Lyde rushed for two touchdowns for Wilson.
Sean Mitchell and Justin Head had touchdowns for May River.
Bethune Bowman 34, Ridgeland 30: Ridgeland loses at home in the first round of the SC Class A playoffs. Ridgeland finishes the season at 4-6
Lake View 28, Hardeeville 6: Hardeeville’s season ended in the first round of the SC Class A playoffs.
Lake View QB Chase Price rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more.
Florence Christian 28, John Paul II 12: The Warriors scored a pair of fourth-quarter TDs in the loss in the SCISA 3A playoffs.
Andrew Miller had 26 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns to lead Florence Christian.
Dorchester Academy 46, Beaufort Academy 20: Ben Davis threw a TD pass to Jace Paulk and Nych Underwood had a TD run in the Eagles’ loss in the SCISA Class A playoffs.
Hilton Head residents will need to ditch the flip-flops for a coat next week, as colder temperatures hit the coastal area on Tuesday.A strong cold front moving through the Lowcountry Sunday will bring the season’s coldest air so far, with freezing temperatures possible early next week.Before the cold arrives, the weekend will remain mild. Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night with lows in the mid-60s.Sunday will bring a slight c...
Hilton Head residents will need to ditch the flip-flops for a coat next week, as colder temperatures hit the coastal area on Tuesday.
A strong cold front moving through the Lowcountry Sunday will bring the season’s coldest air so far, with freezing temperatures possible early next week.
Before the cold arrives, the weekend will remain mild. Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night with lows in the mid-60s.
Sunday will bring a slight chance of showers or a thunderstorm in the afternoon before the front moves through.
According to the National Weather Service Charleston Office, the cold front will sweep across the region late Sunday afternoon, pushing away any lingering showers by Monday morning. Skies will clear, but temperatures will tumble behind the front.
Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to dip into the low 40s inland and high 40s along the coast.
Monday will stay dry, chilly and bring wind gusts into the 20s, with daytime highs only reaching the low to mid-50s – well below normal for early November.
The real cold, however, will arrive Monday night into Tuesday morning, when record low temperatures are forecast to drop around freezing in coastal counties. Hilton Head is expected to see temperatures around 38 degrees Monday night.
The NWS says these temperatures mark some of the coldest of the season, and for much of the region, a freeze watch or warning is likely to be issued.
Above-average temperatures will continue for a few more days, though a big cooldown is ahead as temperatures become well below normal next week! Areas inland will likely see temperatures dip down into the upper 20s, while those along the coast cool into mid 30s on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/3dixh2L1Jd
— NWS Charleston, SC (@NWSCharlestonSC) November 7, 2025
Coastal areas have about a 10-20% chance to reach the freezing mark, rising up into the 90 to 95% range further inland.
Later on Tuesday will bring somewhat of a warm-up, with highs in the 50s and overnight lows near freezing inland and in the upper 30s to low 40s closer to the beaches.
By midweek, temperatures are expected to return to more typical November levels. Highs should climb back into the 60s by Wednesday and Thursday.
As for the remainder of hurricane season, which officially concludes Nov. 30, no tropical development is expected in the Atlantic over the next seven days.
For the latest forecast updates, visit the NWS Charleston 7-day forecast webpage.
One of Hilton Head’s beloved traditions returns this weekend.Since 2001, the Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, hosted by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, has served up a family-friendly celebration of the Lowcountry’s seafood culture — complete with fresh local oysters, shrimp, live music and plenty of coastal charm.This year’s festival offers two days of feasting, music and fun, running Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at two of the island’s most popular parks.Here’s w...
One of Hilton Head’s beloved traditions returns this weekend.
Since 2001, the Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, hosted by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, has served up a family-friendly celebration of the Lowcountry’s seafood culture — complete with fresh local oysters, shrimp, live music and plenty of coastal charm.
This year’s festival offers two days of feasting, music and fun, running Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at two of the island’s most popular parks.
Here’s what to know about this year’s event:
The weekend kicks off Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park, located at 39 Shelter Cove Lane, with an all-you-can-eat seafood spread.
Day one will feature steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and chili. Drinks are sold separately, and the evening includes live music by Rock Candy.
Tickets are $60 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under.
On Saturday, the celebration moves to Lowcountry Celebration Park, located at 94 Pope Avenue, near Coligny Circle, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Expect live music, local artisans, kid activities and plenty of food and drink available for purchase.
Admission is $10 at the door, with free entry for children under 11, as well as veterans, active military, police and fire personnel with ID.
Saturday’s music lineup includes:
After the festival, attendees can continue celebrating at The Bank, located at 59 Pope Ave.
Note that this is a cashless event set for rain or shine. Refunds are not available.
All proceeds from the Oyster Festival benefit the Carmines Family Recreation Scholarship Fund at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, which helps children participate in recreational programs they might not be able to afford otherwise.
The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is a community based nonprofit organization. The group said it raises over $200,000 annually for the scholarship fund, established in memory of David McGee Carmines, a Hilton Head native and active member of the community.
The festival also plays a key role in environmental stewardship by recycling its oyster shells with the Outside Foundation, which reuses them through its Oyster Recycling and Reef Building Initiative. This initiative helps rebuild oyster reefs from old shells — an essential part of the Lowcountry ecosystem.
Last year, 5.2 tons of shells were donated from this event.
Each ton of shells helps create new reefs that support marine life, clean local waters and produce a thriving oyster fishery for future generations.