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Family legal matters rarely arrive at a convenient time. Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, or a support disagreement, the decisions made during this process can shape your life and your family’s future for years to come. A South Carolina family law lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can support you with experienced legal guidance.
Family law cases are deeply personal, and the stakes are high. Property, finances, parenting time, and long-term support arrangements are all on the table. The reality is, the outcome depends heavily on how well your case is prepared and presented.
When you work with us, you get a team that understands both the legal framework and the human side of these cases. We have served more than 10,000 clients and recovered over $100 million firm-wide. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Family Law Matters We Handle
Family law covers a broad range of legal issues that arise within families and domestic relationships. At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we represent clients across South Carolina in matters including:
- Divorce: both contested and uncontested, including grounds-based and no-fault divorce
- Legal separation: formalizing the terms of a separation before or instead of divorce
- Child custody and visitation: establishing or modifying physical and legal custody arrangements
- Child support: calculating, enforcing, and modifying support obligations
- Spousal support (alimony): seeking or contesting alimony awards based on the circumstances of the marriage
- Property division: equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
- Domestic violence protective orders: seeking or responding to orders of protection
- Paternity: establishing legal parentage and its effect on custody and support
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements: drafting and reviewing marital agreements
Each of these matters involves its own legal standards, deadlines, and procedural requirements. Having a South Carolina family law lawyer who understands how these pieces fit together can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Divorce in South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, the recognized fault grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and desertion for a period of one year. No-fault divorce is available after the parties have lived separately and apart for at least one year under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10(5).
South Carolina does not recognize legal separation in the same way some other states do, but couples can enter into formal separation agreements that address property, support, and custody while they remain legally married.
Divorce proceedings in South Carolina involve equitable distribution of marital property under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. However, equitable does not mean equal. The court considers a range of factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial circumstances, contributions to the marital estate, and fault where applicable.
Knowing how these factors apply to your specific situation is something a South Carolina family law lawyer can help you work through before you ever set foot in a courtroom.
Child Custody and Support
When children are involved, custody and support decisions become the most consequential part of any family law case.
South Carolina courts make custody determinations based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school, each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
Custody arrangements can take several forms. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. Both can be sole or joint, and the arrangement that works best depends on the specific circumstances of the family.
Child support in South Carolina is calculated using the Income Shares Model, which takes into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses. Support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change or a shift in the custody arrangement.
Property Division and Alimony
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property, such as inheritances or gifts received by one spouse, is typically excluded from division.
Alimony in South Carolina is not automatic. Courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the conduct of the parties.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130, several types of alimony are available, including periodic alimony, lump sum alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and reimbursement alimony. Fault can also be a factor; for example, a spouse who committed adultery is generally barred from receiving alimony under South Carolina law.
These are complex determinations with long-term financial consequences. A family law lawyer in South Carolina can help you understand what you may be entitled to or what you may be asked to pay and build a case that reflects the full picture.
Protective Orders and Domestic Violence
When safety is a concern, South Carolina law provides mechanisms for immediate protection. An Order of Protection can be obtained through the family court and may restrict an abusive party from contacting or approaching the protected person and any children involved.
If you are in a situation involving domestic violence, getting legal help quickly is important. The process for obtaining a protective order involves specific procedural steps, and having a lawyer guide you through them can help ensure the order is properly filed and enforceable.
Speak With a South Carolina Family Law Lawyer Today
Family law cases are rarely simple, and the decisions made during this process can follow you for a long time. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC helps clients across South Carolina handle divorce, custody, support, and other family matters with experienced, practical legal guidance.
Our South Carolina family law lawyer will review your situation, explain your options clearly, and advocate for an outcome that protects your interests and your family’s future. Contact us today for a free consultation; we are here to help you move forward.
