In Need of a Divorce Lawyer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Myrtle Beach divorce attorneys know that dissolving your marriage may be one of the hardest things you can do. Leaving a relationship — no matter the reasons behind the dissolution — requires a hefty amount of courage and independent thinking. This is not always easy to come by in emotional circumstances. We can help.
No matter how long you have been married, the value of the property you share, how many children you have together, or why you are parting ways, there is a South Carolina divorce strategy that is right for you.
Our Horry County divorce lawyers understand each factor associated with private negotiations, mediation sessions, and courtroom litigation that may help you dissolve your marriage as required by South Carolina’s unique divorce laws. We will share our legal knowledge, skills, and resources with you so you can make informed decisions about your unique direction and confidently move forward.
What are the Grounds for Divorce In South Carolina?
South Carolina recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds include one year of continuous separation.
During the mandatory one-year separation period, our Myrtle Beach divorce lawyers can help outline the details of your divorce using a comprehensive and legally binding separation agreement, including property division, child custody, child support, alimony, and other essential factors to help protect your future until the divorce meets its eligibility for finalization.
South Carolina laws also recognize fault-based grounds, including divorces resulting from adultery, desertion, cruelty, or habitual drunkenness. Fault-based divorces typically unfold differently and can be addressed by the courts quickly so our clients can regain control of their lives independently.
How is Property Divided in a South Carolina Divorce?
It’s important to note that South Carolina’s equitable distribution principle aims to ensure a fair distribution of property based on the specific circumstances of each case. While it may not always result in an equal split, it should lead to a just and reasonable outcome for both spouses.
Our Myrtle Beach divorce attorneys can help with the following:
- Identification of Marital Property
The first step in property division is identifying and classifying property as marital or separate. Marital property generally includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse owns or earned them. Separate property includes assets acquired before the marriage, through inheritance or gift, or property excluded by a valid prenuptial agreement.
- Valuation of Marital Property
The court will determine the value of each piece of marital property, which may require appraisals or financial assessments. Valuation is essential to ensure that assets are divided fairly.
- Consideration of Factors
South Carolina law outlines specific factors the court must consider when dividing marital property. These factors include the duration of the marriage, the financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse, each spouse’s current and future financial needs, and the value of any separate property owned by each spouse.
- Equitable Distribution
After considering the relevant factors, the court will equitably divide the marital property. This does not necessarily mean an equal 50/50 split but rather a fair distribution based on the circumstances of the case.
Is Alimony Awarded in Every South Carolina Divorce?
Alimony is not awarded in every divorce in South Carolina. The court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and the presence of fault in the marriage when deciding whether to award alimony.
How is Child Custody Determined in a South Carolina Divorce?
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors like the child’s age, emotional and physical health, relationship with each parent, and other relevant factors when making custody decisions.
Child custody decisions will also impact child support decisions, including the amount the custodial parent receives from the non-custodial parent. Child support is calculated based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which consider each parent’s income, the number of children, and other factors.
It aims to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our skilled Myrtle Beach divorce lawyers will review each relevant factor associated with your unique divorce to pursue the best outcome. We will leave no detail to chance, representing your best interests privately, during mediation, or while litigating your case inside the courtroom. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to put your divorce behind you so you can move forward with your new life without delay.
We can also help for:
- Alimony
- Child Custody
- Fathers Rights
- Grandparents Rights
- Child Support
- Emergency Custody
- Uncontested Divorce
- Property Division
- Visitation Modification
Contact Our Skilled Divorce Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Today for Help
Whether you are searching for a South Carolina law firm that specializes in family law and can handle each aspect of your divorce with the respect, time, and resources it deserves, or if you are looking for a new attorney who will do the same, call 854-854-5623 or contact us online to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your unique case by partnering with our dedicated South Carolina family law attorneys at the David W. Martin Law Group today.
