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South Carolina Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: If there are no specific pick-up and drop-off times listed in an agreement, does the visiting parent get visitation??

There is a line in my agreement that states “Each Christmas Eve Day except from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. when the parties’ son will be with Ms. Legg (custodial parent). Otherwise the parties will use the Judge Brown schedule for Christmas holiday visitation”.

Per Judge Brown... View More

Megan Hunt Dell
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Megan Hunt Dell
answered on Dec 26, 2023

If there is inconsistency between two provisions of the Order, then it would be difficult for a parent to be held in contempt for being unsure which provision to follow. Your best option is to consult with the lawyer who helped prepare the agreement.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: My baby father was picked up for a child support warrant but the order is now closed and he doesn’t owe can he get out?

They are holding him in jail saying he has to do 60 days but I don’t understand why if the support is closed and balance is 0

Megan Hunt Dell
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Megan Hunt Dell
answered on Dec 26, 2023

The Family Court's contempt powers include the ability to sentence someone to a period of incarceration as punishment for violating the Order, which could be why the sentence was not purged when the account became paid in full.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Wrongful Death and Probate for South Carolina on
Q: How do I get my deceased father's medical records in Anderson sc.
Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Dec 18, 2023

You will need to go to the probate court and set up an estate. Once you have the Certificate of Appointment that makes you or someone a Personal Representative for the Estate from the probate court you will be able to take that and demonstrate that you have the authority to obtain those medical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for South Carolina on
Q: Me and my trans fiancé are pregnant and im carrying. Does his name on the birth certificate give him parental rights?

We won’t be married at the time of birth. We went through a donor we met (not through a sperm bank).

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

No, simply having his name on the birth certificate does not automatically grant him parental rights. South Carolina law requires legal recognition of paternity to establish parental rights and responsibilities.

Two paths exist for legal recognition:

Acknowledgment of paternity:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for South Carolina on
Q: Can I leave my husband and move out of state with my 3 children?

Currently married in SC. Marriage has been rocky for years. I was offered a promotion which is a better opportunity for me and my 3 minor children but it is in NC. Can I leave my husband and move to NC with my 3 children?

Cheryl Ann Truesdale
Cheryl Ann Truesdale
answered on Dec 11, 2023

You can, but any case filed for divorce/child custody will have to be in filed in the county in South Carolina in which you and your husband last lived together.

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: I'm facing divorce and bankruptcy in S.C. Husband refuses to take any consumer debt share. We are trying to go the

uncontested divorce route, If I were to accept(for the sake of an inexpensive less wrangling divorce process- ) that and keep 50,000 in consumer debt (that two lawyers told me in SC equity state no way a judge would rule all for me but is a marital debt) for the sake of an inexpensive less... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

Based on the complex situation you have described, I would offer the following general guidance:

- Bankruptcy before divorce is often recommended to get a "fresh start", but based on what the bankruptcy lawyer indicated, it may be more complex in your case.

- If you accept...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: An ex of my husbands made a false CPS claim

When CPS arrived to my home they opened up the folder I saw the persons name twice who reported and the report

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 18, 2023

If you believe a false CPS (Child Protective Services) claim was made against you, there are steps you can take to address the situation. First, cooperate fully with the CPS investigation. It's important to demonstrate your willingness to ensure the safety and well-being of your children,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: What do I do once a Power of Attorney has been signed, witnessed and notarized?

My mom fell in July and had surgery on her hip and wrist. She is 90. I have the POA, but I do not know what to do now. She lived in Gaffney, SC before her accident, but now has an assisted living apartment in Greenwood, SC so she can be closer to me and my family. She will have palliative... View More

Ryan D Templeton
Ryan D Templeton
answered on Nov 14, 2023

You will need to file the financial power of attorney in the register of deed office for the county where she resides.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: My girlfriend and her ex husband live together with their 3 kids in SC. She told him she was seeing someone.

He came home and saw us in bed together and it's his house. He has multiple cdv charges but somehow took full custody of her kids when He had her put in jail He told her she had to leave and couldn't take all her belongings. what are her rights and possible issues that could happen.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

In South Carolina, if your girlfriend's ex-husband has full custody of their children and she was told to leave the house, her rights and the potential issues depend on various factors including the custody arrangement and the nature of their living situation. If there's a formal custody... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for South Carolina on
Q: My mother and sister lied to a judge and said I was going to kill myself and kill my mom. My mom now admits she lied.

My mom admits she talked my sister into lying as well. I wish to sue. My sister is a asst. solicitor and she presented to the court she was a witness, but she was not there. And my mom will admit to it now. I wish to sue them both. They took my son away with this lie and now he lives in ohio and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

In South Carolina, if your mother and sister provided false statements in court that led to you losing custody of your son, you may have grounds for legal action. First, consult with a family law attorney to address the custody issue and potentially seek to modify the custody arrangement based on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for South Carolina on
Q: Hi,my husband had taken out td fit loan almost 2 yrs. ago unfortunately he passed in Dec.72022. His name only am I respo

Went to probate then to bank said I may have to pay off.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 18, 2023

In South Carolina, when a person passes away, their debts are typically paid from their estate, which includes their assets and property. If your late husband had a TD Fit Loan in his name only, it would typically be considered his individual debt, and the responsibility for paying it off would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for South Carolina on
Q: Is there any way I can keep my father's house?

My father passed away recently. He signed a will on his deathbed naming 4 family heirs with the executor as my brother, who has already decided to sell the house despite my protest and sentimental attachment. I offered to buy out his shares and he was not interested. He's also convinced my... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Oct 18, 2023

You can always buy the house from the estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for South Carolina on
Q: I live in South Carolina, do you need a notary signature and seal for a dual power of attorney?

My mother has dementia, we are doing paperwork while she is still mentally here but no money for an attorney. Will, living will, dual power of attorney. I know we can file at the court house, we just wanna make sure we have the paperwork done right.

Zach S. Naert
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Zach S. Naert
answered on Jun 29, 2023

You should consult with an attorney. If your mother has dementia, she may not have capacity to execute the documents. You may need to pursue a guardianship. You should consult with an elder law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: What steps can I take towards divorce as my husband does not want to accept that I do not want to continue this marriage

I have told my husband that I do not want to continue the marriage but he does not want to accept or acknowledge my decision. I have left the home with my 2 kids as they asked to come along. And would like to find a job and apartment. My husband was emotionally abusive and did not let me work,... View More

Allan Baron
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answered on Jun 21, 2023

You have taken a good first step; to state clearly that you do not wish to continue the marriage. You should add that you would like to conclude the marriage in an amicable way if possible. Then add, I have done my research and suggest mediating the divorce. That is, meet with an attorney who would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for South Carolina on
Q: When do temporary orders go into effect with family court? From the date of the hearing or once the order is signed?
Zach S. Naert
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Zach S. Naert
answered on Jun 29, 2023

Generally in order for the Temporary Order to be enforceable, it must be signed by the Judge and filed with the Clerk of Court.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: I need help. I am trying to restart my life. I just separated from my husband, but he does not want to help me financial

I am distraught.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 13, 2023

A South Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. I'm sorry for your difficult position. This is something that a divorce attorney would know better than an insurance defense or banking attorney (the chosen categories). In the interim, there could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Military Law and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: I am wanting to separate/divorce my military husband. We have 2 children together and have been married for 16 years.

I'm a SAHM

No money saved

No family near me

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time. If you are considering separating or divorcing your military husband, there are several things you should be aware of:

1. Military divorce: Military divorce can be more complex than civilian divorce, as there are specific...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law, Probate and Real Estate Law for South Carolina on
Q: Do I have any kind of legal rights to family property that I do not own if I have proof of residence for 20 plus years?

I am the person's granddaughter but what happened was the property was in my grandmother's name she had dementia back in 2018 or 19 and my uncle came and had her sign the property to him I was told all my life that I would inherit my portion of the property up until last year and then my... View More

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Jun 12, 2023

In situations like this, property ownership and rights can be complex and depend on various factors, including the specific laws of your jurisdiction and the documentation involved.

If your grandmother had dementia at the time she signed the property over to your uncle, it could potentially...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for South Carolina on
Q: I signed a kinship care agreement with my mother for my daughter to reside with her. Can she legally take my

Daughter out of state without DSS or my permission

Megan Hunt Dell
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Megan Hunt Dell
answered on Jun 8, 2023

There is no enough detail in your question to provide a specific response. Each agreement in Family Court is unique and without reviewing the specific language of yours, it is not possible to determine anyone's rights. Your best course of action is to consult with a lawyer who is experienced... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for South Carolina on
Q: My friend was sentenced to 30 days concurrent how soon can i get her out She is in there for child support
Megan Hunt Dell
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Megan Hunt Dell
answered on Jun 8, 2023

Generally, if someone is incarcerated for nonpayment of child support, they have been held in civil contempt, and they can be released once they pay the amount set by the court as the "purge payment." The County Clerk's office can tell you how much the purge payment is.... View More

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