We live and work for the ones we love. When family relationships dramatically shift, you need a legal team that cares about your emotional needs and financial concerns – not just the paperwork.
The Tri-County family attorneys at Gil Gatch Law are here to walk you through both positive and negative domestic transitions. Whether you want to discuss your options for divorce or grow your family through adoption, we are prepared. Our team helps families navigate life’s changes, such as divorce, adoption, and custody matters, with care and experienced legal support.
Providing Experienced Legal Representation in Dorchester County Family Court
Attorneys practicing family law handle matters falling under family court jurisdiction. These generally include the following:
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Alimony
- Legal separation
- Spousal support and child support
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Guardianship
- Paternity
- Adoption
- Termination of parental rights
- Property distribution
- Post-divorce settlement modifications and enforcement
Legal matters related to children, including custody, support, and adoption, must be heard by a family judge. However, our experienced domestic relations attorneys can handle matters related to property rights, prenuptial agreements, paternity, and alimony in our office, saving you the time and expense of stressful court proceedings.
Benefits of Engaging in Private Family Mediation
Reputable family lawyers understand that many domestic disputes involve sensitive and emotional matters you’d rather handle privately. For this reason, our Summerville family law firm offers private family mediation services overseen by qualified domestic relations attorneys. This ensures you receive sound legal advice without requiring judicial intervention.
Family mediation often includes drafting premarital agreements and negotiating legal separation and divorce settlements. Although the court must review and certify all child custody matters, couples can work with legal counsel to develop custody proposals and co-parenting plans. Engaging in family settlement negotiations can significantly reduce the cost and stress associated with family litigation. It can also accelerate your divorce timeline.
Contact Our Family Law Firm in Summerville, SC
If you need help with a sensitive domestic matter, confidentially contact our experienced South Carolina family attorneys and mediators today. Call (843) 800-2020 or schedule your private consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Family Law
Though every case differs, our attorneys frequently receive the following questions about family litigation:
How do I begin the divorce process?
If both you and your spouse have resided in South Carolina for at least three months or one of you has lived here for at least one year, you can petition for divorce in the local family court. South Carolina law (SC Code § 20-3-10) requires the petitioner to qualify for divorce on the grounds of abandonment, physical abuse, adultery, or drug/alcohol addiction. You can also qualify for a ‘no-fault’ divorce if you’ve been living separately and apart for at least one year.
How can I get custody of my child in Summerville?
Child custody is determined based on the state’s best interest of the child factors, not parental preference or private agreement. Though the court may consider your preferences, you can only gain legal and/or physical custody of your child through the family court.
Can I start dating after filing for a legal separation or divorce?
No, it’s best not to start dating again until after your divorce is finalized. This could give your legal spouse grounds to accuse you of adultery. Likewise, you should not drain joint accounts and should refrain from posting on social media until you have spoken with legal counsel.