Family Law:

Family Court can be a difficult and emotionally charged place to be. The disputes which come before the court can be legally complex and personal in nature. Our attorneys will be there to guide you through the process and provide support. The Jennings Law Firm represents clients in a wide range of domestic matters, including:  

​South Carolina Family Laws

​Types of Family Law
​

• Divorce: When a person wants to end a marriage, a civil case is filed in family court. If successful, a court order is issued dissolving the marriage. 

• ​Custody Disputes​:  A custody dispute results when  parties to a divorce fail to reach an agreement regarding full, part or shared custody of minor children.  Visitation schedules can be agreed to by the parties or by the judge, if agreement cannot be reached.

• Division of Property and Other Assets:​ As part of a divorce proceeding, property acquired during a marriage is divided by the court either by agreement of both parties through a marital settlement agreement or by the court through "equitable apportionment." The court decides what is fair based on certain factors, including a complete assessment of a couple's financial status. The final distribution does not have to be equal to be deemed fair. 

• Child Support Agreements:​ This type of agreement is formed between the parents to determine financial support obligations going forward. They most often include the amount, frequency, and duration of financial payment, who will be responsible for those payments, and what expected expenses the payments will cover. The agreement may also stipulate any costs to be paid to the non-custodial parent.

• Alimony Agreements: Alimony, or spousal support, is a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to their spouse prior to or after marital separation or divorce. Spousal support can be temporary or permanent based on individual circumstances.

• Name Changes: Name changes often occur because of a divorce. However, an adult or child wishing to change their name may do so by petitioning a family court judge in the appropriate circuit, setting forth the reason for the change, age, place of residence and birth, and the name by which the person desires to be known. 

• Adoption Proceedings: In an adoption proceeding, a petitioner seeks to have the court grant permanent legal rights and responsibilities to people who are not the child's birth parents. Adoptions are civil proceedings handled by the family courts in each county. 

• Separation Agreements: A Separation Agreement is a document that two people in a marriage utilize to divide responsibilities and assets while preparing for a separation or divorce. Issues covered in these agreements can include child custody and support, spousal support, property and debts, parental responsibilities, and any other financial aspects a couple wishes to divide.